How To Plan For Chicago Paving Services In The Winter
While asphalt paving can withstand a beating throughout the year, winter brings new challenges that threaten its looks, structural integrity and longevity. Harsh weather, snow-clearing methods, road salt and other damaging factors take their toll. While most Chicago paving services aren’t possible during the coldest parts of the season, asphalt companies are still available to help care for your pavement during the winter months. Here’s what you need to know about planning for winter asphalt paving service.
Can Contractors Perform Large-Scale Chicago Paving Services in the Winter?
Whether or not paving services are available in the winter depends on many factors. Typically, large-scale paving projects aren’t possible. Why? It all comes down to weather and unconducive environmental conditions.
Traditional hot asphalt requires temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit for proper compaction and curing. Snow, rainfall and ice can cause less-than-stellar results. For that reason, paving companies typically schedule extensive paving projects for the spring and summer when conditions are stable. Getting new asphalt paving in Chicago may be possible in early winter, but contractors must use their discretion to determine if new construction is viable.
What Winter Asphalt Services Are Available?
While larger paving services aren’t always possible in the winter, asphalt companies can still provide important services like repairs and crack-filling. Like standard paving, it’s ideal to perform repair work when temperatures are above 50 degrees. However, paving companies can adapt their approach to meet the challenging conditions of winter.
Cold-applied asphalt mixes and winter-ready repair compounds allow contractors to mend damage when temperatures fall below 50 degrees. Asphalt companies can also utilize heat lances and other devices to raise ground temperatures while performing repairs.
What Services Can Help Protect My Pavement from the Challenges of Winter?
Asphalt paving in Chicago is susceptible to significant damage in the winter. Snow and ice can penetrate cracks, widening them during freeze-thaw cycles. Furthermore, melted snow can cause standing water issues, putting your pavement’s foundation and integrity at risk.
The best way to prevent those hurdles is to invest in paving services as early as possible. Consider hiring a contractor for an inspection in the spring, summer or fall. Experts can assess your asphalt, looking for signs of trouble before recommending services that can make a difference. Ideally, it’s best to perform sealcoating, crack sealing and repairs before winter, but paving companies can also provide service during early winter before temperatures plummet.
How Do I Avoid Unnecessary Damage to My Asphalt Paving?
Professional winter asphalt paving service is vital if your surfaces experience damage. However, there are many things you can do during the season to avoid complications. Get into the habit of cleaning your asphalt regularly. Sweep away leaves, pick up trash and remove snow.
If you need to de-ice, turn to asphalt-safe alternatives to standard road salt. Calcium chloride and magnesium chloride are just as effective but do far less damage to asphalt paving.
Black Hawk Paving & Construction is eager to meet all your winter asphalt paving needs. With nearly five decades of experience in this industry, we have what it takes to deliver five-star results and great customer service while minimizing disruptions to your property. We’re available for a wide range of services, including new asphalt paving in Chicago, repair, milling and grinding, sealcoating, concrete flatwork, curbing, striping, traffic signage and more.
Let’s discuss your needs in greater detail. When you’re ready, call Black Hawk Paving at (708)578-7434, email info@blackhawkpaving.com or use our online contact form to get in touch and receive your free project quote.
