The harsh weather conditions that winters bring are indeed asphalt’s worst enemy, and Mother Nature shows no remorse. The snow will eventually melt, only to reveal worsening cracks, frost heave, and brand new potholes– if you’re not careful. Not only are these an annoyance for drivers, but uneven pavement also presents tripping hazards for pedestrians. Properly protecting your property’s pavement is a surefire way to reduce potential liability risks and injuries.
These tips could ultimately save you thousands of dollars in future repairs:
1. Thorough Inspection
Before a winter storm hits, contact us to have a professional inspect your property, and evaluate which repairs are required. If maintenance and repairs are needed, it’s ideal to have them done ASAP or before the next snowfall. Procedures such as sealcoating, crack sealing, and pothole patching can be very challenging to do when snow is present, so it’s best to take action immediately.
2. Clear Off Spills, Dirt, and Debris
Professional sweeping and cleaning services for asphalt and concrete surfaces are vital when preparing for the weather to get ugly. Getting rid of any debris from the pavement ensures that snowplows won’t be pushing-and-pulling the harmful objects around and scraping the surface. Also, cleaning up spills will make sure that the corrosive impurities in oil won’t have all winter to eat away at the sealcoat.
3. Fill Cracks and Patch Holes
Upon inspection, it’s best to identify any small cracks and holes that need to repairing now. If there are cracks in your pavement that are wider than ¼ inch, get them filled immediately. If they’re left to freeze, thaw, refreeze, and repeat over winter, they will be much deeper, wider, and more costly to fix once spring comes along.
Contrary to what you may think, you don’t have to wait until the spring to take care of pothole repairs. Pavement Solutions offers both infrared asphalt repairs and cold-mix pothole patching methods that are perfect for making repairs during the cold winter months. Taking care of small potholes will prevent them from turning into hugely expensive ones that could cause injuries and car damage. Don’t wait until it’s too late; contact us for a free estimate.
4. Never Ignore a Puddle
Standing water or puddles are a worrisome sign for the current condition and future of the asphalt pavement. They indicate areas of the asphalt surface that are weak, as well as poor drainage on the property. If you see puddles now, you very well might see new potholes in the spring. Contact us so we can determine what needs done. Whether it be leveling and smoothing out the asphalt, installing a new drainage structure, fixing the structure’s pitch to correct the unevenness, or something else… we’ve got you covered.
5. Sealcoat Application
Sealcoat does an incredible job of adding protection and durability against winter precipitation on any asphalt surface. This protective layer also offers resistance to water seepage, petroleum spills, and oxidation from the sun. It decreases the long-term repair costs exponentially while also making your pavement look brand new. Sealcoating is one of the most effective preventative maintenance measures, which is why we highly recommend sealcoating your asphalt pavement at least once every 3.5 years.
For the sealant to cure correctly, the outside night temperatures cannot be below 50° F. If you’ve missed the opportunity for sealcoat this year, start planning with us for next year.
5. Sealcoat Application
Sealcoat does an incredible job of adding protection and durability against winter precipitation on any asphalt surface. This protective layer also offers resistance to water seepage, petroleum spills, and oxidation from the sun. It decreases the long-term repair costs exponentially while also making your pavement look brand new. Sealcoating is one of the most effective preventative maintenance measures, which is why we highly recommend sealcoating your asphalt pavement at least once every 3.5 years.
For the sealant to cure correctly, the outside night temperatures cannot be below 50° F. If you’ve missed the opportunity for sealcoat this year, start planning with us for next year.
6. Consistent Snow Removal
Snow and ice piling up on pavement puts an excessive amount of weight on the asphalt/concrete, which increases the chance of breakage. Removing snow soon after it falls will prevent melted snow from turning into standing water. A shovel will suffice for small areas, but you may need to hire a professional snow removal service. But be aware, improper snow removal can cause significant damage. Whether it’s a sharp edge of a shovel or a careless snowplow driver, improper snow removal can bring new damage to pavement surfaces, all while worsening existing problems. Plows can snag and scrape on small cracks or holes and cause major damage. It’s essential to do your research when picking a snow removal company.
Our team of pavement professionals at Winter Solutions, LLC have decades of experience in protecting pavement against winters– specifically the harsh midwest winters! For more information on how we can prepare your parking lot for the winter to come, or to inquire about our commercial snow removal and ice management services, please contact us today!
7. Be Wary When De-Icing
Salt is easily accessible and great for avoiding slip-hazards, which is why many of us stock up on it for de-icing. If your asphalt driveway, parking lot, or roadway was installed by a professional, salting usually won’t damage the surface at all. On the other hand, over-salting can negatively impact the surrounding environment. Runoff from snow and rain sends these chemicals to harm plants and animals; and eventually making its way into waterways where aquatic life can be damaged. To be more environmentally conscious, you may want to consider using an alternative to standard rock salt, such as products made of:
- Salt and sand mixture
- Calcium chloride
- Magnesium chloride
- Potassium chloride
- Liquid potassium acetate
It’s never too early to contact us for a free quote on any asphalt or concrete project. Either submit a request or give us a call at 815-675-0696!
Posted by C. Butler on 1/28/20