Don’t Let Winter Catch You Off Guard: Critical Warning Signs Your Asphalt Pavement Demands Immediate Attention
As temperatures begin to drop and winter approaches, property owners across New Jersey face a critical window of opportunity to protect their asphalt investments. Freeze-thaw weather cycles are the real culprit when it comes to winter asphalt damage, and asphalt pavement that has existing problems within the surface and sub-base will show the effects of winter asphalt damage first. Freezing temperatures cause the water that has seeped below the pavement’s surface to freeze and expand. Which then causes the surface to buckle, shift, and lift upwards, which is also known as “frost heave.” Frost heave significantly jeopardizes the structural integrity of the asphalt surface.
The Five Critical Warning Signs That Demand Immediate Action
1. Visible Cracks of Any Size
Low temperatures cause asphalt to repeatedly expand and contract until your pavement eventually buckles and cracks. As long as you address them quickly by having an asphalt paving company provide crack sealing and preventative maintenance, your pavement should remain in relatively good shape. Small cracks evolve into large cracks when they are neglected, however, and large cracks can be problematic for your surface. If there are cracks in your pavement that are wider than ¼ inch, get them filled immediately. If they’re left to freeze, thaw, refreeze, and repeat over winter, they will be much deeper, wider, and more costly to fix once spring comes along.
2. Standing Water or Poor Drainage
Standing water or puddles are a worrisome sign for the current condition and future of the asphalt pavement. Pooling and continued water exposure can lead to large cracks, structural damages, and potholes. Make sure that your lot and/or driveway has the proper drainage allowing you to dictate where to channel water to remove it from your asphalt surface, and help to avoid pooling/puddling. Water is the enemy of asphalt because it seeps into small cracks and expands during freezing temperatures.
3. Faded or Gray Asphalt Surface
The color of asphalt pavement is supposed to be a deep black. However, UV rays from the sun can cause the color of your surface to fade over time. While faded asphalt pavement may not appear to be a major deal, it may indicate more extensive problems. UV rays can weaken your asphalt pavement over time, making it more prone to potholes and cracks. If your asphalt surface has turned gray and shows other signs of asphalt distress, you should consult with an asphalt contractor to determine whether replacement is required.
4. Edge Deterioration and Crumbling
If the edges of your parking lot are not protected by curbs or concrete gutters, you may notice signs of crumbling. When left unrepaired, the edges can break apart, causing hazardous debris for drivers and pedestrians, requiring professional asphalt repair. Water runoff can cause the asphalt edges to erode. Crumbling of the asphalt is a clear sign of significant damage to the paved edge.
5. Small Potholes or Surface Depressions
It’s a recipe for disaster when a pothole fills up with water and freezes. Not only does this damage your parking lot, but it also creates a hazard for drivers and pedestrians. As a commercial property owner, you are responsible for maintaining safe parking lot conditions. You don’t have to wait until the spring to take care of pothole repairs. Taking care of small potholes will prevent them from turning into hugely expensive ones that could cause injuries and car damage.
Why Timing is Everything
Asphalt cracks and potholes get bigger over time, which is why it’s important to repair any asphalt damage before winter. You have a limited window of opportunity now to make sure that your parking lot is protected from snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. Once water gets into the foundation, you can say goodbye to your parking lot.
Hot mix asphalt, which is typically used for paving, requires outdoor temperatures of at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature drops below this threshold, the asphalt will cool too quickly, preventing it from compacting correctly. This makes fall the critical season for addressing any issues before winter weather makes proper repairs impossible.
The Hidden Dangers of Winter Weather
Winter is the single most damaging season to your asphalt. Not only does the freeze-thaw cycle distress and crack your pavement, but your asphalt is also dealing with other extremely harsh components of winter like plows and salt/ice melt products. When water freezes it expands requiring more space to exist. If water manages to find its way into cracks and crevasse of your asphalt, asphalt pavement damage will occur during expansion, as this ice will put pressure on the asphalt above it; creating large cracks and potholes.
Professional Assessment: Your Best Defense
A decent-looking asphalt surface can be deceiving—you can’t always see what’s developing underneath. Having a professional paving company perform an inspection and assessment can prevent further damage. Before a winter storm hits, contact us to have a professional inspect your property, and evaluate which repairs are required. If maintenance and repairs are needed, it’s ideal to have them done ASAP or before the next snowfall. Procedures such as sealcoating, crack sealing, and pothole patching, and infrared repair can be very challenging to do when snow is present, so it’s best to take action immediately.
For property owners throughout Morris County and Somerset County, partnering with experienced professionals like Platinum Paving ensures your pavement receives the attention it deserves. Asphalt Paving New Jersey specialists understand the unique challenges that New Jersey winters present and can provide comprehensive solutions to protect your investment.
Platinum Paving brings years of expertise to every project, focusing on quality craftsmanship and reliable service. Their team understands that proper paving isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about creating durable surfaces that can withstand New Jersey’s harsh weather conditions. From their Dover, NJ location, they serve the surrounding communities with professional asphalt and concrete paving services, ensuring each project meets the highest standards for longevity and performance.
Take Action Now
Think of your asphalt like your car’s engine. If you wait until smoke is pouring out of the hood, repairs cost a fortune. Early detection saves money, boosts safety, and keeps your business looking professional. Harsh winter weather conditions, combined with regular usage, can damage the asphalt and lead to instability. Regular inspections and maintenance can save property owners money in the long run.
Don’t let winter weather turn minor issues into major expenses. Schedule a professional inspection today to identify potential problems before they become costly repairs. With proper preparation and timely intervention, your asphalt pavement can weather the winter months and emerge ready for years of reliable service.
Remember, every spring, property owners/managers are surprised to find out the amount and severity of new/worsening damage, hidden under a blanket of snow. The level of changes that can happen to driveways, parking lots, and roadways during the winter is shocking. Don’t become another statistic—take action now to protect your asphalt investment.