The cold winter months are here, and with it comes the harsh weather patterns that do no favors to concrete and asphalt. It’s easy enough to clean the exteriors of our homes and office buildings, prepping for heavy rain, snow, and ice, but sometimes we all but forget surrounding roads and grounds. If your driveway or asphalt pavement hasn’t been receiving the same attention you’ve put toward winterizing the various elements of your curb appeal, now’s the time to get started.

The team at Asphalt Materials have some simple ways to help you prepare for the winter ahead, here are some tips to keep driveways, walkways, and parking spots intact after the winter thaw.

1. Repair Before Major Snowfall

Keep in mind that asphalt changes along with the weather. Asphalt naturally contracts and expands along with freezing and thawing periods of Utah’s weather. The moisture on the ground and air can both heavily affect the behavior of asphalt material. This doesn’t bode well for such materials, but there are ways to maintain its structural integrity and performance throughout winter. If you don’t have the expertise to repair potholes on your own, be sure to hire a professional service. However, if you do have the experience, we recommend filling potholes with UPM Cold Mix Asphalt, specifically designed for winter and pothole repair in Utah. 

2. Pay Attention to Water Pooling

See water pooling in parts of your asphalt driveway or walkway? Those spots are more likely than others to see major damage after significant rain or snow. As said before, water freezes and expands, meaning what might have been a tiny puddle of pooling can turn into a sizable pool. Repair damage as you see fit, but be sure to take on the job or schedule professional maintenance before the damage is too far gone.

3. Be Sure to Shovel Snow Regularly

The easiest way to prevent unwanted damage during a harsh winter is to keep your asphalt free of standing water and snowmelt. How can you do this? Simple! Just be sure to shovel asphalt areas whenever a heavy snowfall happens. Be removing snow before it has the chance to melt, you can keep the asphalt from excessive damage. Of course, whether you’re using a metal shovel or snow plow, be cautious of catching the edge of the shovel on loose asphalt. This can pull up areas of weakened asphalt, making pockets that hold on to snow. Although many individuals choose to shovel on their own, you can also trust a reliable company to plow snow for you. With the right experience and professional equipment, unintentional damage can be more easily avoided.

4. Use Ice Melt Properly

It can be easy enough to use ice melt materials to get the job done quicker, but be wary of products. De-icing can cause both environmental distress and physical asphalt damage if used improperly. Rather than use a de-icer as a tool to save you time, use it only when necessary after you’ve properly shoveled away snow or debris. When shopping for an ice melt, find a mixture that contains more than just salt. A good mixture of salt and sand help to create traction in slippery areas, are safer to use around animals and plants, and is less likely to cause damage to your asphalt. Use it responsibly!