The Top Tricks for Fixing Asphalt After Winter Damage

Fixing Asphalt After Winter Damage

Asphalt is an affordable and reliable surface material for parking lots, driveways, and roadways, but that doesn’t mean it is invincible. This is especially true after cold, harsh winter damage puts extra stress upon the asphalt and causes cracks and holes to form. As soon as the last snow melts and the thermometer rises well above freezing, it is time to make plans to repair damaged asphalt on your property. The longer you wait, the worse the problems will become.

The Importance of Fixing Asphalt

Winter damage can really hurt asphalt, especially if it’s an especially icy season. Salt, sand, and pellets that are commonly used to pour on icy driveways may do their job effectively, but at the cost of eating away at the asphalt underneath the ice. As cracks form in the asphalt, water is able to seep underneath. During each freeze and thaw cycle for the remainder of the season, that water inside the asphalt expands and contracts accordingly. This results in pushing the asphalt up and breaking it into cracks. When enough cracks form and chip away, a pothole is created. If you attend to any of these problems as quickly as possible, you will stop the cycle of damage and maintain an attractive, cohesive asphalt surface.

Sealcoating

Sealcoating covers old, damaged asphalt with a new asphalt emulsion spray. Freshly sealed asphalt boasts a restored, dark black color and improved structural integrity. Before sealcoating begins, all cracks caused by winter weather need to be individually patched and sealed by pouring a filling into the cracks larger than ½” wide. The combined efforts of filling cracks and sealcoating your driveway will make any signs of winter damage disappear, and your driveway will remain in excellent condition.

Rather than worrying about filling asphalt cracks and sealcoating yourself, allow a professional team to do the work for you. Jireh Asphalt and Concrete has been serving Seattle, Everett, Kirkland, Redmond, and Woodinville, Washington for more than ten years with the highest quality asphalt and concrete services. Give the Jireh team a call today at (425) 678-2632 to schedule service for your winter-damaged asphalt.