Winter Challenges In Commercial Paving And Preparation

The Timing of Commercial Asphalt Paving

Best Seasons for Paving Asphalt

Asphalt paving is typically avoided during the coldest parts of winter, especially if snow or ice has accumulated. One of the big challenges with asphalt paving is the timing because you can’t pave asphalt when the ground is frozen. Even in early spring, there is a chance the weather will shift quickly and cause snow to fall or ice to form. Paving towards the end of spring is safer because there is an unlikely chance the temperatures will fluctuate rapidly in the area. Waiting for better weather conditions will only benefit everyone involved, help the asphalt materials cure properly, and produce better quality pavement. Rushing asphalt paving will increase the likelihood of repairs and weakening of asphalt materials.

Best Weather Conditions for Paving Asphalt

When asphalt is being paved, the materials are typically very hot, and the cold weather causes the materials to cool too quickly. Any temperatures below the mid-50s are not ideal conditions for asphalt paving. When the temperature is below freezing, the asphalt can cool far too quickly and won’t properly bind to the substrate beneath it. The substrate can move beneath the surface letting water in, and erosion can happen from underneath.

The Ideal Climate

Dry, warm air creates an ideal scenario for asphalt paving. When pouring asphalt, it’s important to schedule the day when the temperatures are stable and there is no precipitation in the forecast. Rain, ice, snow, and sleet can all impact how quickly the asphalt cools and whether or not it binds correctly. Anytime asphalt cools too quickly, the entire pavement becomes susceptible to cracking and ultimately crumbling. If we ever do any asphalt paving in winter, we’re looking for weeks with warm, dry temperatures and clear skies.

Asphalt Pavement Winter Preparation

As any asphalt ages, it requires more attention and diligence to keep it in great shape. Asphalt is most susceptible to damage during the winter when the harsh elements can weaken the material. By having a professional paving service inspect your pavement before winter and implement necessary repairs and maintenance, you can increase its longevity. Filling cracks and potholes before winter will help reduce the impacts of the freeze-thaw cycle. By preventing moisture from getting into the materials of the pavement you are protecting it from being broken up and weakened. Sealcoating will typically be applied during the warmer months, so before the fall begins, have a professional inspect your pavement to see if it’s ready for a new coat. Sealcoating is one of the best ways to prepare your pavement for winter. Don’t hesitate to have a professional look over your property. Our contractors are trained to locate weak points on pavement and have extensive knowledge of what is necessary to keep asphalt strong throughout the winter.

The Freeze-Thaw Cycle

Low temperatures in the winter can cause a shocking amount of destruction on asphalt pavement. One of the most damaging natural occurrences for asphalt is the freeze-thaw cycle. Moisture and water penetrate porous parts of the pavement surface, and when the water eventually freezes, it expands. As the temperature fluctuates, the water freezes and thaws over and over again. Any water that is trapped in the asphalt or substrate will expand and shrink as the temperatures shift. Because of these shifts, cracks expand over time, filling with more water and expanding to even larger sizes. This process quickly worsens because each time a crack is forced open by the freezing water, the pavement becomes more susceptible to further destruction. Ideally, your road should never have standing water on it, but this is especially harmful in winter when the water can drain into the surface and begin destroying the structural integrity of the pavement.

Winter Maintenance & Repair

Cold-mix asphalt is a product that is designed to be used throughout the entire year. Unless the temperatures are abnormally extreme, cold-mix asphalt can be used to repair cracks, fill potholes, and maintain driveways and roads. Cold-mix asphalt can’t be paved, so it is strictly used for small repairs. If asphalt is damaged during the winter, a small repair can help keep the issue from spreading until the warmer months, when more extensive maintenance can be performed. Damage that goes unrepaired only gets worse with time, and the problem grows exponentially. By not falling behind with repairs and maintenance, you will save money in the long term and keep your pavement sturdy.

Protecting Asphalt From the Winter Elements

Of all the ways you can prepare an asphalt surface for winter, sealcoating is the most effective. Sealcoating is the process of adding a layer to the surface that is designed to repel water and stop it from soaking into the pavement. Depending on the weather, temperatures, wear-and-tear, and the age of your pavement, we recommend sealcoating every 3-5 years.

Installing the pavement correctly can greatly reduce the issues we face in winter. When a pavement doesn’t have proper drainage, water can pool and seep into the surface. Melting snow, rain, and general moisture all play a role in eroding the asphalt away through the freeze-thaw cycle. Having your pavement contractors come and repair cracks will also help significantly, especially if cracks are caught early before they increase in size.

The Value of Choosing a Local Pavement Company

When having pavement poured in colder regions there is value in working with a local company. Local companies have a long-time understanding of the regional weather conditions and have stronger discernment regarding best practices.

A local pavement company will understand the unique specifications and requirements a job may need to withstand the climate shifts throughout the winter. As local concrete and asphalt professionals, we take pride in our pavements all over the city and want to ensure our name is synonymous with quality. A local commercial paving business wants to do its best work for every client and help them to continue maintaining their pavement for many years. To work with a local concrete and asphalt paving company, contact Tolliver & Curl.

Tolliver & Curl Asphalt Paving

Tolliver & Curl offers pavement services for asphalt and concrete. If you’re looking for a local company that provides asphalt paving, maintenance, repairs, resurfacing, sealcoating, crack filling, and more, contact us today. We handle commercial and residential paving across Central Ohio and have been serving our community for over 70 years. Contact the Tolliver & Curl offices today to request an estimate for your next pavement project.