Should You Reseal After Every Harsh Winter Season?

How Often Should You Reseal Asphalt

Sealcoating is designed to protect pavement year-round and to prevent cold weather from damaging your asphalt during the winter months. There are some unique factors to consider when determining if your property needs a new coat of sealer, however, the standard timeframe is every 2-3 years. Every few years, a sealcoating will have worn off enough that it no longer acts as a shield for the asphalt pavement. By resealing your driveway or parking lot, you reinforce the top layer and reduce the likelihood of needing unnecessary repairs.

Sometimes in regions that experience harsh winters, asphalt may need repair work done more frequently. If the asphalt pavement needs intense or frequent repairs, you should consider having a new coating applied to reduce the wear and tear caused by the combination of extreme temperatures and high moisture.

Sealcoating reduces the likelihood that your asphalt pavement will be damaged by freezing moisture, road salt, engine oil, gasoline, UV rays, and extreme temperatures. If ignored, an asphalt pavement needing maintenance only gets worse, so don’t hesitate to contact Tolliver & Curl for an estimate.

Protecting Your Asphalt with Sealcoating

A sealcoating protects asphalt from getting damaged, which would reduce the stability and strength of the pavement as a whole. Because all types of pavement are susceptible to similar wear and tear problems, we recommend that all pavement be treated with a protective coating.

Some may think asphalt is strong enough to handle the weather, but without a proper sealcoating, moisture can cause cracking and damage the substrate. Asphalt can accrue damage from the natural environmental conditions, general use from cars, and the harsh oils and chemicals that may come from vehicles. Keep your driveway, parking lot, and sidewalk pavements safe with an asphalt sealcoating.

Most property owners don’t realize that even UV radiation from the sun can damage asphalt. Without sealcoating, a chemical reaction may occur that can lead to deterioration and cracking. The more asphalt is cracked and damaged, the more susceptible it is to further harm. Cracks, potholes, and general wear all create more vulnerabilities in the pavement. Moisture is one of the biggest culprits of asphalt damage, often causing cracking to occur and potholes to appear. Protecting your asphalt pavement greatly reduces any chance of future issues.

The Consequences of Winter on Asphalt Pavement

In areas of the country similar to Ohio, asphalt needs protection during the winter season. Some common de-icing products can be harmful to asphalt and will damage it over time. The freeze-thaw cycling that occurs during the winter months causes pockets of moisture within the pavement to expand and shrink, forcing the asphalt apart. Frequent use of snow plows can gradually wear away the top layer of asphalt, making the pavement more susceptible to wear and tear.

Even a well-maintained asphalt pavement that has no cracks or potholes can be significantly damaged throughout winter. Every time the surface is cracked, worn in, or damaged, it allows moisture inside, which will weaken the structural integrity and cause further erosion. We encourage all of our customers to have maintenance and repairs done before winter, and to schedule a sealcoating ahead of time to ensure your pavement is protected. To learn more about Tolliver & Curl Paving and the services we provide, check out our website or contact us today.

Asphalt Maintenance before and after Winter

Keeping up with asphalt maintenance throughout the year greatly reduces the likelihood that you will need major repairs done. In the northern states, winter is the harshest season for asphalt, which is a good reason to prepare for the extreme weather. The winter cold, snow, and ice buildup all damage asphalt, especially when the sealcoating has become worn down.

To prepare your asphalt pavement for winter, make sure all of your general maintenance is up to date. This includes patching cracks, filling potholes, and having a professional contractor do a thorough inspection. If the time has come to replace your sealcoating, it’s important to schedule it ahead of winter so the weather temperatures are still within the appropriate range.

These steps are especially important as the pavement ages. Being diligent with maintenance and repairs helps keep the pavement robust and protected. Ignoring maintenance needs only results in larger repairs that cost more and require more time to complete. Check with Tolliver & Curl Paving to get your asphalt repairs and sealcoating schedule ahead of extreme seasonal weather!

Working with Professional Asphalt Contractors

We are approached by many asking us to fix amateur asphalt pavements because they simply don’t hold up. Asphalt that has been improperly installed may not drain correctly, which can cause the aggregate base layer to be washed away, and in turn, we see the asphalt crumble. Cracks and potholes quickly form when the asphalt’s foundation is compromised, and the issues quickly spread.

Professional pavement contractors make sure asphalt is poured correctly the first time. This includes preparing the ground, laying down substrate, preparing and pouring the binder, and properly connecting the pavement to existing surfaces when necessary. Professionals can also make calls on weather conditions, which, if too cold, can cause the pavement to become brittle and lose its strength. Asphalt is a strong and durable material, and when properly executed, should last many years. It’s our job as professionals to provide a high-quality product that customers can rely on for many seasons.

Whether you’re looking to have asphalt installed on your commercial or residential property, Tolliver & Curl Paving offers professional asphalt and sealcoating services. Contact us to receive a free estimate for your asphalt needs, including new construction, maintenance, and sealcoating.

Tolliver & Curl Paving: Estimates for Sealcoating and Maintenance

With over seven decades of experience, Tolliver & Curl Paving has provided asphalt and concrete services to Central Ohio. We provide professional work with the highest standards and value building relationships with our clients that last for decades. As a local asphalt company, we can provide follow-up care and maintenance for our clients to ensure that their pavement surfaces are strong and have a long lifespan. We have paved roads, parking lots, and driveways across Columbus and continue to service these sites today. We offer both residential and commercial services, including installation, maintenance, repairs, and sealcoating. If you have any questions regarding sealcoating or need your pavement coated, contact our offices today.