Why Inspect
Pavement deterioration is exponential, not linear. The longer issues go unaddressed, the more expensive they become to fix. Annual inspection catches small problems while they’re cheap to fix and prevents the conditions that lead to expensive reconstructions. Good inspection takes 1 to 2 hours and saves tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars over time.
When to Inspect
Spring is the highest-value inspection — captures winter damage and informs the year’s repair scope. Fall inspection captures pre-winter conditions and identifies anything that needs to be addressed before snow flies. Best practice: two inspections per year, spring and fall.
What You Need
Smartphone with camera. Notebook or tablet for notes. A measuring wheel or tape measure (helpful for sizing damaged areas). A flashlight (for catch basins and shaded areas). Comfortable shoes — you’re walking the whole lot.
Step 1: Walk the Perimeter
Start with the perimeter — curbs, bollards, expansion joints with adjacent buildings. Look for: chipped or broken curbs, snow-plow damage at corner returns, asphalt-concrete joint failure, settled or cracked sidewalks adjacent to the lot, broken bollards, damaged signage, faded or damaged ADA stalls.
Step 2: Walk the Drive Lanes
Drive lanes show traffic damage first. Look for: rutting in wheel paths, alligator cracking at high-stress areas (entrances, drive-through approaches), surface oxidation (gray, chalky look), longitudinal cracking, faded striping. Note any soft spots underfoot.
Step 3: Inspect Stalls
Walk every parking stall. Look for: faded striping, cracked stall lines, oil and fuel staining, surface raveling, hairline cracks in stall surface. Document any stalls that need re-striping or stall surfaces that show advanced deterioration.
Step 4: Inspect ADA Compliance
Count accessible stalls and verify the count meets current ADA spec. Verify aisle dimensions. Check stall and aisle slopes (use a smartphone level app). Verify signage is present, current, and at correct height. Verify truncated dome panels are intact at access points. Note any non-compliances.
Step 5: Inspect Catch Basins
Walk to every catch basin. Lift the grate (carefully — they’re heavy). Look for: clogging by debris, water staining indicating overflow, cracked or deteriorated walls, settled frames, broken pipes visible at bottom, sediment buildup. Note any that need cleaning or repair.
Step 6: Test for Drainage
If you can inspect 24 hours after a rainstorm, do it. Look for standing water (any spot still wet 24 hours later is a drainage problem). Look for ice in winter where snowmelt should have drained. Walk the lot during light rain — observe water flow patterns.
Step 7: Document Everything
Photograph every issue. Mark approximate locations on a printed lot map or smartphone aerial photo. Categorize by urgency: emergency (safety hazard, fix immediately), priority (fix this season), routine (fix this year, maintenance program), monitoring (track and revisit next inspection).
Step 8: Build the Year’s Scope
Compile the inspection findings into a categorized list. Get estimates from a qualified commercial paving contractor. Build into the year’s budget by priority and category (asphalt, concrete, striping, drainage, accessibility). Schedule the work.
Optional: Camera Inspect Underground
Older properties (30+ years) benefit from camera inspection of storm and sanitary lines every 5 to 10 years. Catches pipe deterioration before it triggers sub-grade washout or collapse. Most commercial paving contractors who handle full-service work will coordinate camera inspection.
Get a Free Commercial Paving Estimate
Need help with a commercial paving project? Every estimate is free, on-site, and itemized. Most on-site estimate within 48 hours, with on-site estimate within 48 hours. Use the form on this page or call (630) 555-PAVE.
Get a Free Commercial Paving Estimate
Need help with a commercial paving project? Every estimate is free, on-site, and itemized. Use the form on this page or call (630) 555-PAVE.