Prevent Winter Damage to Your Salt Lake City Commercial Parking Lot with Asphalt Maintenance

There’s no denying that Salt Lake City faces harsh winters with plenty of snow and ice. The average highs and lows frequently shift from just above to just below freezing. These freeze-thaw cycles can wreak havoc on parking lots for a number of reasons. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of damage and extend the longevity of your parking lot.

The Impact of Harsh Salt Lake City Winters on Asphalt

When temperatures drop, water expands into cracks and freezes. This forces the cracks further apart, exacerbating the damage. Plus, ice frozen on the surface poses a serious safety hazard for drivers and pedestrians alike.

Many people turn to salt to deice their asphalt surfaces. However, this can contribute to cracks, discoloration and corrosion. While asphalt isn’t as susceptible to the damaging effects of salt as concrete, it can still erode the asphalt and its subbed as it mixes with melted water and seeps into the surface.

Even worse, it’s difficult to coordinate parking lot repairs in winter due to snowfall and freezing temperatures. In cold weather, the chemical reactions that occur during repairs slow down, making it harder to get the job done correctly. 

This may all sound like bad news for parking lots in Salt Lake City, but a little proactive maintenance goes a long way in getting your parking lot through the winter with minimal damage. 

Key Winter Asphalt Maintenance in Salt Lake City

Before freezing temperatures set in, it’s a good idea to take care of some routine annual maintenance to protect your parking lot. Mid- to late-October tends to bring Salt Lake City’s first freeze, so try to get these steps taken care of in late summer or early fall for optimal protection.

Asphalt Crack Filling

Cracks can cause serious weaknesses in your parking lot, especially when winter temperatures freeze moisture trapped within them. Crack filling provides edge-to-edge protection against moisture penetration while also restoring the asphalt’s structural integrity. 

Ideally, asphalt crack filling should occur during spring or fall months when the temperature is between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature range allows the filler material to bond to the surface without drying out too quickly.

Asphalt Pothole Repair

Untreated cracks eventually grow into potholes that can damage vehicles or pose a tripping hazard. However, with asphalt pothole repair, the damage can be reversed, and a smooth, even surface can be restored to your lot.

Like cracks, potholes should be repaired during mild weather. While you can use cold mix asphalt during winter months, it’s not always as durable as a hot mix repair. If your parking lot has potholes, patch them up as soon as possible, ideally before snow and ice become a concern.

Asphalt Sealcoating

Regular asphalt sealcoating provides ample protection to your lot year-round. Sealcoating involves applying a thin, durable coating across the entire parking lot that fills in small gaps. It keeps moisture out of the asphalt so it can’t freeze and force it apart. Beyond that, sealcoating protects against chemicals and UV rays that could degrade your asphalt. 

Ideally, asphalt should have sealcoating applied every two to five years, depending on traffic, the condition of the existing coat, and your climate. A professional asphalt repair and maintenance company can assess the condition of your lot and make recommendations on the exact frequency you should follow.

Tips to Maintain Your Asphalt Parking Lot

Beyond investing in asphalt repair and maintenance services, there are a few tips you can follow as part of your general parking lot care routine to keep it in tip-top shape.

• Any time snow falls, remove it quickly. This helps reduce the weight on the asphalt while also preventing standing water as the snow melts. 
• When snow isn’t on the ground, keep the parking lot free from debris like leaves or trash. These can trap moisture that contributes to asphalt degradation.
• Confirm your parking lot has proper drainage and keep any drains clear from debris.
• Use deicing agents sparingly and always opt for products deemed safe for asphalt. Calcium magnesium acetate (CMA), calcium chloride and magnesium chloride are usually considered better for asphalt than sodium chloride (rock salt). 

A Well-Maintained Parking Lot Is a Long-Lasting Parking Lot

Proactively protecting your Salt Lake City parking lot is key to getting the most out of your asphalt. Investing in this long-term maintenance protects your pavement from the region’s harsh winter weather while reducing overall repair costs and improving long-term durability.

If you need comprehensive, preventative asphalt maintenance for your parking lot, reach out to EverLine Coatings in Salt Lake City. Contact us today to learn more!