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Winter is an especially difficult time for asphalt. Not only is it susceptible to damage from snow, ice and de-icers, but the freeze-thaw cycle can also cause serious problems.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your pavement all winter long. Follow these 3 tips for Winter Asphalt Maintenance in Contractors and your asphalt will be ready for spring!
1. Remove Debris
When you remove debris from your asphalt surfaces, you can keep them clean and healthy. This is especially important in the winter when snow and ice may cause dirt and debris to become stuck to the surface.
This can lead to damage and even the loss of a seal coat. The best way to avoid this is by sweeping your pavement regularly all year round.
Once you have swept, you can use a long-handled push broom with stiff bristles to brush away the debris from your asphalt. You can also clean the surfaces with a pressure washer.
If you have any oil spills on your asphalt, then you will need to wash them off as soon as possible. This can be done using a mixture of dish soap and water that will agitate the oil.
Another common asphalt stain that you can tackle on your own is food and drink stains. Coca-cola is a great option for removing these stains because it will discolor the stain over time, but you can also use powdered laundry detergent mixed with a little water.
In addition to removing debris from your asphalt, it is also important to clean up potholes and cracks in your parking lot or driveway. This can help to prevent them from becoming bigger and more costly in the future.
2. Seal Coat
Seal coating your asphalt is an essential maintenance step that can help extend the life of your driveway or parking lot. It prevents oxidation from the sun, stops moisture damage, and makes your asphalt look like new again.
Ideally, you should seal coat your asphalt every two to three years. This can extend the lifespan of your driveway or parking lot for minimal cost and will keep you from having to do costly repairs.
The most important thing to remember when applying a fresh coat of sealer is that you shouldn’t apply it until your pavement is completely dry. If it’s not, the sealer will not set properly, and you risk damaging your asphalt.
Many DIY-sealcoating enthusiasts make this mistake, which is why it’s always best to let a professional handle the job instead of trying to do it yourself. The right contractor will know how to use pressurized spray equipment for a quick and effective seal coat application, and will have the expertise to apply the correct product manufacturer’s instructions.
Another common error that DIY-sealcoaters make is applying a thick layer of the sealer over the asphalt, which will cause premature cracking and shorten the lifespan of your parking lot or driveway. This is why it’s important to only saturate your asphalt with a thin, even coat of sealer.
3. Repair Cracks
As winter begins, it’s important to get any cracks in asphalt repaired as soon as possible. This will prevent them from worsening and becoming dangerous potholes later in the season.
There are several types of cracks that can develop in an asphalt surface. Some of these are load-related while others are caused by temperature or environment. Fatigue cracking, which looks like interconnected cracks that resemble an alligator skin is one of the most common problems and can be very costly to repair if not addressed in a timely manner.
Longitudinal cracks are parallel to the pavement centerline and can be caused by a variety of reasons such as a poorly constructed joint, a deeper layer, longitudinal segregation or asphalt shrinkage. These cracks should be filled with a combination of asphalt and emulsion slurry or sealant to prevent water from seeping into the underlying layers.
Reflection cracking, which looks like a grid across the surface of an asphalt pavement, is often caused by shifting in the sub-layers or a poorly constructed joint. These cracks should be filled with an asphalt slurry or sealant to prevent water seeping into the underlying layers and causing more damage.
Slippage cracks, which look like the asphalt is slipping along the pavement, are also a common issue and usually occur due to a weak or deficient asphalt mix. These cracks can also be a result of the top layer failing to adhere correctly to the layer beneath it.
