The cool air of an Ontario fall brings a fine time for folks to prep their homes. Winter in the city offers huge tests to things like driveways and parking lots. When looking for fixes, you will find that many skilled asphalt paving contractors Toronto firms offer smart ways to help your surface last.
Simple Pre-Winter Upkeep
A major part of fall work is to check your pavement well. Fix any small cracks right away. Small splits let in water. When this water freezes, it swells and makes the split much wider. The change from freeze to melt is what causes the most hurt. The work of asphalt paving contractors Toronto teams aims to stop water from going down deep.
Get rid of all dirt, leaves, and trash from the path. Wet leaves left on the surface trap wetness against the blacktop. This can harm the top coat. A clean drive lets you see weak spots and helps with good water flow.
Sealant: A Strong Outer Skin
Epic Paving pros adding a fresh layer of sealant is a great way to shield your drive. Sealant puts a thin, tough shield on the surface. This shield locks out wetness, oil spills, and strong road salt.
You need to do this job when the air is still warm so the sealant can set well. It is best to do a seal coat every few years to keep the surface new and strong. It makes the surface look better and helps it last longer.
Make Sure Water Drains Right
Poor drainage is a huge foe for your asphalt. When water pools on the surface, it finds its way into the base. If this water freezes, it rips up the surface and makes it weak.
- Check for spots where water stays after a storm.
- Make sure all drains and pipes are clean and open.
- The path should slope a bit so water runs away fast.
If you find bad pooling, you need to call in a pro. They can fix the grade or mend a worn catch basin. This small step saves huge costs later.
Safe Way to Clear Snow
Snow removal must be done with care. Use the right tools to keep from scratching the blacktop. Avoid steel shovel blades or plow edges that can gouge the surface. Try plastic tools or a snowplow with a soft rubber end.
You must clear the snow and ice fast. Do not let heavy, wet snow stay long on the drive. For melting ice, do not use salt that is bad for the surface. Select safe items like calcium chloride or sand for good grip. Salt can hurt the surface, so use it very little.
Avoid Huge Weights
Cold weather makes asphalt more brittle. Big trucks or very heavy things can make deep grooves or cracks when the ground is cold and soft. Try to keep huge weights off the pavement in the dead of winter. If you must have a heavy load, move it around a bit. Do not let it stay in one same spot for too long. This small step helps spread the load and saves your asphalt from dents.
Check Up When Snow Melts
When spring arrives and the snow is gone, check your drive one more time. Look for any new cracks or holes that the winter made. Fix these right away. A spring check lets you treat small issues before they get large. Keep up with simple, timely fixes to make sure your surface lasts for many years in the harsh North.
