As the weather cools, many homeowners are getting ready for winter. One of the sharpest things to do is prepare your asphalt pavement before it starts snowing and sticking! This blog post from Garden State Paving & Seal Coating, LLC will discuss how to maintain your asphalt pavement in Mt. Laurel, NJ, in the fall. You’ll skip the anxiety over large cracks and other damage in the spring and summer.
No. 1: Clean Up Debris
The most straightforward and most essential step to maintaining your asphalt pavement is to clean up any debris on the surface. This includes leaves, branches, and other objects that can damage the pavement. It’s essential to do this before winter sets in so that you don’t have to worry about snow or ice sticking to the surface.
Don’t forget to check any drains for debris so that water can flow freely. This is particularly important if you have gutters on your parking lot or driveway designed to allow the drainage of any standing water.
No. 2: Check for Potholes
These fat guys can be a real pain in the tire, and they seem to pop up out of nowhere. If you find any potholes on your pavement, be sure to fix them as soon as possible. Potholes can cause severe damage to your car if you hit one, not to mention the safety hazard they pose.
You can choose from many options to fix potholes, but the most common is asphalt patching. This technique involves removing the damaged asphalt and replacing it with new asphalt. While you could use hot mix asphalt or cold patch, another option would be to use infrared patching.
This asphalt repair method uses infrared technology to heat the asphalt and repair it through melting. It will not only save you time and money but can also be done in cold temperatures in case you need to do repairs during the winter.
No. 3: Repair Cracks
Both working and non-working cracks in your asphalt should be fixed before the winter season.
Working cracks allow horizontal or vertical movements greater than 0.1 inches. They require crack sealing, which is done by applying a hot sealant to the crack.
Non-working cracks are those that allow movement lesser than 0.1 inches. Since they are less severe than working cracks, their procedure follows crack filling, where asphalt emulsion is poured into the gap.
No. 4: Protect from Snow and Ice
One way to protect your asphalt pavement from the harsh winter weather and ice is by using gravel or sand spread over the pavement. This creates a physical barrier that prevents ice from bonding to the asphalt surface and increases traction for vehicles driving on it.
Gravel or sand is also better than de-icers, as they don’t melt the ice and make your pavement a slip hazard.
The Gist
Asphalt maintenance is no joke, and it’s imperative to do in the fall before winter hits. By following some of these tips, you can help prolong the life of your asphalt pavement – and avoid any costly repairs down the line!
If you’re looking for asphalt paving in Mt. Laurel, NJ, Garden State Paving & Seal Coating, LLC provides reliable and affordable services.
