You may think that the cold temperatures are to blame for all your asphalt problems during the winter, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. It is the ice and snow that wreaks havoc on your asphalt when it freezes, melts, and freezes again. When all that water freezes, it allows your asphalt to expand, which is what causes cracks and eventually holes.
Here are 6 tips to protect your asphalt this winter:
Remove Debris
It is important to make sure that all debris has been removed from your asphalt prior to the first snowstorm. While the little pieces of debris will not cause major issues, all those larger pieces will. In fact, larger pieces of debris can become stuck to your asphalt and you may actually damage your asphalt more during the process of trying to get it removed.
Fill All Cracks and Add Sealcoat
If you haven’t taken the time to get all those cracks filled in your asphalt, you may want to have it done now. Those cracks are only going to get larger as the winter season goes along, which means potholes and extensive damage come spring. Once you’ve had all the cracks filled, you will want to have sealcoat placed on top for an additional layer of protection.
Watch for Standing Water
We recommend that you go out and look carefully at your asphalt to see if you have any water laying there in puddles. If you notice any, we recommend getting those spots repaired now, so that you do not have major potholes in a couple of months.
Clear Snow Regularly
One of the easiest ways to protect your asphalt during the winter months is to remove the snow regularly. You can do this by shovel or snow plow, but be careful using a plow, as it can cause surface damage if it gets stuck in a crack.
Use De-Icer Carefully
We recommend choosing your de-icer carefully, as too much salt can have negative effects on the environment. A mixture of sand and salt works best as it also adds a layer of traction to your asphalt.
Repair Potholes
We recommend repairing any potholes in your asphalt before they get too big, so that they do not cause any more significant damage. Repairing these holes when they are smaller will ensure that extra water does not seep too far under your asphalt, and create more holes.
Asphalt Repair in Chicago
If you follow these 6 tips, you should be able to get your asphalt through the coldest and wettest of winters without any problems. Doing these small prevention tips and repairs will also be cheaper than having to replace all the asphalt in the spring, and we know that you will love the idea of saving money. Call us at 847-299-1830 to discuss asphalt repair and maintenance with us.
