Blog

Winter Strategies for Industrial Asphalt Paving

Industrial asphalt paving can benefit your business in countless ways. It improves safety, boosts productivity, and can provide decades of streamlined operations, all while adding real value to the property. Dallas industrial paving contractors can help you get a functional surface that meets your needs, but doing so during the winter presents several challenges. In this blog, we’ll explore several winter strategies for industrial and commercial asphalt paving.

Why Is Wintertime Industrial Paving Difficult?

Paving for industrial facilities is already a complex process with challenging logistics. Throw inclement weather into the mix, and it can be an uphill battle.

Industrial and commercial asphalt paving requires relatively warm conditions. When building surfaces, contractors use a hot asphalt mix. It arrives at the site at temperatures up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Once laid, Dallas industrial paving contractors must quickly compact it to improve density and strength before it cools.

Therein lies the problem with wintertime industrial paving in Dallas. Cooler temperatures rapidly lower hot asphalt’s temperature. Contractors must complete compaction before the mix cools to approximately 185 degrees Fahrenheit. Otherwise, it becomes too stiff to work with, and the results suffer.

When ground temperatures are 50 degrees or cooler, paving for industrial facilities becomes incredibly difficult. The asphalt mix cools too rapidly, leading to a weak surface and poor bonding.

How Can Contractors Plan for Paving Projects in the Winter?

The only way for contractors to complete industrial paving is to keep a close eye on the forecast. The best industrial facility asphalt paving experts will only schedule projects when temperatures are above 50 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the work process. That includes site preparations, actual paving, and curing.

They’ll also check ground temperatures. Because air and ground temperatures can differ significantly, contractors must assess the soil, review the forecast, and take additional steps to ensure the success of industrial paving.

How Do I Keep Industrial Asphalt Paving in Good Conditions Through the Winter Season?

Even after successful industrial paving in Dallas, you must be vigilant about caring for the finished product. Winter can be particularly tough on industrial and commercial asphalt paving. Without proper care, your pavement can sustain significant damage, compromising its integrity and longevity. Here are a few tips that make all the difference.

•Schedule a Pre-Winter Inspection: Hire a trusted Dallas industrial paving contractor to assess your pavement before winter arrives. They can look for signs of trouble and provide valuable service recommendations for ultimate protection.
•Seal All Cracks: Freeze/thaw cycles can push cracks further and further apart while also inviting water to penetrate the surface. Fill and seal all cracks before freezing temperatures arrive.
•Complete Repairs: Damaged industrial facility asphalt paving will only worsen in the winter. Whether dealing with potholes or surface defects, hire contractors to address those issues as soon as possible.
•Reapply Sealcoating: Fresh sealcoating offers much-needed protection for industrial paving in Dallas. It shields your pavement from water penetration, ice, road chemicals, and more.
•Check Drainage: Always check your drainage before winter arrives. Standing water can create dangerous ice sheets that accelerate the deterioration of industrial paving.
•Avoid Damaging De-Icers: It’s OK to use de-icers, but it’s best to stick to asphalt-safe products rather than traditional road salts. Products that contain calcium magnesium acetate are often best.
•Schedule Post-Season Care: Once spring arrives, schedule an additional inspection. Contractors can assess the damage and help you determine what your industrial paving needs to stay strong moving forward.

Whether you need new industrial paving in Dallas or want some professional assistance keeping existing surfaces in good shape throughout the season, HI-TEK Paving Services has you covered. Since 2010, we’ve helped countless clients throughout the area get and maintain asphalt paving that lasts. We’re pavement experts and specialize in paving for industrial facilities. We also offer a wide range of services, including new asphalt paving, repairs, crack repairs, overlays, sealcoating, concrete installation, sidewalks, parking lot striping, and more.

Get your free quote today by calling HI-TEK Paving at (214) 833-6097. Our team is also eager to communicate via email at kevin@hi-tekpaving.com or give you a callback after you submit our online contact form.