With the winter months approaching, the plummeting temperatures will soon be ushering in ice and snow. As much as you may dread heading out in the cold weather, your asphalt parking lot or driveway take the brunt of the damage from the harsh winter elements. Keep your property in better shape this year by learning how the cold weather affects asphalt.

How Winter Weather Affects Your Asphalt Parking Lots and Driveways

While asphalt is an incredibly stable and sturdy structure, it’s still vulnerable to the various winter elements, especially if it hasn’t been repaved, resurfaced, or sealed in several years. If you are concerned about the health of your pavement, consider the different ways the precipitation and temperatures can cause damage.

Precipitation Causes Expansion

As the temperatures continue to drop, snow, ice, and even wintry mixes can harm your asphalt, especially if it’s aged. While new pavement is waterproof, different weather and temperatures can cause this protection to deteriorate over time. Minor cracks allow rain and snow to invade the inner layer of the asphalt, leading to expansion and an unstable foundation during the freeze-thaw cycle.

Plunging Temperatures

In addition to compromising the structure of your pavement, colder temperatures can also have detrimental effects on asphalt. Freezing temperatures cause your asphalt to contract, which can lead to cracks. Once the ice and snow are allowed to set into these cracks, further fracturing and more extensive damage can occur.

How to Prevent Winter Asphalt Damage

Luckily, there are several ways to both protect your parking lot and prevent winter asphalt damage. To start, prepare your pavement for the approaching winter by having any potential issues professionally addressed. This means repairing any cracks you may have and applying an asphalt overlay or sealant to protect against precipitation. Additionally, consider a professional snow removal service to reduce the amount of snow or ice that regularly sits on the surface.

Whether you want a reliable professional to help you prepare your asphalt for the upcoming winter, or need to hire snowplowing services, talk to the team at Ron Webb Paving & Snow Removal in Anchorage, AK. For almost 40 years, these pavers and snow removal experts have helped home and business owners care for their driveways and parking lots. To learn more about caring for your pavement this winter, visit Ron Webb Paving & Snow Removal online or call 907-349-3724.