Why Winters Are A Bad Time For Asphalt Surfaces In Wisconsin
Page 4 – Picketts Paving LLC
December 15, 2021 at 2:45 PM
The cold winters in Wisconsin make it challenging to work with asphalt. So what does this mean for people who live in areas where winter is long and brutal? It means that they have to wait until the weather warms up before tinkering with their asphalt pavement. This doesn’t just apply to homeowners or businesses, but also construction companies that rely on warm weather to do their jobs.
In this post, we will discuss why winters are a terrible time for everything asphalt in Wisconsin!
1) Damaging Freeze-Thaw Cycle
The fluctuating temperature during the fall season can impact your asphalt pavement. The freeze-thaw cycle is hugely damaging to asphalt. The water that seeps through cracks freezes and expands to the point where it can cause even more cracks. If water freezes below ground, the pressure will work its way up and sometimes cause the pavement to buckle or lift off the foundation.
Winter means road crews have extra challenges performing their regular duties, such as snow plowing and salting roads after a storm.
2) Asphalt Damage You Need to Look Out for During the Winter Season
Asphalt is very susceptible to water damage. Even a tiny crack in your asphalt pavement can cause significant problems later on down the road if left unnoticed. Common asphalt problems in the winter season include crack development, fading surface, and asphalt buckling.
3) Why Is It Important to Have Proper Sub-Base Installation?
The sub-base of asphalt pavement is composed of crushed rock, gravel, and sand. It acts as the foundation for the entire pavement.
Having a proper sub-base installation goes beyond just adding strength to your pavement; it ensures that you can drive safely on top of it during any season or weather condition. An asphalt pavement with a weak sub-base is vulnerable to severe damage during the winter months.
What do You Need to Do to Protect your Asphalt Pavement in the Winters?
You need to be proactive in your pavement protection measures. Having a professional company like Pickett’s Paving LLC seal coat the pavement before the winter season ensures that all moisture is sealed and cannot cause further damage. You can also use salt and other de-icing agents to prevent the pavement from freezing. Salt also ensures that your pavement is not too slippery when it snows.
Remember to clean your pavement after a snowfall if there is any salt residue left behind. Salt can damage the surface of asphalt and cause it to lose its smooth texture.
If you have an old asphalt driveway or road that’s been damaged by winter weather conditions, then you should consider seal coating it every two years. This adds a minimal cost to your budget but provides long-term protection from extreme weather condition damages! You’ll be surprised at how much better the simple seal coat procedure works when compared with other methods.
Asphalt damage is a common phenomenon during the winter season in LaCrosse, WI. Be a little proactive in your pavement protection measures and hire the professional services of Pickett’s Paving LLC. We ensure your pavement is ready for the winter challenges. Get a free quote and enjoy our superior asphalt paving and maintenance services.
The post Why Winters Are A Bad Time For Asphalt Surfaces In Wisconsin appeared first on Picketts Paving LLC.
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