Winter in the Tri-City area and Southwestern Virginia can be unpredictable. One day it is mild, and the next brings freezing rain or snow. This fluctuation is tough on pavement, making asphalt maintenance essential before the worst weather hits. At Bracken Paving, we want to help you protect your investment. A little preparation now can prevent expensive damage later.
Here is how to get your driveway ready for the cold months ahead:
The first step in asphalt maintenance for winter is a thorough inspection. Walk your driveway looking for wear, oil spots, or debris. Leaves and dirt trap moisture against the pavement, which freezes and thaws, causing surface deterioration. Clean your driveway with a stiff broom. Removing organic matter prevents decomposition and staining, avoiding moisture retention that weakens the binder during freeze-thaw cycles.
Small cracks are the enemy of a winter driveway. Water seeps in, freezes, and expands, forcing cracks open wider. While fall is best for sealing, you may need asphalt crack filler in cold weather if starting late. Use a high-quality, rubberized filler to prevent water penetration. If unsure which product works in lower temperatures, professional guidance ensures the bond holds through the season.
Standing water is asphalt’s nemesis. Puddles turn into dangerous ice patches that chip away at sealcoating. Check edges to ensure grass has not grown higher than the asphalt, trapping water. You may need to clear gutters or adjust the grade with soil to ensure melting snow flows away from your pavement rather than pooling on top.
Do not ignore larger divots. Leaving a pothole exposed to snow is a recipe for disaster. Winter pothole repair is critical because small holes become craters by spring. While hot-mix asphalt is scarce in winter, high-quality cold patch materials serve as a durable temporary fix. For permanent solutions, our team can evaluate if infrared repair is a viable option to fuse new asphalt with the old.
Standard rock salt corrodes the surface. As part of your asphalt maintenance for winter plan, switch to calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) or use sand for traction. These alternatives are gentler on aggregates. Additionally, use plastic shovels rather than metal ones to avoid scraping the surface or damaging the sealcoat you have worked hard to maintain.
Preparing your driveway for winter requires vigilance, but it pays off in longevity and curb appeal. Whether you need professional winter pothole repair or advice on maintenance, Bracken Paving is here to serve the Tri-Cities and Southwestern Virginia. Contact us today to ensure your asphalt stands strong against the elements.