As we move into winter, snow and ice can have damaging effects on your asphalt surface. Cracks, potholes and the like can all worsen during the colder months, and items like deicer and sand can damage them further. Luckily, there are some ways to help prevent and even repair these unsavory and unsightly winter factors! By working with East Coat Pavement Services, you can ensure the longevity of your asphalt — even during these tricky winter months.
- Sealcoating
When left untreated, asphalt will become dry and brittle and cracks will begin to form on the surface. This allows for additional damage to potentially happen to all layers of the asphalt. When a surface is seal coated, the risk of these cracks diminishes and you are left with a fully-protected asphalt surface. Cold weather, water and chemicals are no match for a seal coated asphalt surface, so in preparation of winter weather, sealcoating is the first line of defense.
When damaged, sealcoating can also be repaired. Since it reduces the rate of water permeation to your asphalt and its base, it’s very important to repair any cracks to protect your asphalt. Since it dries quickest in warm weather due to the length of days and mild temperatures at night, summer is the best time to have sealcoating done compared to winter. Our team at East Coat Pavement Services are experts at sealcoating, so if your asphalt surface is in need of it, be sure to schedule it into your lot’s summer maintenance plan.
2. Crack Sealing and Asphalt Patching
Attending to cracks prior to the first freeze can ensure that any damaged surfaces will not worsen as the weather begins to change. Sealing cracks prevents water and chemicals from seeping down into asphalt which prevents further damage. Additionally, attending to potholes prior to cold weather can also avoid greater damage from occurring. Before winter sets in, cracks and potholes need repaired to delay any damage to the asphalt surface. Since it’s too cold during winter for hot mix asphalt to be successful, schedule this into your maintenance plan for summer — just like sealcoating.
3. Plowing Your Lots
As snow and ice start to set in, you can be proactive in protecting your asphalt surfaces by working with a trusted snow removal contractor. Regular clearing of snow by plowing and shoveling eliminates the length of time the surface will remain wet, which helps diminish water damage caused by cracks or potholes. Plan in advance to alert your plow company of any broken curbing or damaged spots of asphalt to prevent any additional damages to your lot. Also, it’s smart to add snow markers to curbs prior to snow to ensure plow trucks steer clear of these areas. This way, curbs and other stationary obstacles can remain undamaged, thus eliminating larger paving projects come springtime.
Above all, ensuring that you have a plan in place for winter is one of the best lines of defense for ensuring that your asphalt surfaces survive the cold months. East Coat Pavement Services has years of experience in developing plans for winter asphalt maintenance, and our team will ensure that you are best prepared to face the icy months ahead! Repair during winter isn’t impossible — and it can help ensure the longevity of your lot in the long run. Contact one of our professionals today to discuss your winter maintenance and repair plan!