As asphalt paving and repair contractors, we get calls every year about how to best remove snow from the driveways and parking lots of our customers–and prospective customers. Since winter is upon us, let’s all take a look at the best way to handle all of that snow that lands where we don’t want it!
Navigating the challenges of winter requires effective strategies for snow removal that ensure safety and protect the integrity of asphalt paving. This article offers essential tips for homeowners and business owners on maintaining asphalt surfaces during the cold months without causing damage to their pavements and surrounding areas.
Understanding Your Asphalt Pavement – Before You Do Anything
- Assess Pavement Condition: Regularly inspect your asphalt for cracks, potholes, and other signs of wear that could worsen under winter conditions. Address these issues before heavy snowfall to prevent water from entering and expanding in the cracks.
- Impact of Cold Weather: Understand how fluctuating temperatures and freezing conditions can exacerbate existing pavement issues and plan your preventative maintenance accordingly.
Choosing the Right Snow Removal Equipment
- Tool Selection: Opt for plastic shovels and snow blowers with rubber blades that minimize surface contact, thereby preventing scrapes or gouges in the asphalt that can lead to serious damage.
- Equipment Care: Maintain your snow removal equipment to ensure it is effective and safe to use on asphalt surfaces. Dull blades or broken parts can increase the risk of damaging the pavement.
Best Techniques for Snow Removal
- Efficient Shoveling Techniques: Shovel snow in layers from the top down to reduce the weight and pressure on the asphalt surface. This method prevents the asphalt from being stressed by heavy loads of snow.
- Proper Plowing Direction: Always plow snow towards the edges of the driveway, not against the gradient, to facilitate natural melting and drainage without water pooling on the surface.
Safe Deicing Practices
- Choosing Deicers: Select deicing chemicals that are less harsh on asphalt surfaces, such as calcium magnesium acetate, to prevent chemical damage that can accelerate wear and tear.
- Application Guidelines: Apply deicing chemicals evenly and only in necessary amounts to avoid over-saturation, which can lead to asphalt deterioration over time.
Protecting Existing Asphalt Paving
- Preventive Measures: Apply a high-quality sealant before the winter season to create a barrier against moisture, salt, and chemicals that are commonly used for deicing.
- Routine Checks: Regularly check the condition of the asphalt after each snow event and apply touch-up sealant if necessary to areas where the protective layer may have been compromised.
Protecting Hardscape and Landscape
- Use of Physical Barriers: Place barriers or snow fences around gardens, pathways, and other landscaped areas to prevent snow from being pushed onto these areas during plowing.
- Strategic Snow Disposal: Ensure that snow is piled in a location where it will not cause damage when it melts, avoiding areas where water runoff could harm landscape features.
Post-Snow Removal Check and Maintenance
- Post-Event Inspection: After each snow removal session, inspect the pavement for any new or expanded damage caused by the snow removal process.
- Ongoing Maintenance Practices: Engage in regular maintenance such as crack filling and sealing throughout the winter to repair any damage early and prevent water ingress.
Conclusion
Effective snow removal is crucial for the safety and longevity of asphalt pavements. By adopting these best practices, property owners can ensure their driveways and parking lots remain in good condition throughout the winter, avoiding costly repairs.
Ask Maisano Bros. Inc. about snow removal services today!
Start preparing now for the winter season by assessing your current snow removal tools and supplies. Consider professional snow removal services if your area is prone to heavy snowfall to ensure that your asphalt paving is handled with care. This guide provides an overview approach to maintaining and protecting asphalt pavements during the winter, emphasizing preventive care and proper techniques to extend the life of your investment. But what happens if you have still have questions or you want some help with removing the snow? We’re here to help.
