Concrete pavements in schools experience a lot of heavy traffic, with thousands of students walking all over every day. That said, how can schools maintain their pavements effectively?
Maintaining pavements, especially in schools, have a huge impact on student safety and the quality of the school environment itself. More than that, pavement quality is a big factor in schools’ aesthetic appeal, which can significantly affect the enrollment rate.
Of course, no one wants to see derelict parking lots and potholes on sidewalks in their school. So, what are the best ways to maintain pavement and other concrete surfaces on school campuses?
1. Make maintenance regular
With companies that specialize in installing and maintaining concrete surfaces, as well as paving parking lots, there is no reason for schools to forgo pavement maintenance. The pavement on sidewalks, parking lots, and other school structures should be inspected and maintained regularly. This way, potential problems can be prevented before they arise, and existing warning signs can be remedied before they get worse.
2. Clean frequently
Pavement that experiences heavy traffic, such as in schools and college campuses with a large number of students and faculty, requires frequent cleaning to remain aesthetically pleasing and free from damage. If concrete surfaces are left excessively dirty and stained, there is a higher chance of mold and other contaminants to infiltrate the concrete’s structure. As a result, moisture enters the surface and causes cracks, which can get bigger when more contaminants widen the cracks.
Include concrete cleaning in your school’s cleaning and maintenance routine. The more frequently you clean, the less work that custodians have to put in to get dirt and stains out.
3. Fix cracks early
As soon as you spot cracks in the pavement, act quickly to repair them. Aside from making your establishment appear unattractive and unkempt, small cracks in the pavement can become larger and decrease the structural integrity of your concrete. Larger cracks will then take a lot more time and money to repair. That said, it’s more cost-effective to repair cracks as early as possible.
4. Apply a seal coat
Maintaining pavements can be costly and tedious over time, so applying a seal coat on top of the concrete might be a good idea, especially if your school has plenty of students. A seal coat will protect the concrete against moisture, abrasion, and cracks, which can significantly increase the quality and longevity of your concrete structures.
5. Don’t allow heavy vehicles on the property
As much as possible, avoid heavy trucks from entering the school premises. Overloaded vehicles can cause a phenomenon known as “concrete fatigue” and make it easier for the surface to crack. If allowing heavy vehicles to enter the school property cannot be avoided, such as in major construction projects, make the vehicles park far away from each other to avoid putting stress on a single slab.
6. Perform maintenance and construction during breaks
This makes it easier for both the school body and the workers since interruptions and accidents will be avoided.
Concrete maintenance is a significant part of maintaining safety and aesthetic appearance, as well as managing maintenance expenses of the school. Therefore, these tips should be included in any academic administration’s plan, regardless of student body size and existing maintenance procedures.