Winter in Toronto is beautiful, but it comes with hidden problems – it can be tough on your driveway, parking lot, or road. You may have notice cracks, holes, or rough patches forming on your asphalt during or after the cold months. To prevent these issues from getting worse, asphalt repair in Toronto becomes essential.

In this blog, let us take a closer look at how snow can damage your asphalt and what you can do to protect it.

Why You Might Need Asphalt Repair in Toronto During Winter Season

During the winter in Toronto, snow and ice are common occurrence, when they build up on the asphalt, it can be dangerous to drive or even walk on. With the piled up snow and fluctuations in the temperature, it makes snow melt and freeze repeatedly, which eventually can cause cracks in asphalt. Here’s how snow affects it:

1. Snow Melts and Freezes

When snow melts, the water seeps into small cracks or holes in the asphalt. And because of the drop in temperature, the water freezes, causing it to expand. This makes the cracks bigger. Over time, this freezing and melting action breaks down the asphalt and weakens it causing rough patches on surface.

2. Salt and Chemicals

During winter salt is commonly used for safety. It is spread on roads and driveways to melt ice and reduce slipperiness. However, over time, the salt can also wear down the surface, leading to cracks or crumbling. And if there are already cracks or holes, it can get into them and turn into potholes, making asphalt repair in Toronto necessary to restore the surface and prevent more damage.

Tips for Protecting Your Asphalt from Snow

Here are some easy and practical tips that can help you to keep it in good shape from the damage snow removals can cause:

1. Seal Your Asphalt Before Winter

One of the best ways to protect it from snow and ice damage is to seal it before winter. A good sealant helps to create a barrier preventing water, salt, and other damaging elements from getting into the asphalt. This help to protect it from cracks, freezing, and crumbling over the winter.

2. Use the Right Snow Removal Equipment

If you’re using a snow plow to clear your driveway or parking lot, make sure the blade is set at the right height. The plow should be high enough to avoid scraping against the asphalt, especially if there are already some cracks or rough spots. For smaller areas, using a snow blower or a shovel is gentler on your asphalt than a plow, and it can prevent unnecessary damage, which eventually reduces the need for asphalt repair in Toronto.

3. Avoid Overusing Salt

Salt is a helpful tool for melting ice, but if you use too much of it, it can damage your asphalt. Try to use it reasonably, and you can also consider using alternative ice-melting products that are gentler on driveway. Some eco-friendly products are designed to melt ice without causing harm to asphalt or the environment. Remember to sweep up any leftover salt after the snow has melted to prevent it from sitting on the surface

4. Repair Cracks and Potholes Early

Cracks in your asphalt can get worse during the winter, especially when snow and ice seep into them. Repairing cracks before winter can save you a lot of trouble eventually. Simple crack filling can prevent water from getting inside and freezing, which can lead to bigger damage.

5. Consider Professional Help

If you’re not sure how to maintain your asphalt properly, or if the damage is too severe, it’s a good idea to call for professional Asphalt repair in Toronto. Before hiring, you should check their work and reviews, this makes sure that you are getting an excellent service. You can read reviews on BBB, Yelp or Google reviews to get the idea about the company. Experts can help fill cracks, seal the surface, and provide long-lasting protection for your driveway or parking lot.

Don’t ignore or wait for too long to fix small problems- at first it might seem like a small crack or chip it can turn into a much larger issue if not fixed on time. Early repairs are always more cost-effective than dealing with major damage down the road.

Conclusion

Snow can be a lot of fun, but it also comes with its challenges for your asphalt surfaces. But with little care and attention you can avoid making your driveway or parking lot look neglected and unsafe. By clearing snow regularly, using salt carefully, sealing your asphalt, and repairing cracks early and getting professional help for it, you can prevent winter damage and enjoy the winter season without worrying about your asphalt repair in Toronto.

Winter may be tough on asphalt, but with the right care, it doesn’t have to be a problem! Stay safe, and keep your asphalt looking great all season long.