By The winter season is damaging to numerous surfaces surrounding your property, especially to your driveway, sidewalks, and other surfaces made of asphalt. Water freezes and turns into ice while also creating puddles that can sit for long periods of time. Initially, it may appear as if it does not pose a big problem, but over time, it can begin to cause severe damage to your asphalt surfaces. If neglected, it can cause cracks, sinkholes, and damage that is much more severe.
The positive news is that there are plenty of ways to protect your asphalt from winter damage, and there are professionals who can address any damage that may have already occurred. If homeowners take the time to learn the ways in which winter weather impacts asphalt surfaces, it will be much easier to keep their driveways in good condition.
The Impact of Weather on Asphalt
1. Snow and Ice
Snow can cover your entire driveway. While asphalt can withstand some weight, heavy snow and ice over time can make small cracks bigger. The snow and ice can cause the asphalt to become separated. Over time, this can cause severe damage to your driveway through something called the freeze-thaw cycle.
Even if you remove the snow, small particles that are left over can all cause small cracks to grow. The appearance of the asphalt can be increased, and the cracks and holes can create a dangerous driving and walking hazard.
2. Ice Melt Chemicals
To remove snow and ice, some people use icy and snow-melting agents and even rock salt. While these agents can be helpful, they can also be very harmful to the asphalt and can make it brittle. You can also use rock salt and icy melting agents, but do not overuse them. It is better to use a more expensive snow-melting product that is less harsh on the asphalt.
3. Standing Water
Water that collects in puddles on your driveway is problematic. It can gradually infiltrate gaps in your asphalt. When it freezes, it can lift the asphalt and create gaps or sinking spots. Water can also wash away the soil beneath the asphalt, causing the surface to become uneven.
Homeowners can reduce this issue by ensuring that water is directed away from their driveways. Professionals who provide Residential Asphalt Installation and Repair Services can also help in solving the problem of water drainage in specific areas, thereby maintaining the integrity and flatness of your asphalt.
Indications That Your Asphalt Requires Repair
It is best to identify issues before they become worse. Some issues that can arise in asphalt include:
- Creating Cracks: Shallow marks that can develop into larger issues.
- Potholes: Gaps in the asphalt that are dangerous when driving or walking.
- Hollow Areas: A region that is at a lower level compared to other parts.
- Pooled Water: Water that is stagnant and is not draining properly.
Problems are easier and less expensive to repair before complete failure occurs. Noticing such signs indicates that a repair service is warranted.
Professional Services
In some cases, homeowners require specialists to properly repair their asphalt. In order to make driveways strong and smooth, professionals have the necessary specialized equipment, as well as the knowledge and skills.
Here are some ways that professionals can assist you:
- Crack Sealing: Filling small cracks can prevent water from penetrating and worsening the cracks.
- Patching: Repairing holes that would require the replacement of an entire driveway saves time and money.
- Resurfacing: When an additional layer of asphalt is added, the driveway looks and feels brand new.
Another sage service is Residential Chip Sealing. It applies a thin sealant that temporarily protects the asphalt from water and ice, which prolongs the driveway’s lifespan. Chip sealing is an excellent way to protect asphalt driveways from winter.
All of these, as well as other professional services, help homeowners avoid costly repairs and keep the driveway looking nice and safe for cars, bikes, and pedestrians.
Tips for Homeowners to Protect Asphalt
There are a few actions homeowners can take to ensure the value of their asphalt throughout the winter. The following are direct recommendations.
- Rapid Snow Removal: Snow should be moved immediately after a snowfall. This will prevent ice from crystallizing, as well as reducing the overall weight of your driveway.
- Monitor Drainage: Ensure that water can flow away from the driveway. If necessary, adjust drainage pipes, gutter systems, or the slope of the surrounding area.
- Use Asphalt Safe Ice Melt: Avoid using large quantities of road salt or other hazardous chemicals. Choose an ice melt that is safe for asphalt.
- Frequent Inspection: Examine for the presence of cracks, holes, or standing water both prior to and following the winter season.
- Timely Repair Small Issues: Do not allow cracks to propagate or holes to form. Small repairs are more economical and will save time.
For homeowners who desire additional assistance, Top Texas Asphalt Services offers maintenance and repair services. They keep driveways safe and essentially sound throughout the year. They can perform routine inspections, make necessary repairs, and provide asphalt surface protection before winter.
The Importance of Early Action
Homeowners often fix their asphalt too late in the game, and that can be costly. If water leaks into a small crack, it can expand and turn into a massive hole after one winter. By acting early, homeowners can save money and avoid big repairs.
A smooth driveway is safer. No one wants to trip over cracks or drive into a pothole. Early action means your driveway is safe for cars, bikes, and everyone walking.
Final Remarks
Homeowners can not avoid the winter months, but they can avoid the effects the winter months have on their asphalt. The bad weather can cause cracks, potholes, and sinking areas in asphalt. But homeowners have many ways to protect their driveways.
Avoid delaying actions that can be taken to stop winter damage from getting worse. Attend your asphalt, clear away snow, use safe ice melt, and be sure to contact professionals. With winter, your asphalt can be taken care of to last many more years and increase the safety and appeal of your home. Feel free to contact us for asphalt services.
