Have you ever noticed how roads seem to be in worse shape after winter? The same thing can happen to your asphalt surfaces if you don’t take the right steps early. Many property owners protect their paved areas by clearing snow regularly during winter, but real protection comes from getting ready before cold weather hits.
Sealing for Maintenance
Much of the damage to asphalt is caused when water gets into cracks. In the warm months this will not be a problem. However, icy temperatures freeze the water and this causes the cracks to widen. It can also cause the asphalt to lift and even weaken the sub layer. Using a sealcoating product will protect the top layer and keep water from getting underneath. It is recommended that asphalt surfaces should be sealed every 2 to three years. With this coating, water will not get into the cracks and start the freeze/thaw cycle which erodes the asphalt and sub layer, leaving your paved areas with potholes. You can sealcoat your own parking lot or driveway, but owners of large properties should consider having a professional deal with this.
Carry Out Repairs
While sealing can offer protection, you may still see signs of damage to your asphalt. If you want to keep your costs down, you should contact a repair company before the cold weather sets in. It is a good idea to check paved surfaces after any long spell of bad weather. Aside from cracks, you should also be on the lookout for flaking asphalt and sagging areas. A good repair job will ensure that your paved surfaces last longer.
Clearing Snow
You should always make every effort to clear away snow from your asphalt surfaces during winter. You might not like the idea of paying for snow removal, but it will be cheaper than repairing damage to the paved areas. Snow removal is not only good for the asphalt, it also necessary for safety. Whenever the area is cleared, you should make quick checks for signs of damage and make note of them. Repairing them quickly after winter will prolong the life of the paved surfaces.
With these steps you can be sure that your asphalt surfaces are ready for winter. After the cold season you will not have to deal with expensive repairs. This is especially important for commercial properties that cannot afford too much downtime.
