It seems cracked pavement and winter just go together, though it’s unfortunate for property owners. If your pavement has seen its share of cracks during the winter, you may be wondering why. Understanding why the winter weather can negatively impact your asphalt is key in preventing further problems.
Cracks Should Be Filled Routinely
A crack that remains for a long period of time will turn into a bigger, deeper crack. It could also fill with water, which could freeze and thaw multiple times, causing the base and the surface even more damage. Crack filling should be part of your regular asphalt maintenance service. If you have a crack, it should be filled right away. While winter does pose certain problems for getting it done, there are typically some dry enough days that you can have a temporary fill in place until the weather becomes good enough for a more permanent solution.
Freezing and Thawing Are Typically Why Cracks Happen
Cracked pavement in the winter doesn’t mean you aren’t doing your part to care for your property. Even new asphalt can crack in the winter because of how harsh the changing temperatures can be on it. The freeze and thaw cycle is something that causes a majority of winter cracks. When just a small break in the asphalt collects water, the changing temperatures cause it to freeze and thaw, pushing against the asphalt and breaking it up.
Snow Removal Could Damage Your Asphalt
Keep in mind the way you handle snow removal could also play a role in having cracked pavement. Ice melts are a great tool in getting rid of slippery areas that could cause injury. However, they create that thaw that allows water into small breaks in the asphalt, which begins the freeze-thaw cycle. Snowplows that scrape the pavement could also break up small portions of it, which can lead to bigger cracks. On the other hand, if the snow doesn’t get plowed, the pressure of the snow could push the pavement out of shape.
Dealing With Your Winter Pavement Issues
As a property owner, you have a responsibility to care for your pavement, no matter what time of year it is. To get help with your winter pavement issues, contact NVM Paving & Concrete. Call 703-423-0471 or email us today to learn more!
