If you are in the midwest, you know all too well the spring tease, the weeks (sometimes months!) where the weather starts to warm up, only to have the below-freezing temps and even snow come back in full force.
When temperatures swing between freezing and thawing, it can be a test to your positivity, but not only that, your asphalt also takes a hit. In this guide, we'll walk through how freeze-thaw cycles impact your pavement and what you can do to protect it.
What Are Freeze-Thaw Cycles?
Freeze-thaw cycles refer to temperature fluctuations that result in a back-and-forth between above-freezing and below-freezing temperatures. This freeze-thaw cycle is one of the biggest threats to pavement, as it can cause cracks, potholes, and surface wear. As moisture seeps into small cracks and freezes, it expands, breaking apart the asphalt bit by bit. Then, as it melts, it leaves behind weakened spots, only to repeat the cycle with the next temperature drop. This is one reason why areas with frequent temperature shifts experience generally deal with worse pavement damage than areas with less mild or less drastic ups and downs in temperature.
Common Signs of Freeze-Thaw Asphalt Damage
- Cracks
- Potholes
- Surface deterioration, commonly known as raveling
- Drainage problems, such as standing pools or puddles of water
Preventive Measures to Protect Asphalt
Proper maintenance is essential to keep your asphalt pavement in the best possible condition. Doing so before the winter and inevitable freeze-thaw cycle season will position your pavement to best withstand these damaging conditions. If your commercial parking lot is impacted by the fluctuating weather, planning for maintenance in the spring is imperative. Maintenance measures such as seal coating and crack sealing will get your pavement back in tip-top shape. Even if the damage doesn't appear to be too extensive, addressing small issues early on will prevent costly pavement repairs later.
What to Do If Your Asphalt Is Already Damaged
If you can easily tell that damage has occurred to your pavement, whether it's a business or commercial parking lot, it's best to act fast before further asphalt damage occurs. A professional commercial asphalt contractor can help you assess the extent of the damage and determine if it's surface-level or structural. They can help you determine if maintenance patching, resurfacing or replacement makes the most sense for your situation and help you understand the benefits of each solution.
Schedule Your Asphalt Inspection Today
Freeze-thaw cycles can take a serious toll on asphalt, leading to cracks, potholes, and costly repairs. The best way to extend your pavement's lifespan and avoid bigger issues is with regular maintenance from a professional paving company. At Doctor Asphalt, we provide our clients with exceptional service and high-quality asphalt paving and maintenance solutions. Schedule your inspection or request a quote today; our team is here to help keep your pavement protected.
Doctor Asphalt delivers high-quality asphalt paving and maintenance solutions designed for the unique demands of the local climate. With a strong reputation for reliability and expertise, we provide premium services that enhance the safety and longevity of commercial and residential properties. Serving Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Texas, with nationwide capabilities for multi-property clients, we ensure durable, professional results that keep your pavement in top condition.
