With the winter months quickly approaching, now is the time to begin preparing your property’s exterior for the cold. In addition to cleaning up your landscaping, you should also pay attention to your asphalt driveways and parking lots. Freezing temperatures can damage these surfaces, which is why asphalt paving experts suggest the following tips to help you prepare them for the winter. 

How to Get Your Pavement Ready for the Cold

1. Prioritize Your Parking Structure

One of the main focuses of your winter preparations should be to prioritize your parking structure. Not only should it be aesthetically pleasing, but it should also be safe enough to walk and drive on, even in the winter. Clear up all debris from the surface, including leaves, litter, and oil spills from vehicles. These substances can degrade the top layer of the asphalt over time and weaken the structure. 

2. Maintain Your Storm Basins

Rain and melting ice can create pools of standing water on your asphalt if your storm basins are clogged. Though you should maintain these drains throughout the year, it is best to clear them of all debris and make sure all components are fully functional before the temperatures drop. 

3. Patch Potholes

Cold temperatures can cause asphalt to contract and expand, so it’s necessary to patch any potholes in your pavement before winter arrives. However, pothole repairs can be a challenge for inexperienced homeowners and business owners. Instead of tackling the project on your own, schedule the repairs with local asphalt paving experts. 

4. Fill Cracks

Similar to pothole repair, crack sealing is an efficient way to maintain the longevity of your pavement. Cracks form when water penetrates the asphalt, and if left untreated, you’ll need new asphalt paving. Since winter weather can cause existing cracks to expand and worsen, you should fill them before the temperatures get too low. 

5. Schedule Your Sealcoating

Significant snowfall is rarer in the South, but be aware that ice, snow, and salt can damage your asphalt and create cracks. It’s a good reason to add a fresh layer of sealcoating for protection. Sealcoating helps prevent water from seeping into the pavement, thus protecting it from some of the problems discussed above. 

As the premier asphalt paving contractor serving the Triad area of North Carolina, AAA Paving Company in Kernersville, NC, provides exceptional service to each and every loyal customer. Whether you need asphalt repair, striping, patching, sealing, or maintenance for a residential driveway, recreational surface, or parking lot, they have the expertise to get the job done. For more information about their services or to request a free estimate on your upcoming paving project, call (336) 723-1418 or visit them online today.