Asphalt Maintenance – Can I Resurface in Winter?
Winter weather is damaging to asphalt surfaces but, believe it or not, winter is the best time to call and schedule asphalt repairs for Spring and Summer. In this article you’ll learn why you shouldn’t wait until Winter to fix that giant pothole in your asphalt parking lot.
Can I Resurface My Asphalt Parking Lot in Winter?
Yes, but only if you live below the snowbelt. The frozen ground makes the task of asphalt repair nearly impossible during the winter months in most of the United States and the whole of Canada.
That is why you should schedule repairs to your asphalt pavement in the spring and summer months, well before the snow, and ice cause damage to your parking lot. Maintenance done now will save you the cost of more expensive repairs down the road.
Why You Should Schedule Asphalt Repairs For Spring & Summer
If you own or manage an asphalt parking lot, then it’s a more than good idea to schedule asphalt repairs during the spring and summer months, however, if you’re feeling proactive and don’t feel like waiting until spring, you can contact Rose Paving any time of year for an expert quote, consultation, cold patch and asphalt infrared repair.
- Optimal Paving Contractor Availability
Dependent on climate and weather conditions, the best time to schedule asphalt parking lot repair is between March and September, when the ground is not frozen and when weather conditions are the most favorable. Winter is considered the off-season for paving, which means it’s the best time to call for a quote and lock in rates for Spring. - Greater Access to Affordable Materials
The majority of asphalt and concrete plants in the United States and Canada are closed, or operate at minimal capacity during the winter. That means less access to materials and therefore higher costs. - Perfect Weather for Asphalt Repairs
Asphalt crack-sealing works best when the surface temperatures are above 40 degrees – well within the average Spring and Summer temperature for more than half of North America. In fact, for most of the US and Canada, late Spring is the optimal time for asphalt repair because the air temperature is typically 5 degrees above the dew line and humidity is below 85%. - Less Damage to Snow Removal Equipment
Asphalt surfaces that are riddled with cracks and potholes become dangerous when they are covered in snow – You can’t avoid a pothole that you can see. That’s why it’s very important that home and business owners not wait until there’s snow on the ground to repair their asphalt.There is also the issue of snow removal. Snow plows are heavy equipment that can inflict serious damage to your asphalt parking lot. They can also be damaged by potholes and large cracks that are strewn across your asphalt surface. The longer you wait to repair your asphalt, the more likely it is you will damage your snow plow when you attempt to clear any snow. - Extend the Lifespan of Your Asphalt
It’s pretty easy to ignore damage to your asphalt parking lot in the Spring and Summer months, but It’s never a good idea to let things fester. The longer you wait to repair damaged asphalt, the more likely you’ll have to pay for a total asphalt replacement later.When you focus on asphalt repairs in the Spring and Summer you’re taking the proactive step to extend the life of your asphalt parking surface, saving you time, money and headache in the Winter months.
Winter Asphalt Maintenance FAQ
At Rose Paving, we pride ourselves on being the best full service paving contractor in the country. That means we not only provide excellent service, we’re also here to answer any and all questions you might have about asphalt maintenance and winter asphalt repair.
Can You Lay Asphalt In The Winter?
Maybe.You can pave in the winter months if you live below the snow belt and assuming weather conditions permit. However, it is best to hold off on paving projects until late Spring, when the worst of the freezing temperatures have subsided and the ground begins to thaw.
How Cold Is Too Cold For Asphalt?
The majority of asphalt mixtures need to remain above 175°F or they become too hard to spread and apply to the desired surface. Additives are often used when conditions are exceptionally cold. In other words, you can pave in almost any temperature so long as you can keep your asphalt mixture well above 175°F.
Can You Seal Asphalt In Cold Weather?
It’s best to seal asphalt cracks before it gets too cold. Water seeps into asphalt cracks where it expands once the temperature drops below freezing. So, it’s best to seal asphalt cracks long before the temperature drops below 30°F.
Contact Rose Paving for Winter Asphalt Maintenance
When it comes to winter asphalt maintenance, there is no better option, service or choice that Rose Paving. Contact us today to maximize the lifespan of your parking structure.