Many kinds of weather take their toll on paved surfaces, including asphalt. While asphalt is one of the most durable paving materials, harsh weather — especially winter weather — can cause problems that will worsen if not treated immediately. As the leading asphalt contractors in the Intermountain West, we know a thing or two about winter asphalt care. Let’s discuss the reasons why winter can be damaging on asphalt paving surfaces and what you can do about it.
Why Winter is Especially Harsh on Your Asphalt Driveway or Parking Lot
Winter is perhaps the harshest season for many different reasons. In Utah, Idaho, and parts of Arizona and Nevada, winter is characterized by freezing temperatures, intense storms, and heavy precipitation. These extreme and changing weather patterns begin to take their toll on asphalt pavement. And in particular, the main elements listed below wear down asphalt if not correctly addressed.
Snow
The most common form of precipitation during the winter months is snow. Because the dark color of asphalt absorbs heat and helps to melt the snow, standing water can be a problem quickly. Water sitting on the surface can seep back down into the asphalt, causing it to wear down and become unstable.
Freezing and Thawing Cycle
Any water left on the asphalt’s surface can also be an issue when temperatures drop. Snow melts during the day, turning to water that settles into cracks. When the water freezes, it expands, forcing the crack to expand. This repeated freeze and thaw cycle can cause extensive damage, such as creating potholes, to asphalt if not treated correctly.
Plows and Salt
What would we do without plows and salt to remove snow during those long winter months? Plows and salt perform the essential service of clearing the roads but can cause additional wear and tear on asphalt. Plows can wear down the surface and even scrape off paint lines. Using salt on asphalt helps to melt any ice and snow. While applying salt doesn’t damage asphalt as much as concrete, salt can contribute to surface damage, especially if the asphalt is already deteriorating.
Asphalt Maintenance Tips to Remember This Winter
Keep the surface clean from debris
The longer you let debris settle on asphalt, the more you risk damage from the changing weather. Organic matter such as leaves, grass, and mud can stick to the surface, only drawing in moisture and helping to break down the asphalt. Keep your asphalt clean and clear of debris from your yard so it’ll last longer.
Hire an experienced snow removal team
Snow removal is perhaps the most significant element of winter asphalt maintenance. If snow is allowed to pile up, it causes hazardous driving conditions and makes it impossible to see asphalt markings. Removing snow helps to reduce the risk of standing water and ice damage. Hire an experienced snow removal team that can quickly and effectively remove the snow without damaging the surface. Consider piling snow on areas of grass, rock, or dirt, rather than on an area of paved asphalt.
Use the correct de-icing product
Rock salt, or sodium chloride, can further damage unsealed asphalt by accelerating deterioration. Calcium chloride is a much more effective and safer de-icing project that won’t cause additional damage to asphalt.
Promptly fix potholes
Cracks and potholes don’t go away. In fact, they’ll get much worse over the winter because of standing water and ice. If you notice a pothole in your asphalt surface, the best thing to do would be to have it repaired by asphalt contractors as soon as possible, preferably not during the winter months.
Seal cracks and the asphalt surface long before the cold weather hits
During the summer, inspect your asphalt for any cracks that could worsen over the winter. Have them fixed by a paving company, then have the paving surface resealed for maximum protection. Hiring asphalt contractors to do a little maintenance during the warm summer months will go a long way in preventing winter damage.
Prep for the Cold with Help from Morgan Pavement
With a bit of asphalt maintenance for winter, you can help your asphalt be strong throughout the year. If your paving surface needs attention, don’t hesitate to call in the expert asphalt company. Morgan Pavement can help prepare your paving surface for the snow and ice while inspecting for more extensive problems. Need a quote for paving, crack sealing, seal coating, or other asphalt services? We’d love to do that, too. Get a bid on your next project by contacting us today.
