The winter weather doesn’t just mean colder temperatures. It can also be hazardous to your asphalt pavement if not properly maintained. Once the snowy months start earnestly in Massachusetts, do you know what you’ll find in your parking lot or driveway once it begins to melt? Understanding the ways that the cold weather can impact your asphalt can help you prepare it to last.
The Freeze/Thaw Cycle
The reason why your asphalt may show signs of deterioration during the winter has everything to do with the freeze/thaw cycle. Your pavement will go through this cycle each winter, especially in areas with below-freezing temperatures over many days (just like those across Massachusetts). When water freezes it needs more space. This includes any water that has permeated the layers of your asphalt. According to POTHOLE.info “water wants about ten percent more space – 9.87 percent to be exact – when it goes from a liquid to a solid, frozen state”. If there was water inside any part of your asphalt, the frozen water will make it crack or make existing cracks even worse. The team at Cassidy Paving understands how the freeze/thaw cycle works and we can help you prepare for this inevitable cycle prior to the first snowfall.
Sub-Base Installation
Finding a certified and experienced asphalt contractor can be the difference between damage and intact pavement after a cold winter. If your sub-base and pavement are properly installed, they have a better chance of surviving through freeze/thaw cycles. Sub-base is very important to the integrity of the entire asphalt system. If you have a faulty foundation, you are more likely to face degradation, cracks, and potholes once snowy conditions happen. Thawing ice itself can cause issues for pavement. Pavement Interactive says that “as the ice melts and turns to liquid it cannot drain out of the soil fast enough and thus the subgrade becomes substantially weaker (less stiff) and tends to lose bearing capacity”.
Porous Asphalt
One way to avoid all of the aforementioned issues found with asphalt during winter is by installing porous rather than traditional pavement. Not only does porous pavement allow for water to move through it more easily, but it is also darker than other pavement and absorbs more heat allowing ice to thaw more quickly. Porous pavement helps you avoid cracks and potholes regardless of the season. It is also the most environmentally friendly option that you can find in asphalt. Cassidy Paving can help you discover the pros and cons of this pavement type for both residential and commercial customers.
Prepare for Winter
Winter does not have to be detrimental to your asphalt pavement. With the appropriate preparation and upkeep throughout the year, snow and ice won’t stand a chance. If you are looking for a plan to combat the Massachusetts winter, give Cassidy Paving a call today at 866-978-9788 for a free estimate. We also offer commercial snow removal that takes the guesswork on how accessible your building will be throughout the winter.