Winter doesn't create pavement problems. It finds the ones you already have.
Water gets into a small crack in October, freezes in January, and by spring you're looking at a pothole. The good news is that a few steps taken in the fall can keep that from happening.
1. Seal Cracks Before the Freeze-Thaw Cycle Starts
Water is the real threat to asphalt in winter. It slips into cracks, freezes, and expands. Then it thaws and does it again. Every cycle pushes the crack a little wider and loosens the pavement around it.
Crack sealing works best while the weather is still dry and mild, so fall is the window. Once it turns cold and wet, that window closes. A crack sealed in October costs very little. The same crack left open through winter can turn into a patch or a pothole by spring.
2. Get Water Moving Off the Lot
Standing water is a problem all year. In winter it's also a safety issue, because puddles turn into ice and ice turns into slip-and-fall claims.
Before the cold arrives, walk the lot and check:
- Storm drains and catch basins clogged with leaves or debris
- Low spots where water collects after a hard rain
- Areas near downspouts or building edges where runoff pools
Clearing drains is cheap and quick. It protects the pavement and keeps ice from forming in the places people walk and drive.
3. Plan for Plows, Salt, and What's Hiding Under the Snow
Snow covers problems. Then a plow finds them.
Fix potholes, raised manholes, and trip hazards before the first snowfall. Mark curbs, islands, drains, and other fixed objects so your plow crew knows where they are. A quick conversation with your snow removal contractor before the season starts can prevent a lot of damage to both the pavement and the equipment.
De-icers deserve some thought too. Used heavily, they can be hard on concrete surfaces, especially anything poured recently. Use what you need for safety and no more.
The Bottom Line
Winter prep comes down to three things: seal cracks while you still can, keep water moving off the lot, and deal with hazards before snow hides them. An afternoon of attention in the fall is far cheaper than a spring of repairs.
Want a second set of eyes on your lot before the cold sets in? APM Paving offers a free assessment. We'll tell you what's worth fixing now and what can wait.
