Most asphalt parking lot paving companies would be happy to build or resurface large pavements in every season. Unfortunately, in the Chicago area, the winters are typically far too harsh for jobs requiring hot mix asphalt. However, that does not mean that there are not some things that you and your contractor can do to protect your existing pavement.
What Is the Problem With Asphalt Parking Lot Paving During the Winter in Chicago?
Most people know that paving contractors cannot install asphalt while there is snow on the ground. In a typical year, Chicago receives more than 38 inches of snow. That factor alone is a major obstacle to wintertime asphalt paving in Chicago. However, snow or not, other weather-related issues can prevent an asphalt contractor from installing or overlaying a pavement. These other issues relate to the need to compact asphalt paving properly while the temperature of the mix is sufficiently hot.
1. Most asphalt paving companies will not pave when the surface or air temperature is less than 50 degrees. The hot mix will cool too rapidly to allow enough time for sufficient compaction.
2. Temperatures may need to be above 50 degrees in certain cases. For example, a windy or cloudy day may force contractors to set a higher threshold for temperatures. Furthermore, asphalt overlays and some other projects require multiple thin courses of asphalt. Thin courses lose their heat more rapidly than thick ones.
3. No reputable paving contractor will install asphalt if the ground is frozen. Even if the contractor receives the asphalt mix at a high temperature, it will stiffen almost instantaneously. It is impossible to compact stiff, lumpy asphalt sufficiently to provide a long-lasting, smooth-surfaced, attractive pavement.
What Are Some Ways to Protect Asphalt Parking Lot Paving Over the Winter?
If possible, have a trustworthy asphalt paving company inspect your pavement before the onset of harsh weather. Your paving contractor can recommend which of the following services your pavement will need.
1. Repair any significant cracks. The goal is to prevent water from melting ice and snow or rain from getting below the surface and causing more damage. If necessary, your paving contractor in Chicago can use a cold-weather product to make a temporary repair.
2. Perform any asphalt repairs needed. If your pavement has potholes, edge cracking, alligator cracking, or similar damage, have your contractor make repairs.
3. Protect your pavement and enhance its wintertime safety through the responsible use of melts and deicers. There are products you can apply before a storm to prevent ice and snow from sticking to your pavement. There are also products you can apply to melt accumulations after a storm. Ask your contractor to recommend asphalt-friendly products.
4. If you need to plow your parking lot, be sure to select an experienced professional. Amateurs often set the blade height incorrectly, and this can tear chunks out of your pavement.
5. Ask your contractor to verify that all components of your drainage system are functioning properly. Clogged storm sewers or gutters can force water to accumulate and freeze around them.
If you have additional questions about your paving needs, call Black Hawk Paving! We are a leading provider of asphalt, concrete, and construction services to national and local commercial clients. Our services include asphalt repair, excavation, asphalt milling, concrete flatwork, asphalt paving, sealcoating, car stops, asphalt overlays, concrete curbing, site grading, asphalt crack sealing, pavement markings, traffic signage, and parking lot striping. Since opening our company in 1975, we have been known for the exceptionally high quality of both our customer service and our workmanship. For a free job quote, fill out our online form, send an email to Info@BlackHawkPaving.com, or give us a call at 708-479-0400.
