Weather events in Canada caused over 3 billion dollars in insured damage in 2022. So, it's important to keep your property as protected as possible. That includes your pavement.
Are you trying to keep the pavement around your home or business in perfect condition? We can help. Read on for the best tips we have on how to protect pavement.
1. Clear Snow Promptly
Try to begin snow removal as soon as the snowfall ends. It will prevent the snow from compacting and turning into ice, making it easier to remove.
This reduces the risk of slipping or falling. It will also prevent damage to your pavement.
Even after clearing snow, there may still be residual ice or slippery patches. Apply sand, kitty litter, or a non-corrosive ice melt product to provide traction in these icy areas. Avoid using rock salt or other corrosive substances, as they can damage the pavement.
2. Repair Cracks and Potholes
Before winter arrives, inspect your pavement for any cracks or potholes and repair them promptly. Water can seep into these openings, freeze, and cause further damage during winter.
Before repairing any cracks or potholes, ensure the pavement is clean and free of debris, dirt, and loose material. Use a broom, brush, or air blower to clean the surface thoroughly.
For smaller pavement cracks, use a crack sealer specifically designed for asphalt or concrete surfaces. Fill the crack with the sealer using a caulking gun or pour it directly into the crack. Smooth the surface using a trowel or putty knife. Then, let the sealer cure.
3. Provide Proper Drainage
For proper pavement protection, you'll need to ensure that your pavement has proper drainage systems to prevent water from pooling and freezing. Clear gutters, downspouts, and storm drains of debris to allow water to flow freely.
Keep an eye on your pavement during rainfall or snowmelt events. Observe how water flows and identify any areas where water may be collecting or not draining properly. Address these issues promptly to prevent long-term damage.
Properly grading your pavement helps water naturally flow away from the surface. The pavement should be slightly sloped to direct water towards designated drainage areas, preventing pooling and accumulation.
4. Use The Right Materials
There are different chemicals and products you should use or not use to protect pavement.
Apply a sealant or protective coating to your pavement in winter. It helps create a barrier against moisture and prevents the formation of cracks and potholes.
Some chemicals, like certain de-icers or solvents, can damage pavement surfaces. Choose products that are specifically designed for use on concrete or for protecting asphalt.
5. Schedule Professional Maintenance
Professional pavement maintenance companies have the knowledge and experience to assess the condition of your pavement accurately. They can identify possible problems and recommend the appropriate steps to protect it during winter.
They can develop a customized maintenance plan for your asphalt protection, outlining the recommended maintenance activities throughout the winter season. This proactive approach helps identify potential issues early on and prevents major problems from arising.
6. Check Back Regularly
Throughout the winter, inspect your pavements regularly for signs of damage or deterioration. Address any problems you see quickly to prevent them from worsening.
Look for things like frost heave, pitting, rutting, new drainage problems, spalling, or scaling. If you're unsure what you should be watching out for, you can search for images online to use as examples.
Protect Pavement: Start Today
Clearly, there are many great ways to protect pavement from winter weather. Hopefully, you now have enough info to get started.
Do you need new blacktop in the Greater Vancouver area? Contact Custom Blacktop today for a quote.