Your business’ landscaping needs don’t necessarily end once it starts snowing. Especially if you have hardscape features like driveways as part of your commercial landscaping in Denver.
It’s not the harsh cold of winter itself that damages asphalt driveways but the freeze-thaw cycle happening throughout the season. When snow and ice melt, they create a pool of water on top of the asphalt surface that can damage its integrity. And when water freezes, it expands, thus widening potholes and cracks and making them worse.
So it’s important to maintain asphalt driveways during winters to prevent heavy damage to them. You might want to start even before winter:
Remove Debris From Driveways
Large pieces of debris can freeze and damage the pavement once it starts snowing. They can get in the way of snowplows, creating further issues for your pavements. That’s why you need to be proactive about removing debris from the driveways and keeping them clear.
Removing the debris is also necessary to reveal issues like cracks or potholes. Especially if you plan on getting some seal coating done.
Address Existing Issues With Pavement Before Winter
Stuff like curing the seal coating needs a temperature of 50 degrees. That can be hard to achieve during winter with temperatures reaching the freezing point. So you need to start by fall itself before it starts snowing. Have a professional inspect the driveway to see if you need an asphalt repair in Denver. It’ll be much simpler for them without the ground covered in snow.
If your surface needs it, get the cracks and potholes repaired and sealed. Seal coating is necessary to protect the pavement from damage due to moisture and gives it a new look. Even if it’s too late for seal coating, you may want to get the cracks filled to prevent further damage. Cold mix asphalt is a great choice to do some repairs during the cold season.
Shovel Frequently
Being proactive about removing snow and standing water from the asphalt path can help protect your investment in the long run. It prevents the freeze-thaw cycle from damaging the driveway more than it has. You need to start removing the snow before it melts for maximum effectiveness. You can also plow or blow the snow if shoveling seems like too much work.
Be sure to take the necessary precautions to avoid injuring yourself or damaging the surface you’re trying to clear.
Consider Snow Removal Services
Professional snow removal services can also be helpful for effectively clearing the paths of snow using quality equipment. They can do the bulk of the work while you and your staff focus on running the business effectively. Make sure that the company you hire is reputable for clearing snow without damaging the pavement.
Repair Potholes
Pothole repair can be a bit complex during the winter but don’t let that stop you. Waiting for the season to end could allow the issue to grow and lead to more problems. It’s better to call professional asphalt repair services to fix potholes during the winter. Paving services use a suitable asphalt mix that saves money in the long run and maintains the path’s quality.
Think Carefully Before De-Icing
It’s not as much about driveway maintenance as it’s about the environmental impact. A properly installed asphalt path won’t be badly affected by deicing agents. But the salt in the water runoff can impact plants, animals, and local waterways. According to studies, roadway salting is one of the reasons for increased salinity in rivers, lakes, and drinking water.
That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t de-ice the driveway at all. You can apply the agents after removing the snow. Ensure that the de-icing salt you use has the least amount of harm and apply it sparingly.
Watch Out For Water Pooling
A puddle is not something that should be taken lightly. It’s a sign of something wrong with your pavement, like a weak surface or poor drainage. Puddles during winter could lead to potholes during spring.
