Spring is a time for regrowth… and completing items on your spring pavement maintenance checklist!
After a long winter of wear and tear on your pavement, it can be beneficial to practice some easy maintenance. Not only will this improve the curb appeal of your property or building, but it will also help prevent costly repairs later.
Learn about why spring pavement maintenance is so important and take a look at our checklist for keeping your pavement in the best shape for springtime.
Why Spring Pavement Maintenance Is So Important
Spring pavement maintenance is an essential part of your spring cleaning routine because the winter brings harsh conditions that damage the surface and foundation of your pavement. Here are some of the factors that contribute to the deterioration of asphalt during the winter season:
- Low temperatures – The low temperatures outside can lead to the cracking of your asphalt, weakening its structure and shortening its lifespan.
- The freeze/thaw cycle – When ice melts on your pavement, it can drain into small cracks throughout a paved surface. If the temperature later drops below freezing, the water within the cracks freezes and expands, which damages and breaks up asphalt.
- Pooling water – When asphalt isn’t level, it can lead to pooling water or even flooding. These issues will slowly break down the asphalt, causing potholes, or can damage the bonds between the asphalt binder and the rocks/sand, further deteriorating the asphalt.
- Salting – Salt can cause damage to asphalt surfaces that aren’t sealed, as it lets melted snow and ice seep into your asphalt and refreeze. It can also accelerate the normal damage caused by freeze-thaw cycles, further shortening the lifespan of your asphalt.
Start Getting Items on Your Spring Pavement Maintenance Checklist Done
Whether you have a private residence or a commercial property, it’s worth it to put time into your asphalt after it is damaged by the winter weather. We compiled a number of our favorite maintenance tips to help keep your asphalt looking its best while preventing any further damage.
Check out our guide to spring pavement maintenance!
1. Complete a Visual Inspection of the Area
If you are looking to maintain your driveway or a parking lot, start your spring pavement maintenance by getting a good look at the area. It is important to take note of any damage to the space, including everything from uneven surfaces to the tiniest of cracks. Repair these cracks as soon as possible, as water can seep into them and destroy the foundation of your pavement.
For commercial properties, it is especially important to fix any potholes caused by the winter weather. Not only is it unsightly to have potholes, but they can also be dangerous to employees and other visitors to your establishment. Keep your patrons safe and your cars in good shape by creating smooth surfaces.
If you need a reliable fix for your potholes, try our UPM® Cold Mix or MICROMIX® Mini Cold Mix for a specially formulated solution that will outlast the surrounding pavement while filling in the toughest potholes.
2. Schedule Time for Regular Sealcoating
Regularly sealing your pavement is one of the best ways to prevent damage to your asphalt while maintaining a strong visual appeal. For this reason, we suggest marking your calendar for a seal coating job every couple of years!
There is no set time to do this since the frequency of your sealcoating will depend on the climate and condition of your pavement. For example, those who have properties in climates affected by all four seasons will need to sealcoat more often than those who live in dry, mild climates. Overall, you’ll want to judge the appearance of your driveway by identifying whether it is gray and weathered or covered with tiny, hairline cracks. If this is what you see, you will want to consider resealing after each winter once a year.
Sealcoating can provide your property with the following advantages:
- Long-term cost savings
- Protection from oxidation, oil, and chemicals
- Protection from ice, rain, frost, and snow
- Beautiful, dark surface color and texture
- Extended pavement life for years to come
Sealant mixtures are a defensive layer made of bituminous- or acrylic-based liquids. We provide five different types that each feature their own benefits. Check out our collection below to find which one is best suited to your project needs:
- KOLD-FLO® Gilsonite-Modified Pourable Crack Filler
- UNIQUE® Pourable Concrete Crack Filler
- INTEGRA-SEAL® Rejuvenating Asphalt Sealer
- MICROMIX® Mini Cold Mix
- UPM® Cold Mix
3. Repaint Areas That Need a Touch-Up
This step is exclusive to commercial properties, but one that we find to still be important. Spring is the best time to touch up the paint in your parking lot, making it so your visitors have clear directions and defined parking spaces. Nonverbal communication is the backbone of almost all parking lots, so clearly identifying different elements will also lead to a safer driving experience.
We recommend touching up the paint for the following areas:
- Parking spaces (including handicapped areas)
- No parking zones
- Fire lanes and loading zones
- Speed bumps
- Stop signs, pedestrian walkways, and other safety messages like “slow”
4. Clear Away Any Vegetation
Grass and weeds can sneak through the surface of your asphalt, damaging it below with roots. Over time, this can make your pavement more susceptible to cracks and breaks. Prevent these issues in your asphalt by conducting spring pavement maintenance and keeping the edges of your asphalt weeded and free of any other types of vegetation.
If applicable, adding a curb to the edges of your asphalt can also reduce the amount of weeding and grass growth. Not only is this practical, but it also boosts the visual appeal of your asphalt as well.
5. Schedule Regular Maintenance
Practicing regular maintenance will help maintain your pavement long term. Clearing away any rocks, leaves, or dirt from your pavement on a regular basis will create a better look while reducing hazards that can lead to injury. In this step of spring pavement maintenance (although it doesn’t hurt to do it in the other months as well), you will want to check drains frequently to prevent the chance of water buildup. Cleaning regularly will prevent any debris from causing cracks and potholes on your asphalt surface.
Get in Touch with Our Team of Experts if You Have Questions!
Start checking items off your spring pavement maintenance checklist to promote safety for visitors and the longevity of your asphalt surface.
Be sure to contact us today if you have any further questions regarding spring pavement maintenance or products that can help!
