Winter brings a host of challenges, especially for asphalt pavement. Ice and snow can cause extensive damage if proper precautions aren’t taken. From cracking and potholes to surface erosion, the costs of neglecting your pavement during the colder months can add up quickly. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your asphalt pavement and extend its lifespan. This guide outlines proven strategies to prevent ice and snow damage, ensuring your pavement stays strong and functional throughout the winter.
Understanding Winter’s Impact on Asphalt Pavement
To protect your asphalt pavement, it’s important to understand how winter conditions affect it:
Freeze-Thaw Cycles: Water infiltrates small cracks in the asphalt and freezes, expanding and causing the cracks to widen.
Snow Removal Stress: Snowplows and shovels can scrape the surface, leading to further damage.
Deicing Chemicals: Salts and chemicals can erode asphalt and weaken its structural integrity.
Heavy Loads: Snow accumulation adds extra weight, which can strain the pavement, especially if the subbase is compromised.
Essential Steps to Prevent Ice and Snow Damage
1. Inspect and Repair Cracks
Cracks in asphalt are the starting point for most winter damage. Before winter sets in:
Conduct a thorough inspection to identify cracks, potholes, or surface depressions.
Use hot-applied crack sealant to fill cracks and prevent water infiltration.
For larger issues, consider professional repair services to ensure long-lasting results.
2. Apply Sealcoating
Sealcoating acts as a protective barrier against water, chemicals, and UV rays. Benefits of sealcoating before winter include:
Reducing the impact of freeze-thaw cycles.
Protecting the surface from deicing chemicals.
Improving the appearance and durability of the asphalt.
Schedule sealcoating during the fall to ensure it cures properly before temperatures drop.
3. Ensure Proper Drainage
Standing water accelerates pavement deterioration. Address drainage issues by:
Clearing debris from gutters, drains, and catch basins.
Regrading areas where water tends to pool.
Installing additional drainage solutions, such as French drains, if necessary.
4. Use Deicers Wisely
Deicing chemicals can help manage snow and ice but must be used carefully to prevent damage:
Opt for calcium chloride or magnesium chloride, which are less harsh on asphalt.
Avoid overapplication to minimize chemical penetration into the pavement.
Consider using sand as an alternative to improve traction without causing corrosion.
5. Plan for Gentle Snow Removal
Aggressive snow removal methods can damage asphalt. To minimize harm:
Use snowplows with rubber blades or plastic edges to avoid scraping the surface.
Shovel snow carefully, especially around edges and transitions.
Clear snow promptly to prevent ice formation and excess weight on the pavement.
6. Perform Regular Maintenance
Ongoing maintenance throughout winter is essential to prevent minor issues from escalating. This includes:
Reapplying deicers or anti-icing solutions as needed.
Monitoring for new cracks or signs of damage.
Removing snow accumulation promptly to reduce stress on the pavement.
Long-Term Strategies for Asphalt Protection
1. Strengthen the Subbase
The subbase—the layer beneath the asphalt—plays a critical role in supporting your pavement. Strengthen the subbase by:
Ensuring proper compaction during initial installation.
Adding layers of gravel or other materials to improve drainage and stability.
2. Schedule Routine Inspections
Professional inspections help identify potential issues early. Partner with a reliable pavement maintenance company like Ellsworth Pavement Maintenance to:
Conduct seasonal assessments.
Provide expert recommendations for repairs and improvements.
3. Budget for Preventative Maintenance
Allocating funds for regular maintenance is more cost-effective than addressing major repairs caused by neglect. Plan for services such as crack sealing, sealcoating, and drainage improvements to keep your asphalt in peak condition year-round.
Why Winter Preparation Matters
Neglecting your asphalt pavement during winter can lead to costly repairs, safety hazards, and shortened pavement life. On the other hand, proactive measures:
Reduce repair costs by preventing damage before it occurs.
Ensure safety for pedestrians and vehicles.
Enhance the appearance and value of your property.
Partner with Ellsworth Pavement Maintenance
At Ellsworth Pavement Maintenance, we specialize in protecting asphalt from the harshest winter conditions. Our services include:
Crack sealing and pothole repair.
Professional sealcoating.
Drainage system assessments and upgrades.
With years of experience and a commitment to quality, we provide customized solutions to meet your needs. Let us help you safeguard your asphalt pavement this winter and beyond.