With Minnesota winters wreaking havoc on lives, homes, and property, it’s little wonder residents are proactive in ensuring their property is protected and in good condition before the temperatures drop between November and February.

And one aspect of homes that can succumb to extreme winter conditions is where homeowners and business owners alike need to be proactive in regards to is asphalt paving. 

But it’s not just the temperatures dropping that damages asphalt, it’s the use of rock salt and snow plowing alongside the snow, rain, and freeze-thaw cycles.

When you see potholes or cracks form, the damage has begun, and while your first instinct might be to get the damage repaired right away, it’s important to understand the challenges winter asphalt crack repairs bring. 

At Metro Paving, we are experienced in all aspects of paving and asphalt repairs in Minnesota and are here to help property owners understand the intricacies of winter weather and their asphalt paving.

What Winter Does to Asphalt Paving

Winter can really impact asphalt in several ways, and the result is problematic driveways, parking lots, walkways, and more.

Freeze-Thaw Cycle

During the winter, Minnesota experiences frequent freeze-thaw cycles, which is snow and rain falling, freezing, thawing, and then freezing again as temperatures drop. Water seeps into cracks in asphalt, and when temperatures drop post-thaw again, it freezes and expands. As it does so, cracks and voids worsen, increasing the size and severity of existing damage.

Contraction and Shrinkage

Colder temperatures can result in asphalt becoming hard and brittle, and when this happens, you experience shrinkage and contraction, and the outcome of this is damage in the form of potholes, cracks, and heaving.

Snowplow Damage

Snowplows can cause considerable damage to already weakened asphalt, and from here, more water damage is sustained, and the severity increases.

Rock Salt and Chemical

Rock salt and other deicing chemicals are frequently used on Minnesota roads to remove the ice and improve walking and driving conditions. But these chemicals can bind to the asphalt, making it more brittle and susceptible to increased damage from day-to-day activities and use.

Signs of Winter Damage to Asphalt

The harsh winter climate in Minnesota can impact asphalt in multiple ways, including. 

• Potholes
• Racks
• Raveling
• Shrunken spots
• Rutting or depressions
• Joint issues
• Unevenness
• Bucking
• Upheaval

When Should You Repair Winter Asphalt Damage?

As winter can cause massive damage to already weakened asphalt, it’s recommended that you follow a proactive maintenance plan prior to winter, then remedy any damage in spring.

By being proactive in conducting preventative maintenance and repairs, you can mitigate any potential damage and ensure your asphalt remains in good condition over the winter. 

Starting with an annual pre-winter inspection, you can get advice on the condition of your potholes and what expert asphalt and concrete companies recommend to protect your paving before winter hits.

Then, come spring, it’s recommended to get any damage repaired. At Metro Paving, we can schedule spring bookings for asphalt inspection and repairs, including overlaying, restripping, patching, and sealing asphalt cracks.

Why Choose Metro Paving for Asphalt Repairs?

At Metro Paving, we have over 35 years of experience in the sector and over 75 years of combined experience, positioning us as Minnesota’s leading asphalt contractors specialising in all aspects of asphalt repairs, asphalt patching, amongst other services, including removal and replacement.

We pride ourselves on our high level of commitment to each and every job, be it smaller residential repairs or larger commercial installations and corrections to damaged asphalt via patching or repairs.

Our processes involve using cutting-edge equipment, which allows us to complete each and every project to the highest quality possible with the least disruption to daily activities.

We know and understand the Minnesota climate, and we can assist our customers on the best time to assess and repair any winter asphalt damage.

Metro Paving: Asphalt and Paving Near Me

When you experience damage to your asphalt, we appreciate you wanting it rectified sooner rather than later. We conduct inspections post winter to limit additional damage you might incur from freshly patched cracks or other surface damage sustained and corrected in winter.

It’s our attention to detail that sets us apart; we deliver only the highest standards, and we pride ourselves on offering the best advice and service to all customers, regardless of the scale of work.

Whether you need a complete excavation and new asphalt paving that can withstand heavy traffic and adverse weather conditions, or you need pothole filling, we can help.

To find out more or to arrange an inspection, get in touch today and book your free estimate online.