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Every spring, homeowners find cracks or potholes in their asphalt driveways. As Bennett Paving, an experienced asphalt repair company in Cookeville, TN, explains, this is partly because of the effect cold weather has on the pavement. Below, they share how you can extend the life of your asphalt and minimize the cost of repairs.

How Winter Affects Your Asphalt Driveway

Primarily, the freeze-thaw cycle leads to cracks and holes. Thawing ice or snow seeps into the pores of the asphalt, and when the temperatures drop and the moisture freezes, it creates enormous pressure that cracks the pavement. This process allows more moisture to seep in during the next thaw, and the cracks continue to worsen.

There are a few other winter-related risks to watch out for. For example, the use of salts and deicing chemicals cause the asphalt to deteriorate more rapidly. Shovels and snow plows further damage your driveway and can knock free chunks of the loosened blacktop.

How to Minimize Asphalt Driveway Damage

driveway sealing in Cookeville, TNMitigate cold weather damage by having your driveway seal coated. Asphalt sealing keeps moisture from seeping into the porous material during thawing spells and prevents the hairline cracks that occur when the temperatures drop again.

Use salts and deicers only sparingly, and be careful when plowing or shoveling so you don't crack the asphalt or damage the seal coating. This undermines the treatment's effectiveness and could allow moisture to seep below the driveway's surface again.

For asphalt driveway sealing or repair to protect against the cold, contact the experts at Bennett Paving. Since 1970, they've helped homeowners and businesses throughout Putnam County keep their pavement in good repair. Visit their website to submit a contact request form, or call (931) 858-4596 to discuss your needs with a representative. Like them on Facebook for more expert advice.

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