How To Prepare Your Asphalt For The Winter?

Key Takeaways

1. Asphalt is susceptible to damage during winter due to freezing temperatures and expansion and contraction from freezing and thawing.
2. Several ways to prepare your asphalt for winter to prevent or minimize damage include sealing cracks, filling potholes, and repaving.
3. It’s also important to keep an eye on your drainage system and make sure gutters are clean and clear so they can do their job properly.
4. Taking these precautions can help keep your asphalt in good condition and prolong its lifespan.
5. Hire a professional asphalt maintenance service to keep your asphalt away from potential problems this winter.

As winter quickly approaches, it’s essential to start preparing your home or commercial property for the cold weather. There are several things to consider when it comes to winter maintenance, such as:

• Check the insulation and heating system to ensure they’re in good working order.
• Cleaning up any debris or leaves that may have built up over the summer.

However, one of the parts of the home which are often forgotten are driveways and parking lots.

Winter can be a harsh season – especially for asphalt surfaces. If you’re not prepared, your driveway or parking lot could be in lousy condition come spring. But with the proper steps, you can protect your asphalt and keep it looking good all winter long!

309 Paving Services offers a descriptive guide to help you prepare for the coming snowy season. So read on and understand how to prepare your asphalt for it. 

What Happens to Asphalt in Winter?

Asphalt is crucial for creating roads, parking lots, and driveways. According to National Asphalt Pavement Association, asphalt is a primary component in paving more than 94% of paved roads in the U.S.

Asphalt pavements are solid and durable, but the winter weather can still damage them. The cold weather can cause the asphalt to crack and crumble.

Snow and ice can also add weight to the asphalt, leading to cracking. Other than that constant freeze-thaw cycle can also lead to more significant issues of potholes on the asphalt surface. They are a hazard on your driveway or parking lot, increasing the risk of pedestrian accidents and vehicle damage.

In the U.S. alone, potholes annually result in 3$ billion in damages to car owners. Preparing your driveway and parking lot through proper asphalt maintenance is essential.

8 Ways to Prepare Asphalt for Winter

So, now that you’re aware of the threat winter can create for your property. It’s better to be prepared than to cover for damages that occur. Here are some best ways to prepare your asphalt surfaces for the coming winter.

1. Ensure Cleaning of Asphalt Surface

The first and foremost thing you must do is ensure that the asphalt surface is clean. Leaves, twigs, and other debris can damage the asphalt if not removed before winter.

Form a schedule to regularly clean your asphalt driveway or parking lot, or consider hiring a professional to do it for you.

2. Inspect The Surface for Cracks

Once you have cleaned the surface, inspect it for cracks. Asphalt cracks can quickly escalate into larger problems such as potholes.

If there are any, ensure you get them repaired as soon as possible, as they can cause further damage during winter. The best way to fix them is through asphalt crack sealing. Contact a professional asphalt maintenance service to get rid of cracks before the first fall of snow.

3. Applying a Seal Coat:

As temperatures reach water freezing points, it could cause water seeped in to expand, eventually cracking the asphalt surface. Other than that, as driveways and parking lots are prone to oil spills, they could damage the binder inside, causing it to become loose.

The best way to protect from oil and water spills is to seal coat the asphalt. By sealcoating your asphalt, you protect it from harmful weather conditions and elements.

4. Asphalt Patching of Potholes

If your asphalt driveway already has potholes formed before the winter arrives. Asphalt patching is the best way to prevent them from growing and worsening. It is a quick process in which hot mix asphalt is placed into the pothole and compacted.

You can DIY using a shovel if the pothole is minor, but moderate to larger potholes would require professional asphalt maintenance service.

It’s best to fix these issues during the fall, as if the temperature cools down, even more, it could become a challenge to improve.

5. Add a Layer of protection.

Adding a layer of protection is another way to help your asphalt driveway during the winter. A liquid asphalt deicer can be sprayed on your driveway as a preventative measure. It will help to keep snow and ice from sticking and forming on your driveway.

It’s essential not to use salt as it can eat away at the asphalt over time and cause even more damage.

6. Have Shovel and Snow Plow at the Ready

If the temperature drops low enough, and often it does, you’ll want to make sure you have a shovel and snow plow ready to help remove any snow that may fall on your driveway.

Keep a shovel near your driveway or parking lot to make snow removal possible.

7. Get Asphalt Paving

Suppose it has been years and your asphalt is already looking worn down. In that case, you should consider getting asphalt paving before you reach winter.

If you live in Illinois, fall is the best time for asphalt paving, considering it receives the lowest amount of rainfall during fall months. Getting your driveway repaved would enhance your home’s curb appeal and make it last longer.

8. Keep an Eye on Your Drainage System

Your drainage system is crucial in keeping your asphalt in good condition during winter.

Ensure that your gutters are clean and clear of any debris so they can adequately do their job.

Also Read: Signs Its Time for Asphalt Driveway Repair

Conclusion

In the end, by preparing your asphalt for the winter, you can help ensure that it will last for many years. By taking the necessary precautions and being proactive about maintenance, you can avoid costly repairs down the road. So don’t wait until winter is upon you to start thinking about your asphalt – now is the time to get started!

If you reside in Normal, IL, and are looking for asphalt maintenance services, consider 309 Paving Services. We are professionals in asphalt paving, sealcoating, crack sealing, etc. Whether you own a huge parking lot or a small driveway, our professional will do the job right – the first time!

Get in touch with us to get a free estimate for your asphalt project.

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