The Different Types of Damage that Winter Can Have on New Asphalt

18 December 2020

Paving your driveway, walkway or parking area adds significant value to your property and is an investment that you want to take care of so that it will continue to look great and last as long as possible. Winters in Gatineau and the Outaouais can be especially hard on new asphalt and so it is important to be able to recognize the signs of weather damage due to cold winter weather in order to maintain your driveway and extend the life of your pavement.

By looking for the signs and being proactive about maintenance and repair, homeowners can extend the life of their driveway and avoid unnecessary replacement costs. The paving and asphalt experts at Pavage Massie in Gatineau offer their insights about these tell-tale signs of damaged asphalt from snow and ice during the winter.

Cracking

Cracks in asphalt are often a result of water sitting on or under the pavement too long in times of heavy rain or snowfall. In the winter, even the best laid asphalt will see cracks deepening due to water that has made its way into tiny crevices and then expanding/contracting as it goes through the inevitable freeze/thaw cycles.

Using salt or harsh deicers on new asphalt can also cause it to crack prematurely. Instead of spreading corrosive compounds on your freshly laid asphalt this winter, we recommend using sand or gravel instead. This will not only help to protect the environment by keeping the salt and deicer off your lawn and run-off to our waterways, it will be less corrosive on your asphalt and help to keep cracking to a minimum.

Cracking asphalt can often be repaired if treatment is sought during the early stages. Speaking with an experienced paving professional will allow you to identify the underlying cause and explore options for correcting the problem.

Buckling, Warping or Unevenness

If the surface of your pavement has waves, dimples, or little “hills”, this could be a sign that the ground below your driveway “heaved” during a freeze/thaw cycle. This type of heaving or lifting can be especially common in new or freshly repaved driveways and asphalt surfaces which are experiencing their first freeze/thaw cycle. If you notice that your asphalt is starting to heave or lift, reach out to the professionals to explore leveling and other solutions.

Sunken Spots

New asphalt can be especially vulnerable to water run-off from melting snow and ice that comes down the gutter or downspout. To avoid your driveway from puddling due to sunken spots, ensure that your gutter run-off is positioned to divert water away from the driveway to reduce the erosion effect on the crushed stone or compacted base underneath – this is what causes the sunken spots.

By knowing the signs of winter damage to your new asphalt surface, you’ll be able to take the necessary steps to maintain and repair your driveway, walkway, patio or parking surface in order to extend the life of your pavement. If you’re in Gatineau or the Outaouais Region and need help with your new asphalt this winter or spring, the experts at Pavage Massie are here to help.

Reach out today!