Winter is tough on roads. Between countless freeze/thaw cycles and the onslaught of chemical deicers, asphalt can quickly crack and crumble in several troublesome ways before spring rolls around again. Thankfully, there are several preventative measures and quick asphalt repair solutions that can temporarily fix many of the most common winter pavement issues.
Winter Pavement Issues: Problem 1 – Potholes
Potholes are one of the most common winter pavement issues on asphalt surfaces, next to cracking. Freeze-thaw cycles often exacerbate these issues, as water infiltrates cracks, freezes, and then expands, causing further damage. Longitudinal and transverse surface cracks, also known as “alligator cracks” due to their scaly appearance, often break down under the repeated pressure of vehicle tires. Poor drainage around the asphalt sub-surface nearly always triggers this form of deterioration. In winter, the trapped moisture freezes and expands, leading to heaving and cracking that then collapses. Depending on their location in the roadway or parking lot, these issues can significantly challenge drivers.
How to Repair Potholes
The challenge of properly repairing potholes in winter pavement issues is that asphalt will not set properly in cold weather, specifically in temperatures under 45-50°F. For this reason, many states require a special engineering permit to pave in temperatures below this range, making late spring and summer the recognized “construction season.”
Proper asphalt paving techniques are crucial to ensure longevity and durability, especially in winter conditions. If pothole repair cannot wait until the temperature rises, cold mix asphalt is a good temporary solution. Cold mix asphalt doesn’t require heat to be poured and set, but it will not last as long as hot or warm mix asphalt. During construction season, using a hot mix best addresses the problem. To prevent potholes, installing proper drainage solutions is crucial to divert harmful moisture away from the pavement sub-base. Also, laying a thick layer of asphalt and compacting it adequately during the construction process is highly important to prevent cracking that could lead to potholes later on.
Problem 2: Pavement Cracks
Many different kinds of cracks can form on asphalt during winter:
- Alligator cracks are a scaled pattern caused by the base or ground surface the pavement was laid. It can also be the result of surface delamination.
- Block cracks occur when construction uses a faulty binder, connecting through rectangle-shaped breakages.
- Edge cracks occur at the edge of the pavement, usually due to poor support or drainage. They can also be caused by dense vegetation.
- Linear cracks, which run parallel to the pavement’s centerline, often appear first in aging roads or parking lots.
- Transverse cracks run horizontally or diagonal to the pavement’s centerline and are usually caused by cracking deeper within the asphalt.
Existing cracks can worsen during winter as moisture infiltrates and expands when frozen, leading to further deterioration.
Freezing temperatures and chemical deicers exacerbate common winter pavement issues. The freeze-thaw cycle actively causes cracks to form and expand. Trapped moisture freezes and thaws repeatedly due to fluctuating temperatures.
How to Repair Asphalt Cracks During Freeze Thaw Cycle
If pavement cracks are less than an inch wide, crack sealing becomes the most effective repair method. This method blocks water, deicers, and debris from entering the cracks, preventing further damage and potentially extending the pavement’s life by months or even years. To apply the sealant, first, ensure the removal of water, vegetation, and debris from the cracks. Next, fill the cracks with sealant until it is level with the pavement surface, smoothing over any excess. Over time, cracks are inevitable, especially in areas experiencing harsh winters. However, selecting the proper asphalt mix, ensuring correct installation and compaction, and providing adequate drainage can minimize the need for early repairs.
Problem 3: Appearance
Asphalt looks great when new, but a single winter can dull its appearance. Fallen leaves, snow, and ice can stain and damage it. Algae and bacteria also grow on the surface. Chemical deicers, like salt, lead to pitting, which can become cracks and potholes. A year of sunlight fades its dark color due to UV damage. Winter’s harsh weather speeds up asphalt deterioration, causing bigger problems over time.
How to Maintain Asphalt Surfaces Appearance in Winter Pavement Issues
To maintain nice-looking asphalt and prevent winter damage, apply seal coating after installation. Cold temperatures can cause water to freeze and expand in the pavement, leading to cracks. Sealcoating blocks oxidation, preventing the asphalt from drying out and losing flexibility, which helps avoid pits, cracks, and potholes. It also enhances the asphalt’s black appearance and offers protection from sunlight, chemicals, and water to some extent. Regular maintenance keeps asphalt in good condition. In fall, remove leaves and debris to prevent stains from algae, mold, or mildew. During winter, keep the surface clear of snow and ice to avoid cracks from freeze/thaw cycles. Use sand instead of salt for traction, as it’s less harmful to the pavement.
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