Delivering long-lasting strength at an affordable price, asphalt is a popular pavement choice for parking lots. While this material is durable, it isn’t immune to winter weather. Fortunately, with a little preparation, you can help business owners keep their parking lots in good shape and avoid the need for extensive asphalt repairs once spring arrives. If you want to keep commercial pavement intact, here’s what to know about protecting parking lots from the effects of cold weather.

How Does Winter Weather Affect Pavement?

Snow and ice will contribute to moisture buildup beneath the surface. As this moisture thaws and freezes, it will expand and contract, causing the pavement to crack. It may also cause the soil levels to fluctuate, resulting in potholes that require asphalt repair.

How Should You Winterize a Parking Lot?

Clean

Dirt and other debris can attract and trap moisture, increasing the risk of parking lot damage. To prevent this problem, spray the parking lot thoroughly to remove all buildup.  

Repair  

Any cracks, chips, or potholes in the asphalt will worsen when they’re exposed to freezing temperatures. Have an asphalt repair contractor patch potholes and other depressions to level out the surface. Asphalt crack filler will close gaps and prevent moisture from penetrating the surface.

Seal

Hire a contractor to apply a thin layer of asphalt sealer. Winter sealcoating will protect the rest of the pavement from snow, rain, ice, and frost throughout the winter. It will also help restore the look of your parking lot by giving it a fresh blacktop appearance.

Maintain

Throughout the winter, you should take special care when removing snow and ice from the parking lot. Since metal tools can chip away at the asphalt, it’s better to purchase rubber shovels and other tools that allow for gentle snow removal. You should also stick to using sand for creating traction on ice, as chemical deicers can destroy the pavement.

When Should You Start Preparing?

While there’s no hard and fast deadline for making asphalt repairs, it’s best to winterize your parking lot before seasonal hazards arrive, such as snow and freezing temperatures. To get the most peace of mind, aim to take care of these maintenance steps near the end of the fall season.

As a paving contractor, you need high-quality resources to ensure your clients’ parking lots and driveways are prepared for the winter. That’s why Rochester Jet-Blak Sealers is proud to offer a wide range of asphalt repair products that are designed for optimal performance in the New York climate. Whether you need sealcoating, asphalt crack filler, or heavy-duty paving equipment, this well-versed supplier has reliable products to fit your project needs and budget. Learn more about their product selection online or by calling their Rochester, NY, headquarters at (585) 436-5051.