Sanding Your Asphalt: Myths, Truths, and What to Know

What to Know About Sanding Asphalt Surfaces

Sanding your asphalt or applying sand to your pavement is a relatively common tactic. However, there are a lot of misconceptions around how it helps, if it's beneficial and the potential harms. In this blog, we'll be busting myths and highlighting the truths so you can understand if sanding is worth it for your commercial parking lot or parking ramp.

What Is Sanding Asphalt Anyway?

Let’s clear up some possible confusion about “sanding” your asphalt. First off, what does that even mean? Well, it can refer to a couple of things. Sanding your asphalt could mean spreading sand or light gravel over the surface of your road or parking lot to improve traction in icy conditions. The second reference relates to the asphalt replacement process, where the top layer of the existing pavement is "sanded" or removed as part of the resurfacing procedure. This is often called mill and overlay, which is ideal when the pavement has sustained significant surface-level damage.

Asphalt Sanding Myths

Helps to Fill in Ugly Cracks and Holes

Using sand to fill in your pavement's cracks and holes is not an ideal fix. In fact, doing so can lead to bigger problems. Sand holds moisture, which can seep into the pavement layers, weaken the structure, and accelerate deterioration (especially during freeze-thaw cycles). Over time, it can also worsen uneven surfaces that create tripping hazards and further damage.

Increases Your Surface's Strength and Life Expectancy

Sanding your asphalt can seem like a good idea at times. You might think it's a quick fix to filling in the little cracks or potholes, but it does more harm than good. Rather than buying you time until you schedule repairs and seal coating, it can actually cause even more damage and negatively impact your pavement's strength and lifespan.  

Improves Safety for Pedestrians

Using sand or gravel may help improve grip during certain conditions, such as icy weather. However, once that ice and snow melts, you are left with sand on top of a relatively smooth surface, which can actually reduce traction and make the pavement more prone to slipping and tripping.

Asphalt Sanding Truths

Improves Traction

As previously mentioned, putting sand down on your asphalt can help with traction, particularly in the snowy winter months. However, the benefits rarely outweigh the negatives that come with putting down sand.

Requires Cleanup

Once the snow and ice melt, leftover sand needs to be removed to prevent slick surfaces and drainage issues. This can be a tedious and time-consuming task.

Can Hide Surface Damage

Sand may cover cracks, potholes, or surface wear; however, the problem is that it makes it harder to spot and address early pavement problems.

Smarter Solutions for Safer Traction

If you need extra traction during icy conditions, rather than using sand, it's best to use treated salt or specialized deicing products designed for asphalt surfaces. These options help melt ice and improve grip without leaving behind messy debris like sand. Plus, they're easier to clean up and less likely to cause long-term damage to your pavement.

For Asphalt That Lasts, Go with Sealcoating

Everyone wants to enhance their curb appeal and create a safe and welcoming environment for their customers, and the parking lot is often the first place to make that impression. So, if you want smooth, great-looking asphalt that lasts, routine pavement maintenance, including sealcoating, is the best way to achieve that.

If you're ready to take the next step in protecting your pavement, reach out to our team at Doctor Asphalt and get a free estimate for asphalt maintenance or resurfacing.