Somehow, running a business successfully in a region with four distinct seasons carries a whole other level of considerations. The winter months are hardly kind to business operations, not to mention the exterior of your office, storefront, or warehouse. Maintaining winter operations without a hitch doesn’t have to be left to chance.
So, as the cold temperatures move in and we embrace the freeze thaw cycle, we want to give the asphalt pavement in your commercial parking lot the opportunity to make it out of the winter season unfazed.
What are the harsh elements actually doing?
At first, you may think the damage is solely caused by snow and ice. In reality, the bulk of the damage is the result of snow and ice melting and refreezing again. Known as the freeze-thaw cycle, melting snow and ice seeps into miniscule cracks and potholes in the asphalt. Once the temperature drops to freezing point, the water in these cracks expand, compromising the integrity of your parking lot. So, if you’ve noticed any cracks or potholes in your lot, come spring, these minor blemishes could become major.
Here are 4 asphalt pavement maintenance tips to consider before winter hits:
Watch for Standing Water
Pooling water could indicate that your parking lot is not installed evenly. This issue will only result in cracking and pothole formation over time. It may also indicate that you’ll need to bring in a commercial paving provider, such as Haskell Paving, to help determine what the underlying issue is and how to mitigate it.
Sealcoating and Crack Filling
Should your commercial parking lot have any existing cracks or potholes, now is the time to make the repairs before they get worse. As a sealcoating job requires proper curing, you want to ensure that temperatures are not yet dropping to the 50-degree mark during the day and at night. Once the temperatures drop and the snow appears, this is no longer a viable option.
Clear up the Debris
Starting with a clean slate is always a good idea. Before the snow falls, have your commercial parking lot cleaned and cleared of debris. Once the snow falls and temperatures reach the freezing point, any unsightly remnants will embed themselves into the asphalt, potentially damaging it, and will remain there until the spring approaches. Another perk of having your lot cleaned is you may uncover some cracks and potholes you didn’t know existed. This gives you the chance to make any repairs before the snow hits.
Get out the Shovel
One sure way to maintain your commercial lot is by shoveling regularly. Because the goal is to rid your lot of pooling water, you’ll want to avoid keeping heavy amounts of snow and ice from building up. For larger areas, a snow plow is the most effective method. Be warned: any cracks or potholes may leave your parking lot uneven and become a target for your snow plow. A professional snow removal team, such as Haskell Paving, could help alleviate any concerns you may have about regular snow and ice removal.
Is your business prepared for the winter season? While your customers will always enjoy an attractive exterior, they’ll appreciate the safe conditions of your parking lot even more once we’re in the thick of winter. Contact Haskell Paving for your milling, commercial paving, sealcoating, and snow removal needs today!