What Ice Can Do To Asphalt
The ominous sound of the 1939 Eugene O’Neill play mentioned in the title is a reminder that winter weather brings a lot along with it. Taking care of your asphalt is one extra responsibility when ice comes.
Without a certain process, even the best asphalt paving companies in Toledo, Ohio don’t stand a chance when combating the weather. As a result, when the iceman cometh, your asphalt will suffer. On its own, asphalt can be extremely damaged by rain, ice, snow, and sleet.
How ice accumulates on top of the asphalt is yet another aspect of what ice does to an asphalt paved surface. Using the proper combination of ice melt and manpower will generally remove the ice on top of the asphalt. However, when ice, snow and sleet enter the asphalt’s surface, other perils occur. Professional asphalt paving companies in Toledo will be able to remedy this situation.
During the freeze and thaw cycle, asphalt can crack and deteriorate. When rain, snow or ice meets the surface of asphalt it collects into the cracks. Ice and snow become liquid depending upon the temperature. Once the temperature freezes again, all of that moisture freezes as well and expands, thereby leaving cracks in the asphalt surface.
Imagine All Of This Preparation For Naught
Commercial paving companies in Toledo, Ohio and elsewhere put a lot of effort into laying asphalt.
Typical phases of proper asphalt installation include:
- sub grade preparation – this is the process of preparing the ground for the installation of the asphalt. Sub-grading is a very complex process and differs between driveways and roadways. Also, commercial paving installation projects require a different sub-grading material
Professional asphalt paving companies such as Bowers Asphalt and Paving, Inc. must be consulted for this phase as well as the ones to follow.
- drainage planning – how rainwater will exit the surface of the asphalt project is a crucial step and asphalt installation
- subgrade compaction – pressing the sub-graded materials into the proper placement for asphalt installation
- herbicide application – necessary to illuminate foliage growth
Now the surface is finally ready for the actual application of the asphalt.
- asphalt lay-down
- asphalt compaction
- asphalt edging
Professional Installers Of Commercial Asphalt in Toledo, Ohio…
will ensure that all of that preparation is not for naught. Every 2 to 3 years your asphalt project needs yet another process to occur.
How To Protect Asphalt From Ice
Asphalt is protected from the elements by SEALCOATING. This process ensures that the water will not damage the asphalt when it goes through the freeze and thaw cycle. Sealcoating is made from refined coal tar along with the necessary agents to emulsify the product.
Sealcoating gets into every crevice of the asphalt. As a result, the water cannot penetrate the asphalt. They freeze and thaw cycle will not damage the asphalt. The asphalt expands and contracts with the changing weather. However, sealcoating will protect the asphalt from damage. The life of the asphalt is increased exponentially by proper sealcoating. Asphalt paving companies in Toledo, Ohio that are of high quality will tell you about this sealcoating process and will either complete the process themselves or refer you to a reputable asphalt sealcoating company.
Proper Asphalt Installation Lays A Great Foundation
Without the proper installation of the asphalt, the project is going to fail. Bowers Asphalt and Paving, Inc. has been in business for 75 years. Starting from a small business with only one pullbox, the family-owned and operated company has expanded to become a leader in the industry.
