Proper
catch basin maintenance and repair is essential for keeping your Vaughan
parking lot safe and flood-free.
Catch Basin Damage
A working
catch basin an essential part of any Vaughan parking lot. It drains the water
from storms and melting snow, preventing flooding and pavement cracking for businesses and residents. Not all types of catch basin
damages are visible to the naked eye, although the effects of blocked or damaged
catch basin are certainly hard to miss. Here are some sneaky damage types to keep an eye out for:
1) A common
cause of damage around a parking lot catch basin is a leaky or broken intake or
outtake pipe. Over time, that water causes the paved area around the catch
basin to soften and crack. If there’s a leak during the winter, the damage can
be even more extensive since the water will freeze and expand, making cracks
even bigger. Be proactive and make it a point to have your catch basin inspected before winter hits.
2) The date of
catch basin construction can also have an impact on how it functions. Older catch
basins in Vaughan were often constructed using bricks and mortar, which wear
away over time. Salt used to make parking lots less slippery can work its way
into the mortar and cause the bricks to crumble. If left unrepaired, this
causes the catch basin to collapse inward. Newer catch basins are constructed
with pre-cast, steel-reinforced concrete and other materials that will resist
the elements and tough, snowy Vaughan winters. Ensure your contractor is using the correct up to date materials!
3) A weakness
in a parking lot catch basin that’s hard to detect is incorrect installation.
This may not be detected until serious cracking occurs. Always ensure that a
property inspector includes the parking lot catch basin in a pre-purchase
inspection to help avoid unpleasant surprises at a later date. Also check to
see if the parking lot is level around the catch basin. If it slopes down and
away from the basin, the catch basin can’t do its job to collect water. Any
slopes should direct water toward the catch basin, not away. Best yet, avoid this problem entirely by hiring a well experienced company who has the confidence in their work to offer warranty.
Taking Care of a Parking Lot Catch Basin
Property
owners can perform visual inspections of the catch basin and the area around it
frequently to detect minor cracking, small holes, sinking, and any other
noticeable damage. Taking care of small problems helps to avoid more disruptive
and costly repairs such as pavement reconstruction.
When rain
or snow is in the forecast, quickly check to ensure that the catch basin isn’t
clogged by leaves or other debris. Water needs to drain properly to avoid
flooding.
As soon as
damage is noticed, contact an experienced parking lot catch basin repair service
in Vaughan. It’s important to take care of cracks before they become potholes
and sinking before it becomes too deep. Leaving these problems can lead to
damaged vehicles and unhappy customers and residents. It’s better to patch or
repave a parking lot around the catch basin than to leave the damage until it
the catch basin itself needs to be removed and replaced, a much more costly expense.
By
taking the time to perform visual inspections and remove debris, home and
business owners can prevent major damage and flooding. If cracks or leaking is
noticed, have your Vaughan parking lot catch basin repaired as soon as
possible. You'll thank yourself later.