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Cold Weather Survival Guide for Asphalt Paving in Shopping Centers

Asphalt paving in shopping centers can take a beating during the winter season. Cold weather can create a variety of costly issues that could impact business. Fortunately, there’s plenty you can do to ensure your winter asphalt paving stays in good shape. Follow this cold weather asphalt paving survival guide.

What Types of Problems Can Paving in Shopping Centers Encounter During the Winter?

Asphalt paving in shopping centers throughout the Chicago area can suffer several issues when cold weather rolls in. Here’s a breakdown of the biggest risks:

• Freeze-Thaw Cycles: When temperatures drop into freezing territory, moisture will turn into ice and expand. Then, daytime temperatures melt the ice, and the process repeats. Paving in freezing temperatures can sustain noticeable damage as ice expands, widening cracks. Water seeps into voids, moving closer and closer to the foundation layers with each freeze-thaw cycle.
• Frost Heave: Commercial asphalt paving winter damage can also come from frost heaving. If your pavement already has subbase issues, moisture within can freeze, expand, and push the pavement upward. Paving in freezing temperatures can become uneven, posing safety risks and causing considerable damage.
• Snow Removal Damage: You can’t ignore snow and ice. Allowing snow to accumulate can create accessibility problems and increased risk of accidents. However, you must be careful when removing ice and snow. Plows can damage the surface, and certain de-icers can cause corrosion on winter asphalt paving.

What Cold Weather Paving Preparation Can Prevent Major Damage?

Preparing your asphalt paving in shopping complexes requires early preparation. Here are several cold weather paving tips that make a difference.

• Get Early Inspections: Commercial asphalt paving winter prep requires a comprehensive inspection. Have asphalt contractors visit your property. They’ll look for visible cracks and other damage, giving you a better idea of what your pavement needs before winter arrives.
• Fill and Seal Cracks: One of the best cold weather paving tips is to seal and fill all cracks before freezing temperatures occur. You want to ensure there are no voids into which water can flow and freeze.
• Address Repair Issues: If you have major issues like potholes or surface raveling, patch them now. Asphalt paving in shopping complexes with existing issues may encounter frost heaving and structural failure.
• Check Drainage: Address drainage problems as soon as possible. Low spots can collect ice and water, accelerating pavement deterioration and creating cracks that water will flow into during the winter.
• Apply Sealcoating: If you’re due for sealcoating, schedule your service appointment early. Many cold weather paving tips mention sealcoating, and for good reason. It can protect your asphalt from water infiltration and damage.
• Reapply Stripes and Markings: Ice and snow on asphalt paving in shopping complexes can cause striping to lose visibility. Those markings may already be difficult to see. Restriping will ensure that every line is vibrant, minimizing noticeable fading during the cooler months.

What Winter Asphalt Care Tips Can Prevent Harm?

Cold weather asphalt survival also requires more strategic care in rough conditions. After thorough prep, you should prioritize keeping your pavement free of ice and snow while avoiding excessive harm.

When removing snow, use rubber plows to minimize surface damage. For de-icers, avoid traditional road salts. Instead, go with asphalt-safe calcium magnesium acetate or sand.

What Does Paving in Shopping Centers Need After Winter Ends?

Paving in freezing temperatures often masks damage. You may not notice issues until the weather warms in spring. Whether you see visible distress or not, have asphalt contractors visit for a thorough inspection. If there are any problems, address them as soon as possible to set your pavement up for success during the warmer months and minimize long-term damage.

Commercial asphalt paving winter prep and care don’t have to be difficult. At Black Hawk Paving, we have over half a century of experience caring for surfaces in Chicago and beyond. We can help with cold weather asphalt paving preparation, handling all your care needs to mitigate the risk of harm during the winter. You can turn to us for new paving, patching, repairs, line striping, warehouse striping, large-scale milling, bollards, truck stops, and more.

As a company focused on commercial and industrial work, we have the expertise to keep your pavement in good shape year-round. Call Black Hawk Paving at (877) 247-1975 for a free quote. You can also email info@blackhawkpaving.com or use our online form.