How Can Property Owners Help Prevent Damage to an Asphalt Pavement Over the Winter?
The first item on your to-do list should be a thorough cleaning of your pavement. You want to remove all debris, including trash, twigs, fallen leaves, dirt, and gravel. Debris can conceal cracks or other damage that will only become more extensive once freezing temperatures arrive. The next item on your list should be a pavement inspection. Take a close look at your entire pavement to identify cracks, birdbaths, clogged drains, alligatored asphalt, and other signs of distress or damage. Next, contact a reputable contractor to handle your asphalt repair. B&E Coating Services ,LLC can help you develop a Pavement Preservation program working with your budget in mind to protect asphalt investment.
Why Should an Asphalt Pavement Be Repaired Before the Start of Winter?
Whenever there is a break in the surface of a pavement, water will have an easy path to penetrate deep into the structure. If it reaches the base layers, the water can remove particles of the material, weakening the foundation on which your pavement relies for its stability and ability to rebound. Once the temperature drops below freezing, the trapped water turns to ice, expands, and exerts tremendous pressure on the pavement as well as the base. The pavement will be under pressure both horizontally and vertically. Breaks can develop in the layers of asphalt below the surface, the pavement can be uplifted in spots, and major cracks can form in the surface layers. Once the ice melts, the pavement can sink, exacerbating any cracks and allowing potholes to form with surprising speed. If you can do nothing else to protect your pavement, you should focus on your asphalt crack repair and asphalt patching. Even if the weather is too cold for your contractor to make a permanent repair, it will be more cost-effective to get a temporary repair now, then have your contractor execute a permanent repair in the spring.
What Else Can Be Done to Winterize Asphalt Pavements?
If it has been more than 18 months since your last application of asphalt sealcoating, ask your contractor whether there is still time to do it before winter. Sealcoating has many benefits. It makes asphalt more resistant to water infiltration, protects against chemicals, block UV rays, seals in the oils contained in the asphalt, and makes the surface of the pavement easier to clean.
How Can I Safeguard My Pavement Once the Snow Begins to Fall?
If you want to use your pavement, the snow will have to be removed. If you hire a company to plow your pavement, make sure that you hire a reputable, experienced company. Inept snowplow operators can inflict substantial damage on your pavement. If there are areas that you plan to shovel, be sure that you use a snow shovel. Once the snow is removed, you may want to use a pavement / concrete Safe deicing product like Liquid Snow Shovel. Ask B&E about weekly applications or LSS product to you walks or apply it your self with the Sidewalk Buddy Applicator.
Let B&E Coating Services Get Your Pavement Ready for Winter
We are a well-respected, highly experienced company specializing in the maintenance and repair of asphalt pavements. Our services include asphalt crack repair, sealcoating, asphalt patching, infrared asphalt repair, parking lot striping, asphalt milling, parking lot sweeping, asphalt paving, pothole repair, and power washing. We also construct and repair concrete, repair drains and catch basins, and repair gravel driveways. We have an exceptional reputation for service and workmanship. If you are interested in receiving a free quote, complete the online request form, or call 800-SEAL-817.
