Asphalt Paving & Snow Preparation
Asphalt Paving & Snow Preparation
Winter can be very unkind to your asphalt pavement. Every spring, asphalt contractors field numerous calls from customers who are shocked at how badly their pavements deteriorated between the time that the first leaf fell and the last icy patch melted. If you want your asphalt pavement to survive the winter in the best possible condition, you should take the necessary steps to prepare for the virtually inevitable snow that falls in the Cape Cod area during a typical year.
Asphalt Paving & Snow Preparation – Have Repairs Made Quickly
If you neglected to have cracks and potholes mended earlier in the year, you may still have time to take care of them if you act quickly. Breaks in your pavement will allow water to reach the supporting foundation. The movement of the water and the freeze/thaw cycle will erode the foundation, allowing the pavement to subside, which can lead to alligator cracking and extensive potholes.
Asphalt Paving & Snow Preparation – Clean Your Pavement
Debris can freeze to your pavement and damage its surface. It can also interfere with the safe operation of snowplows. Furthermore, a thorough cleaning allows you to identify any issues that require repairs prior to the arrival of the first snowflake.
Asphalt Paving & Snow Preparation – Identify Areas Where Water Pools
Low spots and potholes are ideal reservoirs for standing water. Standing water increases the chances of water penetrating to the foundation and damaging it, but once the water freezes and expands, it can exert pressure on the pavement. The pressure can cause new cracks to develop or enlarge existing cracks and potholes. Furthermore, the surface ice can pose a danger to pedestrians and drivers. Try to have the problem corrected before freezing temperatures arrive, but if that is impossible, see if you can establish a plan to remove standing water before it turns to ice.
Asphalt Paving & Snow Preparation – Use Chemicals Sparingly
De-icing chemicals can be convenient when you want to make your pavement safer, but not all of them are suitable for use on asphalt pavement. Although salt and de-icing chemicals will not break down asphalt pavement if it is in good condition, if the pavement is already damaged, de-icing agents can exacerbate the issues. De-icing agents allow water to remain liquid at lower temperatures, so the freeze/thaw cycle no longer relies on temperatures fluctuating above freezing. Whenever possible, use sand to enhance traction; although sand will not melt ice that has already formed, the movement of the sand grains makes it more difficult for ice to form. If you are uncertain of which de-icing chemicals are best for asphalt pavement, consult an experienced, reputable contractor.
Asphalt Paving & Snow Preparation – Find a Contractor to Provide Professional Snow Removal
Snow removal should only be performed by someone who knows how to operate a snowplow without damaging your pavement. The time to line up a good snow-removal service is before the season’s first major storm. The last thing you want to be doing during a heavy snowfall is trying to interview potential contractors. Making your decision before you need help can reduce the stress of trying to find someone to clear your pavement just when the providers are experiencing a particularly busy period.
If You Need Help to Meet Winter Challenges, Contact Dirtworks
At Dirtworks, we have been assisting Cape Cod customers with their paving needs for over two decades. We are a locally owned paving company offering snow removal, asphalt repairs, sealcoating, asphalt paving, milling, parking lot striping, site work and excavation services. Our credentials are impressive, our customer service is exceptional and our work is of the highest caliber. To request a free quote, call (508) 240-5541 or fill out the convenient online form.
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