3 Steps to Prepare Asphalt Roads and Surfaces for Winter

Fall is right around the corner so now is the perfect time to start preparing for the cooler months. Winter temperatures bring ice and rain which can cause damage to asphalt surfaces. Start your checklist to reduce the risk of danger that can occur for motorists on your asphalt roadways and surfaces. 

1. Perform Asphalt Maintenance

Maintenance can prevent expensive repairs that winter may bring later down the road. Here are three steps that you can do to reduce the risk of repairing or replacing asphalt:

• Periodic Pressure Washing

Periodic pressure washing will ensure all dirt, debris, chemicals, and petroleum products are removed from your pavement’s surface. These chemicals and debris can easily be carried into cracks by water and snow, causing additional damage to your asphalt.

• Crack Sealing

In the cold temperatures of winter, pavement contracts and cracks become bigger while in the hot summer season, the pavement expands and closes the cracks. Therefore, crack repair should be done while the weather is still on your side. Taking care of cracked or deteriorated pavement now can minimize further damage during the winter freeze and the spring thaw.

• Sealcoating and Resurfacing

Sealcoating is crucial for preparing your asphalt for long, cold winter months. By sealing, the asphalt’s appearance and color will be preserved and its lifespan can be extended. Unsealed asphalt is susceptible to cracks which, if left untreated, can result in costly repairs of potholes or sub-layers. Resurfacing is the process of removing the topcoat of asphalt and replacing it. This makes the asphalt look new for a fraction of the price and is an ideal solution for surface-level damage on roadways.

2. Check for Water Damage

Excess water on roadways and asphalt property surfaces can cause damage and create safety issues like potholes or sinkholes. Drainage issues can occur for many reasons including excess street water, storm water damage or trench drainage systems. Contractors with professional drainage service experience can help you to find the source of your drainage problems and come up with the best solution to resolve them. We can provide ground and land drainage, retention basin construction, surface drainage systems, rainwater drainage, and standing water drainage, in addition to seepage pit installation.

3. Create a Snow and Ice Removal Plan

The trick to avoiding the wintry risks to buildings and surfaces is to be proactive and prepared before the season strikes. Fall is the ideal time to ensure you have a service provider ready to help you clear snow and ice during those rough winter storms ahead, keeping buildings, roads, and parking lots safe and accessible in the months ahead.

Our experienced crew at Team Cam is ready to tackle your fall maintenance projects on any commercial or municipal property or contract for winter snow and ice removal. We are dedicated to safety, quality, and client satisfaction. Call (443) 304-2237 or contact us online via the form below.