Preparing Your Asphalt for Rough Raleigh Winters

If you have any asphalt surfaces on your property, they need to be prepared for the coming winter. Raleigh winters can be nasty, and the combination of ice and freezing temperatures can cause serious damage to asphalt if it isn’t properly prepared. Winterize your asphalt now, so you won’t have to call for Raleigh asphalt repair services in in the spring.

Asphalt Needs Protection From Freezing Weather

Why is winter so hard on asphalt? In short, because asphalt is full of small holes that snow and water can seep into. Then when it freezes, the water within the asphalt expands, damaging the interior structure and making it easy for cracks or potholes to form.

Here’s a quick guide for winterizing your asphalt.

1. Repair any existing damage

If your asphalt already has cracks or holes, winter will make them much worse. Small cracks will turn into big cracks by the spring. It’s a good idea to call a Raleigh paving contractor before winter hits, to have any damage fixed. The repair bill will be much lower than if you wait until spring.

2. Sealcoat your asphalt

The best way to protect asphalt from the weather is sealcoating, which lays down a hard layer over top of the asphalt which keeps water and other contaminants out. This will allow it to survive winter with minimal damage. Asphalt should be sealcoated every 2-3 years, to extend its lifespan as much as possible. 

3. Clean the asphalt well

Even if your asphalt is sealcoated, do not allow autumn debris like leaves and branches to pile up on the surface. If left alone, they can be pushed into the asphalt by moving vehicles, or the weight of snow on them, causing damage. Small rocks and sticks are a particular danger. If they get pushed into the asphalts surface, they create a wedge which can easily cause a crack to form.

4. Ensure good drainage

You don’t want water pooling on your asphalt if you can help it. Does your asphalt still properly allow water to run off to its edges? Check after a rainstorm, and see if the water is pooling anywhere – or just hose it down yourself as an experiment. If water is pooling on the surface, without draining, you might want to call in professionals to re-level your asphalt before winter hits. Again, the costs will be cheaper in autumn, rather than waiting for spring.

5. Keep snow cleared during winter

Finally, once winter hits properly, try not to allow snow to pile up on it for too long. Do what you can to keep it clear. This won’t just make it easier to use in snowy weather; it’ll also further decrease the chances of damage being done during freezing weather.

Blalock Paving is Raleigh’s leader in residential driveway repair and other asphalt repair services. We’ve been proudly serving the Triangle since 1968, and we’re always here to ensure your pavement is in great shape! 

Contact us to receive a free estimate on your work.