Freeze and Thaw: How is paving affected?
2 December 2021
As we all know, winter in Quebec is harsh. In addition, the temperature differences between seasons are significant, and this has multiple impacts, especially on the paving of our driveways. How is the latter affected by these repeated freezing and thawing periods? How can we reduce the negative impacts in order to prolong the life of the pavement? These are some of the questions this article will attempt to answer.
Risks associated with freezing and thawing of pavement
It is recommended to wait until the end of the thaw period to undertake any earthwork or install interlocking pavers. This time of year is most often around the middle of May. The reason for this is simple, the coming and going of heavy vehicles and the work required to compact the driveway on a lot soaked by the melting snow, could do more harm than good. Wet ground is softer and paving work done at this time may lack the stability necessary for a successful operation.
Asphalt paving
The same is true for asphalt paving. Cold nights in addition to the wind-chill factor can affect the quality of paving. This chill factor can be present even on a sunny day. During thaw periods, cracks can form on the surface which will allow for water infiltration. The more traffic the pavement receives, the more the cracks will degrade. When water infiltrates, it contributes to a decrease in bearing capacity and accelerates the degradation process. In addition, water that freezes expands and causes breakage. If this type of paving is done during cold weather, it will remain porous and subject to water infiltration. Its total life span will be greatly reduced. Paving done in the best conditions can last more than twenty years.
Prevention
You can take a few steps to reduce the risk of breakage caused by temperature variations. For example, remove heavy objects from your driveway. During freeze/thaw cycles, propane tanks, recreational vehicles and trailers can compromise the flatness of your surface. Also, make sure your drainage systems are well maintained so that the water flow stays away from your driveway. These are just a few precautions that will save you a lot of trouble and extend the life of your paving.
If you are concerned about the condition of your paving or are considering having paved installed in your home, don’t hesitate to contact the professionals. They are well aware of the impacts of freezing and thawing on paving. It is best to rely on experts who can advise you on the best time to make repairs or install new paving. The durability of the work depends on it.
