By Kristina Brahney | January 18, 2019

 

NJ Parking Lot Snowing

Winter Asphalt Repairs NJ

 

Winter And Its Effect On Your NJ Asphalt Parking Lot

Ever wonder why, after a brutal winter, your asphalt parking lot looks like it has been through the ringer?

The long winter months in New Jersey have unpredictable weather and freezing temperatures. These freezing temperatures can cause asphalt to contract, and this can cause asphalt parking lots to crack. It can weaken the asphalt significantly and can reduce the life expectancy of the asphalt parking lot.

Freezing rain, hail and snow all take its toll on your parking lot. When water seeps into the asphalt cracks during the winter, it freezes and then it expands and it causes these cracks to get wider. Worse still, the continual cycle of freezing and thawing can lead to potholes. Oh, don't forget those snow plows, how they could slam into the potholes and can turn your asphalt parking lot into one big mess.

None of this sounds good, right?

Let's break this down:

THE FREEZE-THAW CYCLE:

A freeze-thaw cycle is when the temperatures go from freezing (32F), to below freezing, and then back to freezing. Repeat. Repeat (all winter long) This causes the asphalt, in theory, to expand and contract. When it expands, water can get into the cracks. Getting into the cracks is one thing, but there is more. (ugh) Water underneath the pavement is meant to drain away, but during the winter it freezes all the way down to the base layer and even the sub-grade. Water freezing below the pavement can sometimes cause pavement heaving.

This does not sound good for your commercial properties does it?

THE SNOW PLOW:

So, imagine this...there's been a 6"- 8"snow storm, and now the clean-up is done.

You soon realize the snow wasn't the only thing that hit your pavement. There are plow scratches all over your asphalt parking lot.

BREATHE

Snow plowing contractors are human and usually do their best. Most reputable snow plow contractors do not cause damage to your parking lot intentionally, and the good news is, snow plow damage is usually minimal and can be covered by a hand-applied coat of pavement sealer (in the spring, of course).

If a pothole has developed in your parking lot over the winter, you will want to get that fixed before the next snow storm. Snow plows cannot always see what is under the snow. The plow could hit a pothole unexpectedly, and cause more damage to your parking lot, as well as damage to their plow.

Luckily for you, our company can fix potholes in your asphalt pavement all winter long! We can fix most potholes within 48 hours. If you see something say something. We can help in all areas of emergency asphalt and concrete repair.

THE DEICERS AND SALT:

During the winter, the surface of your asphalt parking lot can become slippery from ice, hail, freezing rain and snow. Using a deicing material such as salt, potassium acetate or magnesium acetate can help prevent snow and ice from freezing on your asphalt parking lot.

Usually, asphalt is great for withstanding salt, however, the same can’t be said for your pavement markings (line striping). The pavement markings can be stripped from your asphalt parking lot by the chemicals and salt.

To prevent lawsuits, it is important to for you to insure your parking lots are de-iced, as to prevent slip and fall accidents and to create safer driving conditions for you and your customers.

THE GOOD NEWS:

One of the benefits of an asphalt parking lot is that it absorbs heat from the sun, and in-turn, can melt snow more quickly than a concrete parking lot. If your parking lot was installed properly your problems should be minimal.

If it wasn't, there is still good news. We are here to help!

When the storms pass and the weather clears, take a look at your parking lot. If you notice any of the following call us right away:

·      potholes

·      storm drain issues

·      very large cracking

·      alligator cracking

877 Fix Asphalt offers full-service asphalt and concrete maintenance services. We are here 24/7 for all of your needs. Contact us to see how we can help you with all of your commercial asphalt parking lot needs.

 

 

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