Winter weather can be harsh on asphalt, especially in areas like Knoxville where fluctuating temperatures, freezing rain, and snow are common. If you’ve ever noticed cracks, potholes, or surface damage to your driveway or parking lot after a winter season, you’re not alone. Understanding why winter causes asphalt issues and what can be done about it can help you protect your property and avoid costly repairs.
1. Freeze-Thaw Cycles
One of the main reasons winter is so tough on asphalt is the freeze-thaw cycle. Knoxville’s winter temperatures can fluctuate between freezing at night and warming up during the day. When water seeps into small cracks in the asphalt and then freezes, it expands, pushing the asphalt apart. When the ice melts, the asphalt contracts again, leaving larger cracks. Over time, this process weakens the surface, creating potholes and further damage.
2. Increased Moisture
Winter weather brings snow, freezing rain, and ice, all of which increase the amount of moisture on asphalt surfaces. As the water accumulates and seeps into the cracks, it can weaken the asphalt structure. If this water freezes, it exacerbates the freeze-thaw damage, causing asphalt to deteriorate more quickly than during other seasons.
3. Snow Plowing and Salt
While snow removal and de-icing are necessary to keep driveways and parking lots safe, they can also contribute to asphalt damage. Snowplows can scrape or chip the surface, especially if the asphalt is already weakened by cracks or holes. Additionally, de-icing salts can be corrosive and accelerate the breakdown of asphalt. The combination of heavy snow removal equipment and harsh chemicals can leave asphalt vulnerable to winter wear and tear.
4. Cold Weather Stresses
Asphalt is more brittle in cold weather. When cars and trucks drive over the surface during winter, the asphalt is less flexible and more likely to crack under pressure. This is particularly a problem in high-traffic areas like parking lots, where continuous vehicle movement increases the strain on the asphalt surface.
5. Knoxville’s Winter Climate
Knoxville’s winter climate, with its frequent temperature changes, freezing rain, and occasional snowstorms, creates the perfect conditions for asphalt deterioration. The constant freezing and thawing can create small cracks that rapidly turn into large potholes by the time spring arrives. Understanding the climate’s impact on asphalt can help homeowners and businesses take proactive steps to protect their paved surfaces.
What Can Be Done to Protect Asphalt in Winter?
While winter weather will always present challenges, there are steps you can take to minimize the damage to your asphalt:
1. Sealcoating Before Winter
One of the best ways to protect your asphalt is by applying a sealcoat before the winter season. Sealcoating creates a protective barrier that helps prevent water from seeping into cracks and causing freeze-thaw damage. It also protects against UV rays, oil, and chemicals that can break down asphalt over time. Sealcoating your driveway or parking lot in the fall helps prepare your asphalt for winter and reduces the risk of damage.
2. Crack Filling
Filling in cracks before winter is another effective way to prevent them from expanding. Crack filling involves applying a rubberized sealant that seals the cracks and prevents water from entering. By addressing small cracks now, you can stop them from turning into larger, more expensive problems later.
3. Proper Drainage
Ensuring that your driveway or parking lot has proper drainage is key to preventing water buildup during the winter months. Standing water is a major cause of asphalt damage, so it’s important to make sure that your paved surfaces are graded correctly to allow water to flow away from the asphalt.
4. Regular Maintenance
Routine maintenance throughout the year, such as regular cleaning, crack repairs, and sealcoating, can significantly extend the lifespan of your asphalt. By being proactive and addressing issues before they become serious, you can avoid major repairs in the future.
5. Winter Pothole Repair
Even if potholes form during winter, you don’t have to wait until spring to fix them. Payless Paving offers pothole repair services even during the colder months. We use high-quality materials and techniques that can provide temporary solutions to keep your asphalt safe and usable through the winter.
Conclusion
Winter in Knoxville can be tough on asphalt, but you don’t have to let the weather destroy your driveway or parking lot. By taking steps like sealcoating, crack filling, and ensuring proper drainage, you can protect your asphalt from the damaging effects of winter. Payless Paving is here to help with all of your asphalt maintenance and repair needs. Contact us today to schedule an inspection or learn more about how we can prepare your asphalt for the winter months.