Once your asphalt pavement has been installed, it is important to take care of the pavement throughout the year to prevent damage from occurring. As winter weather arrives, your pavement can be susceptible to damage and wear if you don't keep it protected. Here are some measures you can implement during the fall to help ensure your asphalt is well-protected during winter:

Fluid Damage Repair

Your asphalt can be on the receiving end of harmful vehicle fluids leaking from your or others vehicles that can soften and cause damage to the asphalt's surface. When it is not removed from the asphalt, this type of damage can unravel the asphalt's binders and cause a pitted area where a pothole forms. Any crack in the surface of your asphalt can allow moisture to seep into and freeze during winter, so this will cause additional damage and should be repaired to restore its surface protection for winter.

Cut out any section of vehicle fluid damage, using a circular saw with a masonry blade and use a shovel to lift it from the area. Refill and compact the base filler gravel to restore stability to the pavement, then patch it with new asphalt mixture, filling and compacting it in place in layers.

If you have a large area of asphalt to be repaired, it may be beneficial to order a load of hot mix asphalt from a local asphalt company. Otherwise, buy bagged cold mix asphalt filler from a local home improvement store.

Crack Repair and Seal Protection

Filling any cracks over the asphalt's surface is essential for its winter protection, as cracks will further widen during winter's freeze-thaw patterns. Use a pressure washer or an air compressor to spray out any debris from the asphalt's cracks. It is important they are clean when you fill them for the patches to remain in place. Also remove any vegetation growth from the cracks, using a trowel, shovel, or another sharp-edged instrument.

Fill each crack with an asphalt emulsion filler material: for smaller cracks you can use a liquid emulsion filler and for larger cracks, use a cold mix patch filler. Allow the patching or filler material to cure as indicated by the product's instructions before applying a sealcoating layer. Once the sealcoating is applied, it will prevent any oxygen to reach the patch, preventing it from curing.

A sealcoating will seal off the repairs, prevent oxidation damage to your asphalt during winter, and also waterproof the surface to prevent moisture intrusion into the top layer of your asphalt. This type of protection can be installed every few years, depending on the climate in your area and the condition of your asphalt.

Contact a company like Mariotti Site Development Co Inc for more information and assistance.