When you want to create a beautiful, affordable, and long-lasting driveway or parking lot, paving with asphalt can deliver the benefits you’re looking for. However, without proper preparation, asphalt can fall victim to harsh winter weather. Changes in temperature, excessive moisture, deicing, and snow removal can all place stress on the surface, causing damage that impairs the look and the functionality of your pavement. Practice these five following maintenance tips to can help ensure that your asphalt is properly prepared for colder weather.

5 Steps to Strengthening Asphalt Against Winter Weather

1. Clean the Surface

Sweep and spray down the driveway or parking lot to remove any debris that may have accumulated over the summer and fall. Dirt, auto fluids, twigs, leaves, and trash can all contribute to surface deterioration, cracks, and discoloration. Removing debris will also make snow removal easier by eliminating abrasive objects that could harm the pavement while plowing.  

2. Fill Cracks

Fill crevices in the asphalt with a high-quality crack sealer. This quick and affordable process will help close the crack and prevent moisture (such as ice and snow) from seeping into the pavement. Without this protection, this moisture can freeze and expand, causing the cracks to grow. In some cases, this damage can lead to potholes.

3. Sealcoat

After you’ve made repairs, use a sealcoating product to create a strong barrier between the asphalt and the rest of the environment. Parking lot and driveway sealing can keep the surface looking fresh and clean while defending against destructive elements such as ice, water, UV rays, and auto fluids.

4. Stay Smart About Snow Removal

Before the bad weather arrives, figure out how you want to handle snow and ice removal. Since chemical deicers and rock salt can damage asphalt, it’s best to stock up on sand to safely melt ice and improve tire traction. If you opt to shovel snow by hand, make sure to use tools with a rubber edge, as metal can chip away at the surface every time you dig.

5. Watch for Water Problems

After it rains or snows, pay attention to the pavement’s drainage capabilities. If you notice standing water, the surface likely needs to be repaved. If moisture penetrates and compromises the surface’s sub-layers, serious depressions could form and leave you in need of pothole repair.

 

 

An asphalt driveway or parking lot is a big investment. That’s why Useal USA in Bloomfield, CT, is committed to simplifying the repair process with their line of innovative and affordable pavement products. Their commercial-grade crack sealer will dry in under 20 minutes, leaving you with a durable water-tight seal that won’t deteriorate.  Visit this producer online to learn more about their advanced paving solutions or call (860) 263-8339 to learn more.