As much as we depend on paved areas such as driveways and parking lots to get us from point A to B, they aren’t immune to damage caused by the elements. Winter weather is particularly harsh on asphalt pavement and can cause damage that can cost you time, money, and safety if left unchecked.
Pavement can sustain damage due to a number of factors, including freezing temperatures, snowfall, and heavy traffic. Protecting your paving is important to extend the life of your investment and keep your property looking beautiful. Here are a few ways to do just that.
Using a high-quality paver sealant helps to protect and preserve paved surfaces. This protective coating prevents the penetration of moisture that causes cracking, staining, and erosion. In addition, it also blocks out UV rays that can cause your paving to fade over time.
Sealant is particularly important for porous paving materials such as Indian Sandstone patios and block paving driveways. This is because the water that penetrates these types of surfaces during the freeze thaw process has a nasty habit of finding its way into even the smallest cracks and holes in your paving. When this happens, the resulting damage slowly expands over time into larger cracks and potholes in your paving that are unsightly, dangerous, and shorten the lifespan of your paving.
Aside from does paving need protecting in winter weather with a quality sealant, it is also helpful to sweep and regularly clear away debris from paved surfaces. This will help to remove leaves and organic material that creates an ideal environment for moss, algae, and stains.
It is also a good idea to avoid the use of chemical de-icing agents on your paving. This is because they often contain salt which corrodes and damages concrete and masonry. If you must use de-icing agents, be sure to spread them sparingly and use a non-salt option if possible.
Regularly shoveling your paved surfaces and keeping them clean is another great way to protect your paving in the winter. Shoveling frequently prevents ice buildup and keeps your paving free of slippery conditions that can lead to slip-and-fall accidents on your property. In addition, you should also hire a professional to remove your snow when necessary rather than trying it yourself with metal shovels or mechanical snowplows that can cause surface damage.
When the seasons change, it’s a good time to consider getting your driveway or other paving sealed. Ideally, you should have your paving seal coated in the fall when temperatures are more moderate and the weather is typically dry for 24 hours. In order for asphalt to be properly protected with a seal coat, it needs to be dry and warm enough to set up the chemical composition of the product.