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Winter might be on its way out, but it’s left its mark on roads and parking lots across the country. Cold weather can leave behind weak, cracked asphalt filled with potholes and fissures dangerous for both pedestrians and drivers. As the cold weather makes way for spring, now is the perfect time for making repairs in your parking lot or driveway. Below are five problems to pay attention to this season.

Asphalt Paving Damage That Should Be Repaired Before Spring

1. Cracks

Snow, ice, and sleet will get into any small crack in your asphalt. When water freezes and thaws, the expansion and contraction process will make small problems much larger, weakening your parking lot or driveway and leading to dangerous conditions. While it is best to repair cracks before winter, make sure all cracks are handled once winter precipitation is over, even if they seem tiny.

2. Potholes

asphaltSimilar to cracks, potholes worsen during winter, especially when moisture gets inside. Potholes can be quite deep and wide, and they can lead to accidents, tire blowouts, and pedestrian injuries. Potholes also make your asphalt look unattractive, reducing your property’s curb appeal.

3. Faded Striping

Inclement weather and road salt can affect the striping and markings in your lot. Without clear parking spot lines and arrows for directing traffic, your property becomes harder to navigate and less safe. After the cold weather passes, revitalize your lot by refreshing or redoing all markings on your asphalt.

4. Snowplow Damage

Sometimes snowplows knock into pavement, especially if the blade is set too low. This can cause damage to your asphalt and the seal coating that protects it. Once this layer is compromised, precipitation will find its way inside. After you’ve fixed all holes and cracks in the surface, have your paving contractor apply a fresh seal coating to strengthen your asphalt once again.

5. Birdbaths

Depressions in your pavement will hold water, leading to a phenomenon known as a birdbath. These pits can be shallow or quite deep, and regardless of their depth, they pose a huge danger to anyone traversing your lot or driveway. The water that pools inside will also degrade your paving. Applying a fresh layer of asphalt will level your paving once more. 

 

 

If your asphalt surface needs help recovering from the winter, Glacier Paving can help. Since 1994, they’ve been the company to trust in Kalispell, MT for asphalt, pavers, and concrete needs. With a combined 75 years of experience, their team can handle any project, from parking lots to residential and commercial driveways. They can also assist with seal coating and striping to refresh your property for the warm weather. For more on asphalt paving and repairs, call (406) 257-8181. Visit them online to view a sample of their past work.

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