Understanding the Dangers of the Freeze and Thaw Cycle on Asphalt During the Winter

As the temperature continues to drop outside, there are a lot of people who are excited about the winter weather. This is a great opportunity to spend time with loved ones, go skiing, and build a snowman in the front yard. Unfortunately, this can also create significant hazards for your asphalt. Regardless of whether you have a residential or commercial location, you need to think about the dangers of winter weather to your asphalt. One of the biggest dangers is the freeze and thaw cycle. Even though you may not notice any problems right now, you might not like the look of your asphalt in the spring. What do you need to know about this cycle? Rely on some of the best commercial paving companies in Toledo for help with this issue.

What Is the Freeze and Thaw Cycle?

When water freezes, it expands. This is why a bottle that gets frozen in your freezer can crack. The exact same process takes place in your asphalt if you are not careful. There are several steps involved in this process. They include:

If the temperature is above freezing, it might start to rain. This water can seep into cracks in your asphalt. Then, when the sun goes down, the temperature might drop below freezing. As a result, the water that has fallen in between the cracks of your asphalt will begin to freeze. As the water in your asphalt begins to freeze, it expands, causing your asphalt to crack. This is how your asphalt can get damaged by the cycle. Then, when the weather warms up again, the ice in your asphalt will melt, allowing it to seep further into the cracks that it has just created.

This is a never-ending cycle that can repeat every day during the winter. Therefore, it is important for you to take steps to protect your asphalt against this danger.

How Can You Guard Against This Cycle?

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent this type of damage from happening to your asphalt. First, you need to create a drainage system above and below your asphalt to protect it against water runoff. Even though you probably have a drainage system on the surface, you might not have one underneath your asphalt. As a result, water can get stuck in your pavement, leading to damage.

You should also take care of your asphalt by sealing cracks every year. At a minimum, this is something that has to get done every two years. That way, you can prevent water from entering into cracks in your pavement.

Clearly, there is a lot that you need to do if you want to protect your asphalt against the freeze and thaw cycle. That is where our team can assist you.

Rely on Bowers Asphalt and Paving for Help with Your Asphalt This Winter

There are a lot of risks you need to think about, and we can help you protect your asphalt. At Bowers Asphalt and Paving, we are one of the top asphalt paving companies in Toledo . We can help you with all of your needs regarding commercial asphalt in Toledo, and we are honored to be one of the most trusted names in the industry. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you with your asphalt.

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