Ahh, Fall time! Back to school, cooler temps, tailgate parties. There's a lot to look forward to and enjoy during the autumn months. One thing business owners and property managers need to keep in mind is that fall is the precursor to winter, and if your commercial pavement surfaces aren't currently in the best of shape, things will only get worse during these colder months. Don't worry - there's still time to act fast and protect your asphalt before winter takes it's toll.
Spotting Common Pavement Problems Before Winter
First things first - what's the condition of your pavement? Did you have it sealcoated this year during the spring months? If so, you might be in good shape until next year, but if you have put off these critical preventative maintenance measures, then you likely have some issues to address.
Failing pavement is a major concern, and it's essential not to ignore common signs of asphalt trouble, such as cracks, potholes, surface wear, and water pooling due to drainage issues.
Get our guide for How to Spot and Address Early Signs of Asphalt Damage
Quick and Effective Pavement Repairs You Can Schedule This Fall
If you are spotting some of these common pavement problems, there are some things you can do now to prevent more extensive (and expensive) damage and prolong the life of your commercial pavement surfaces. Patching up potholes, repairing failing pavement edges and filling cracks are all quick and relatively affordable pavement repairs that can be completed in the fall that will help keep damage from worsening during the winter.
How Late in the Fall Can You Repair Pavement?
The next important factor to cover is how late pavement repairs and maintenance can be performed.
The short answer: it depends.
The longer answer: it depends on the type of pavement maintenance needed, the weather conditions, and the current state of your asphalt or concrete. Some quick fixes, like crack filling or sealcoating, may require warmer temps to cure properly, while other repairs can be done later into the season as long as the ground hasn’t frozen yet.
At Doctor Asphalt, we provide professional paving services across Midwest, including Wisconsin and Minnesota, as well as in the deep South of Texas. Because these regions experience very different climates, how late pavement repairs can be performed is going to vary drastically.
Think of it this way, your pavement’s fall “deadline” is written by Mother Nature, but we can help you understand what's possible and make a plan for prompt and effective pavement repairs.
Which Pavement Repairs to Prioritize for Safety and Longevity
So what's most important to prioritize before the temperature drops or the snowflakes start flying? It depends on the problem areas in your parking lot or other paved surfaces. However, in general, you want to focus on the high-traffic areas and any potential existing hazards, such as large cracks or potholes that could pose a risk, especially if they are not as easily visible in the wintertime.
These are the types of pavement repairs that should be a priority during the fall:
- Crack Filling
- Pothole Repairs
- Sealcoating (if temperatures allow)
- Line Striping
- Infared Patching (ideal for cooler temps)
- Drainage Repairs
- Edge Repairs
Protecting Your Pavement Through Winter
Proper repairs and preventative maintenance is a sure way to protect your asphalt pavement surfaces throughout the harsh winter months. In areas like Minnesota and Wisconsin, the blustery and snowy months can last half the year and wreak havoc on your commercial roads and parking lots. Even in states like Texas, where it's not as cold in the winter, we have seen in recent years occasional snowstorms and frequent freeze-thaw cycles, which can weaken the integrity of your asphalt surfaces and cause extensive damage that can lead to potential hazards and costly repairs. Preparing for this time of year by means of timely repairs and possible preventive maintenance can make a world of difference come the following spring.
The Cost of Delaying Parking Lot Repairs
Selecting the Right Pavement Contractor for Fall Repairs
Choosing the right contractor for your pavement repairs is imperative, especially for large commercial pavement investments. Hiring the right pavement contractor will directly relate to the quality of work and seeing lasting results.
Start by looking for local contractors with experience in your area, as they will best understand the environmental conditions and when fall work can still have effective results; this local knowledge can significantly impact the quality of repairs.
Next, read reviews and ask for references from previous clients to get an idea of their reliability, communication habits and professionalism. Finally, schedule a free consultation to discuss your needs and get a sense of their approach. When you partner with a qualified contractor like Doctor Asphalt, they will assess your pavement accurately and provide a clear plan for repairs, helping you avoid costly mistakes down the line.
Plan Today to Avoid Costly Winter Damage
Even if the issues on your commercial asphalt surfaces seem minor, it's best to get ahead of them before they cause bigger complications. At Doctor Asphalt, we are the top asphalt paving and pavement maintenance contractor in Wisconsin and Minnesota.
When property managers partner with us, they can rest assured that their pavement is in the best of hands. Reach out today to have us come out and perform a comprehensive site evaluation and provide you with a free estimate.
Doctor Asphalt delivers high-quality asphalt paving and maintenance solutions designed for the unique demands of the local climate. With a strong reputation for reliability and expertise, we provide premium services that enhance the safety and longevity of commercial and residential properties. Serving Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Texas, with nationwide capabilities for multi-property clients, we ensure durable, professional results that keep your pavement in top condition.
