As the winter months roll in, residents and businesses in British Columbia must brace for more than just chilly temperatures and snow.
Asphalt driveways and parking lots are especially vulnerable to the harsh winter elements and if left unchecked, winter weather can severely damage asphalt surfaces, leading to costly repairs.
By working with professional paving contractors, you can prevent minor issues from escalating into significant problems.
We’ll explore how winter weather wreaks havoc on your asphalt driveway and discuss key repair solutions offered by expert asphalt paving contractors.
The Impact Of Winter Weather On Asphalt Driveways
1. Freeze-Thaw Cycles
The most damaging winter element for asphalt surfaces is the freeze-thaw cycle. Asphalt is a porous material meaning that water from rain or melted snow can easily penetrate the surface.
When temperatures drop below freezing, the water within these pores expands causing the asphalt to crack and deteriorate. Once the ice melts, it leaves behind cracks where more water can enter, restarting the damaging cycle.
This freeze-thaw cycle is especially common in regions like British Columbia, where fluctuating temperatures between day and night exacerbate the problem.
The constant expansion and contraction of water within the asphalt weakens the surface leading to cracks and potholes.
2. Heavy Snow And Ice
Snow and ice add significant weight to your driveway, which can stress the asphalt surface. When vehicles drive over snow-covered or icy driveways, the pressure can cause weak points in the asphalt to crack or sink leading to dips or uneven surfaces.
Moreover, ice that forms over cracks can worsen the damage as it solidifies, increasing the pressure inside the cracks. Without proper repair, these small cracks can spread, turning into larger structural issues.
3. De-icing Chemicals
While de-icing salts and chemicals are essential for keeping driveways and roads safe in the winter, they can also be harmful to asphalt.
These chemicals work by melting snow and ice, but they also penetrate the surface of asphalt leading to erosion and the breakdown of the binder that holds the material together.
If you apply de-icing salts regularly, you may notice small pockmarks or surface crumbling, which can weaken the integrity of your driveway over time.
Professional asphalt paving contractors recommend using alternative, less abrasive de-icing solutions to minimize damage.
4. Snow Plowing
Snow plowing is a necessary task in winter but if done incorrectly – it can damage asphalt surfaces. Plow blades that are set too low or are improperly aligned can scrape the surface of your driveway causing scratches, cracks or even gouging out chunks of asphalt.
Ensuring that snow removal is done carefully or hiring professionals who understand how to avoid damaging the asphalt is essential for maintaining a smooth surface.
Key Repair Solutions From Professional Asphalt Paving Contractors
When your asphalt driveway is compromised by winter weather, addressing the damage as soon as possible is crucial to preventing further deterioration.
Here are some of the most effective asphalt repair solutions offered by professional asphalt paving contractors:
1. Crack Sealing
Crack sealing is one of the most common and effective repair solutions during winter. It involves filling small to medium cracks with specialized sealants to prevent water from entering the asphalt.
Since water penetration is the leading cause of asphalt damage in winter, sealing cracks early can prevent further deterioration caused by the freeze-thaw cycle.
Professional asphalt paving contractors recommend scheduling crack sealing before winter or early in the season to ensure that your driveway is protected against moisture and ice damage.
2. Pothole Repairs
Potholes are more than just an eyesore—they pose a safety risk to vehicles and pedestrians alike. During winter, potholes often form due to freeze-thaw cycles and can grow larger if left unaddressed.
Asphalt paving contractors use different methods to repair potholes including cold or infrared patching. Cold patching is a quick, temporary solution commonly used in the winter months when temperatures are too low for permanent repairs.
Infrared patching, on the other hand, uses heat to blend new asphalt with the existing surface, providing a more seamless and durable repair.
3. Resurfacing
For driveways that have sustained more significant damage resurfacing might be the best option. Resurfacing involves applying a new layer of asphalt over the existing surface restoring its structural integrity and appearance.
This solution is ideal for driveways with widespread cracking or wear, but where the underlying base is still solid. Resurfacing not only improves the driveway’s look but also extends its lifespan by sealing off cracks and preventing further water damage.
4. Full-Depth Reclamation
In cases of severe damage, where the base of the driveway is also compromised, a full-depth reclamation may be necessary. This method involves removing the existing asphalt and reusing the materials to create a new base layer before repaving the surface.
Though more costly and time-consuming than crack sealing or resurfacing, full-depth reclamation is a long-term solution for heavily damaged asphalt driveways that are beyond repair.
5. Preventive Maintenance
The best way to avoid costly repairs is to invest in preventive maintenance. Professional asphalt paving contractors offer routine inspections and minor repairs to ensure your driveway remains in good condition year-round. By identifying issues early, you can prevent winter weather from exacerbating existing problems.
Preventive measures such as sealing and applying a protective topcoat, can also shield your asphalt from the damaging effects of UV rays, rain, and snow.
How To Protect Your Asphalt Driveway During Winter
While repairs are essential when damage occurs, there are several steps you can take to protect your driveway from winter weather.
Here are some tips from professional asphalt paving contractors to keep your driveway in top shape during the colder months:
- Keep Your Driveway Clear of Debris: Remove leaves, twigs, and other debris from your driveway to prevent water from pooling and freezing.
- Avoid Using Harsh De-icing Chemicals: Use alternatives to traditional de-icing salts, such as sand or cat litter, to avoid damaging the asphalt.
- Shovel Snow Regularly: Keep your driveway clear of snow and ice to reduce the stress on your asphalt surface.
- Schedule an Inspection: Have a professional inspect your driveway for cracks or weak spots before winter sets in, so you can address any issues early.
About Kingsway Paving
At Kingsway Paving, we specialize in providing high-quality asphalt paving and repair services across British Columbia. With years of experience, we are your go-to professional asphalt paving contractors, offering a range of services designed to keep your driveways, parking lots, and walkways in pristine condition.
From asphalt repairs and crack sealing to complete resurfacing projects, we use state-of-the-art techniques and materials to ensure the longevity of your asphalt surfaces, even during the harsh winter months.
To learn more about our services, visit our About Us page or Contact Us for a consultation today!
