Are you prepared? Use this Winter Checklist to inspect your pavement

Get on our schedule to repair your asphalt damage early next spring

Summers in West Michigan are great. Camping, fishing, boating, just anything to get outdoors is fun (okay, not yard work). But the flip side of those beautiful summer days are the cold, gray winters that’ll be here before you know it.

Winter is coming. And those snowy, freezing months take a toll on all of us, and our asphalt. For us Michiganders, we know how to prepare and cope with the snow and cold: snow tires, layers of warm clothes, and a backup heating source.

But there’s not much you can do to prepare your asphalt for the coming months. Winter and early spring are simply going to take a toll on your driveways, parking lots, and private roads.

Winter Enemies of Asphalt

• Cold and Moisture
• Freeze / Thaw Cycle
• Salt
• Snow Removal
• Vehicles

If your blacktop wasn’t in tip-top shape before winter, all that stress is going to result in even more damage.

Results of Winter Damage to Asphalt

• Cracks
• Potholes
• Broken Edges
• Puddles
• Faded Markings
• Dull Surface

So, what can you do about it now?

First, you can use the list below to inspect your asphalt. Make note of any current flaws and defects. It’s important to know where you’re starting from so you’ll have a good idea where the problem areas are when it’s time to repair them.

Asphalt Winter Prep Checklist

Cracks wider than 1/4 inch
Potholes
Alligatored areas or a network of small, interlaced cracks
Sinkholes
Unsupported Edges
Large Amounts of Standing Water
Faded Stripes or Markings
Dull or Faded Surface cracks (wider than 1/4 inch)

Once you’ve completed your own inspection, call us at (616) 772-2559 and secure a spot on our spring paving calendar. (We’ll take a look at your asphalt ourselves when we come for your on-site estimate.) None of us can stop winter from coming, but we can make sure to fix its damaging effects as soon as possible.

What happens if you ignore asphalt damage? You’ll end up with a big mess on your hands:

• Un-repaired cracks become big, ugly, dangerous potholes.
• Damage opens up asphalt to gas or oil spills and UV light that deteriorates and dries out your asphalt.
• Unsupported edges break off.
• Poor drainage causes weak spots and standing water.
• People think poorly of your business or home because it looks neglected.
• Your property value declines.
• Your driveway or parking lot is unsafe.
• The repairs will be more expensive in the long run.

We don’t want you to suffer those kinds of risks or embarrassment. You deserve asphalt that looks great and lasts longer. Here’s how to get it:

1. Call Us at (616) 772-2559.
   Call us today and we’ll schedule a time to come estimate your project.
2. Get Your Free Custom Estimate.
   We’ll come evaluate your asphalt and recommend the best option to extend its lifespan.
3. Schedule Your Job.
   We’ll answer your questions and discuss scheduling. The asphalt season in Michigan is short, so it’s important to get on our calendar before it fills up.

Let us make your asphalt look great and last longer.