Winter Sending Chills To Your Asphalt Pavement

As the temperatures start to dip and the snow begins to fall in Ontario, it’s essential to think about how the winter weather affects your asphalt pavement. From deteriorating sealant to potholes and cracks, the winter can take a toll on your asphalt. Although you may not see any more snow this season, you should know how to protect your pavementand keep it in top condition.

Read on to learn more as Black And Yellow Pavement Inc. talks about the effects of winter weather on asphalt and what you can do to prevent damage.

Cracking and Peeling Sealant

One of the main issues that arise in winter is sealant deterioration. Sealant is applied to asphalt pavement to protect it from weathering, but when temperatures drop below zero, the sealant can start to crack and peel. It leaves your asphalt exposed to the elements and leads to further damage, such as potholes and cracks.

To counter this, it’s vital to re-seal asphalt every two to three years. This will help keep the sealant in good condition and protect your pavement from winter weather.

Snowfall and Asphalt Expansion

When snow accumulates on top of asphalt, the moisture can see into the surface, causing it to expand. This expansion can lead to cracks in the pavement and even separation of the asphalt from the underlying base material. Large chunks of asphalt can break away from the surface in extreme cases. This is dangerous for drivers and pedestrians and can cause damage to vehicles.

To prevent this type of damage, it’s important to clear snow from your asphalt surface as quickly as possible. You can use a plow or shovel to remove the snow, but be careful not to damage the asphalt surface in the process.

Salt and Ice

Salt is often used to melt ice on roads and sidewalks, but it can also cause damage to asphalt. Sodium chloride creates a corrosive reaction with the oils and polymers in sealant, leading to cracking and pitting. Over time, this will eat away at your pavement until you’re left with a big mess on your hands.

The best way to protect your asphalt from salt damage is to seal it with a suitable quality sealant. It will help to prevent the oils and polymers from being exposed to the salt and will also help to keep your pavement looking new for longer.

Snow-Plows Scraping the Surface

Another way that winter can damage your asphalt pavement is by the scraping of snowplows. The blades on these machines are designed to scrape away snow and ice, but they can also do a number on your pavement. If you have a lot of snow and ice build-up, it’s best to have the professionals come in and take care of it. Otherwise, you run the risk of damaging your asphalt beyond repair.

The Bottom Line:

If you want to keep your pavement in good condition, you need to take steps to protect it from the ravages of winter. Be sure to use salt and ice melt sparingly, and make sure your street crews are careful when clearing snow. And most importantly, don’t forget sealcoating your pavement every year!

Black and Yellow Pavement Inc. experts can help you with all your asphalt maintenance requirements, from seal coating to line painting and more.

Contact us today for a free estimate!

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