How Much Does It Cost to Maintain a Parking Lot?

For a parking lot in St. Louis, Missouri, maintenance costs can range between $19,500 and $36,000 (every 3 to 5 years) for a 10,000-square-foot lot (about the size of two basketball courts), depending on the type of surface (asphalt or concrete), the extent of damage, and the specific maintenance performed.

This size is also equivalent to roughly 24 compact car parking spaces.

Summary of Parking Lot Maintenance Costs

Total Estimated Cost: $19,500 - $36,000

The total estimated cost of $19,500 - $36,000 represents a general range that covers both types of surfaces (asphalt and concrete), depending on the specific maintenance activities, lot size, and material used.

The total estimated cost of $19,500 - $36,000 typically covers a single maintenance cycle, which is generally recommended to be done every 3 to 5 years for both asphalt and concrete parking lots, depending on the condition of the surface, climate, and usage.

For asphalt parking lots, this may include a combination of sealcoating, crack sealing, and patching. For concrete, it could involve crack repairs or resurfacing. If properly maintained, a parking lot might only require significant maintenance every few years, though minor repairs (like crack sealing) might be needed more frequently, depending on wear and tear.

However, long-term costs (over 20 to 30 years) will be higher since both asphalt and concrete will likely need major resurfacing or even full replacement within that time frame.

• Asphalt parking lots tend to fall on the lower end of the range (around $19,500 - $25,000), as asphalt is generally less expensive to install and maintain but requires more frequent maintenance (such as sealcoating).
• Concrete parking lots tend to be more expensive, pushing the total toward the higher end of the range (around $30,000 - $36,000). Concrete is more durable but has higher upfront costs and slightly more expensive repairs like crack sealing or resurfacing.

The exact cost will depend on the specific condition of the parking lot and the type of maintenance needed.

Key Factors Influencing Parking Lot Maintenance Costs

The cost to maintain a parking lot varies based on several factors, such as the type of pavement (asphalt or concrete), the size of the parking lot, and the level of wear and tear from regular use and weather conditions. For example, a parking lot size of 10,000 square feet (929 square meters) is about the size of two tennis courts.

Average Maintenance Costs in St. Louis

The cost of maintaining a parking lot in St. Louis generally involves:

• Sealcoating: Sealcoating is essential for protecting asphalt parking lots from water, oil, and UV damage. In St. Louis, asphalt sealcoating typically costs between $0.15 to $0.30 per square foot. For an average 10,000-square-foot parking lot, the sealcoating cost can range from $1,500 to $3,000.
• Asphalt Patching and Crack Sealing: Regular wear and tear can lead to cracks, which should be sealed to prevent further damage. Crack sealing costs range from $1 to $3 per linear foot in the St. Louis area. Patching potholes can cost approximately $150 to $400 per ton of asphalt, depending on the severity and size of the damage.
• Resurfacing: When the surface of your parking lot becomes significantly worn but the base is still in good condition, resurfacing is often recommended. In St. Louis, resurfacing costs can range from $1.50 to $2.50 per square foot. For a medium-sized lot (10,000 square feet or roughly two-thirds the size of a hockey rink), this might amount to $15,000 to $25,000.
• Concrete Maintenance: If your parking lot is made of concrete, maintenance costs can vary. Concrete repairs are generally more expensive than asphalt. Basic crack repairs can cost $2 to $5 per square foot, and resurfacing a concrete lot may cost up to $10 per square foot. A resurfaced lot of 10,000 square feet can cost up to $10,000.

Importance of Regular Maintenance

Parking lot maintenance helps extend the lifespan of the surface, prevents more costly repairs down the line, and ensures a safe driving and walking surface for users. St. Louis weather, particularly the freeze-thaw cycle in winter, can cause significant damage to both asphalt and concrete parking lots if not properly maintained.

Pavement Types and Costs

• Asphalt: Asphalt is commonly used for parking lots due to its affordability. Asphalt costs approximately $2 to $5 per square foot to install, but it requires regular maintenance such as sealcoating every 2-3 years, which helps to extend its lifespan.
• Concrete: While more durable, concrete is a costlier option, with installation costs ranging from $4 to $10 per square foot. Maintenance costs for concrete can also be higher, especially if surface repairs like crack filling or resurfacing are needed.

Tips for Reducing Maintenance Costs

• Regular Inspections: Performing routine inspections allows for early detection of issues such as cracks or potholes. This prevents minor issues from escalating into more expensive repairs.
• Proactive Crack Sealing: Filling cracks early can prevent water from seeping into the base layer and causing more significant damage. In St. Louis, where temperature fluctuations are common, this is particularly important.
• Sealcoating: Sealcoating every few years helps protect the asphalt from the effects of weather and traffic. A well-sealed surface reduces the frequency of repairs.
• Choosing the Right Materials: Depending on your parking lot's use, choosing either asphalt or concrete can affect your long-term maintenance costs. Asphalt requires more frequent maintenance but is cheaper to install, while concrete may have higher upfront costs but lower maintenance needs.

Conclusion

Maintaining a parking lot in St. Louis, Missouri, involves regular expenses to keep the surface in optimal condition. For asphalt surfaces, sealcoating and crack sealing are common, while concrete surfaces may require resurfacing or crack filling. On average, property owners can expect to spend between $19,500 and $36,000 for a lot size of 10,000 square feet (approximately the size of two basketball courts or two tennis courts). This investment ensures the longevity and safety of your parking area, helping avoid more extensive and expensive repairs in the future.

By staying on top of regular maintenance, parking lot owners in St. Louis can extend the lifespan of their pavement and avoid larger, more costly repairs down the line.

If you need asphalt services in the Gatineau and Ottawa area, you can contact Pavage Gatineau Earnanswers at +1 (819) 485 1489.

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Further reading

• What is Parking Lot Striping?
• How Long Driveway Sealer Takes to Dry?
• Parking Lot Striping: How Long It Takes to Dry and How Long It Lasts
• How Long Driveway Sealer Last?