Winter is very nearly upon us, and with the cold weather comes a myriad of challenges for your paved surfaces. These include significant snowfall, freezing temperatures, and added moisture when the snow melts. As pavement industry professionals, we have to cringe when we see property owners and facility managers sit idle instead of addressing damaged pavement. The consequences of not being proactive with crack sealing, asphalt sealcoating, edging, and other pavement maintenance in the fall is a much more serious asphalt repair bill after winter gives way to spring. To prevent the build up of excess damage, be proactive this fall with these simple tips
STANDING WATER
As the cool autumn rain falls in the Washington D.C. area, look closely at how your pavement is reacting to the water. If you notice areas of standing water forming on your paved surfaces this is an indication of serious asphalt base problems underneath the surface. Remember, standing water in autumn will translate into icy patches as winter moves into our area. The immediate concern is safety, with slips, trips, and falls a possible foreseeable consequence of icy patches. Long term, areas of standing water left untreated can transform through freeze/thaw cycles into a pothole during winter or by winter’s end. If you catch this early, in many cases, a simple leveling patch could fix the issue. If the depression is larger, a more involved technique that addresses drainage concerns may be needed. At Atlantic Sweeping & Cleaning, our asphalt experts can offer consultation on the best ways to maintain your pavement to prevent more costly repairs later.
ASPHALT SEALCOATING
If you haven’t been proactively regularly sealcoating your parking lot, there is no time like now. In ideal situations, Asphalt sealcoating should be done every three to six years to protect the structural integrity of the paved surface. Sealcoating provides an extra protective layer that shields it from damage from water, UV rays in sunlight and spilled automotive fluids. Sealcoating should be done while the daytime ambient temperatures are still above 50 degrees fahrenheit, and after any leaf cover has been removed. If you can’t remember the last time your paved surfaces were sealcoated, it has been too long, and you should act now to protect against the demanding winter weather ahead.
CRACKS
Easily the most noticeable issue in pavement is the appearance of cracks. The fact these are unsightly is actually not the most significant problem. Cracks allow moisture from rain and snowmelt to penetrate the pavement, seriously damaging the base. Over time, and through freeze/thaw cycles this will eventually lead to larger cracks and potholes. Over time, this problem is magnified with cracks and potholes getting progressively larger. Now is the time to do regular maintenance and make repairs before it becomes a major issue.
Winter brings along a fair share of challenges, not the least of which involve your pavement, If you are noticing visible issues, don’t delay. Call the experts at Atlantic Sweeping & Cleaning today!
