As winter approaches in Toronto, the freezing temperatures, snow, and ice can seriously damage asphalt surfaces. Whether you’re a homeowner or property manager, preparing your asphalt driveways, parking lots, or commercial roads is essential to prevent costly repairs. Proper winter maintenance can extend the lifespan of your asphalt, save money in the long run, and keep your surfaces safe for vehicles and pedestrians.
In this guide, we’ll highlight the top six resources to help you prepare your asphalt pavement for winter and protect it during the harshest months.
1. Crack Sealing
One of the most effective ways to protect your asphalt pavement during winter is by sealing cracks. Even small cracks can let water seep into the pavement, which freezes, expands, and causes more extensive damage over time. By sealing cracks before winter, you can prevent the freeze-thaw cycle from exacerbating the damage.
How to get started: Many paving companies in Toronto, including Empire Paving, offer crack sealing as part of their asphalt maintenance services. This service helps keep your asphalt intact and safe throughout winter.
2. Asphalt Patching
Addressing existing potholes or damaged areas is crucial before the winter season. Asphalt patching repairs large cracks and potholes, ensuring the surface is smooth and structurally sound. If left untreated, potholes can fill with water, freeze, and cause even more damage as the ice expands.
How to get started: Contact Empire Paving or another paving company in Toronto for asphalt patching services to address issues before winter sets in.
3. Proper Drainage
Ensuring that your asphalt pavement has proper drainage is critical for winter protection. When water pools on the surface, it can freeze, causing further cracking and potholes. Good drainage ensures that water doesn’t collect on your asphalt, reducing the risk of freeze-thaw damage.
Check for any low spots or areas where water tends to accumulate, and address them before the snow starts to fall.
How to get started: Empire Paving can assess your asphalt’s drainage system and make adjustments as needed to ensure it is winter-ready.
4. Snow Removal Services
Heavy snowfall is one of the biggest threats to asphalt surfaces. Snow buildup can weigh down your asphalt, potentially causing cracks and worsening existing damage. Additionally, improper snow removal can scrape and further degrade the surface.
Hiring a professional snow removal service that understands how to safely remove snow from asphalt without damaging it can help prevent winter wear and tear.
How to get started: Look for a paving company in Toronto that also offers professional snow removal services or works with trusted snow removal providers.
5. Gentle De-Icing Solutions
While de-icing is necessary to keep surfaces safe during the winter, some products—like rock salt—can be harmful to asphalt surfaces. Over time, harsh de-icing chemicals can corrode asphalt, leading to cracks and potholes.
Instead, opt for asphalt-safe de-icing solutions, like calcium chloride, which are less corrosive and safer for your pavement.
How to get started: Ask your paving contractor for advice on the best de-icing products to use on your asphalt surface to prevent damage while maintaining safety.
6. Regular Winter Inspections
Even with proper preparation, winter can be unpredictable. Scheduling regular inspections during the winter months can help you identify small issues before they become bigger problems. This can help you avoid emergency repairs during a time when conditions make fixing asphalt much more difficult.
How to get started: Empire Paving offers winter maintenance inspections as part of its asphalt maintenance services, helping property owners stay ahead of any issues caused by harsh weather conditions.
Be Proactive This Winter
Winter can be tough on asphalt, but proactive maintenance is the best defense. From crack sealing and asphalt patching to ensuring proper drainage and using the right de-icing solutions, taking the necessary steps now can protect your asphalt and save you from major repairs come spring.
For property owners in Toronto and the surrounding GTA, Empire Paving offers expert asphalt maintenance services to ensure your surfaces stay safe and durable throughout the winter months.
Contact us today to schedule an inspection or learn more about preparing your asphalt for winter!
