How Rain and Snow Affect Asphalt Paving in Vancouver

The rain of Vancouver, which is rather humid, produces plenty of issues for asphalt pavements. Starting from constant showers all year and occasional falls of snow during the winter months, asphalt pavements require adequate maintenance and servicing to be healthy. Moisture is perhaps the biggest threat to pavement longevity, especially when accompanied by thermal cycles which can lead to incalculable damage. By understanding how rain and snow affect asphalt paving, Vancouver property owners can decide on installation and maintenance.

The Effect of Rain on Asphalt

Most of the time asphalt can withstand the rain in Vancouver, but when rainfall continues for a prolonged period, the asphalt faces damage in such conditions. When water starts seeping into little cracks and openings on the pavements, it begins to eat away the foundation below. That then causes an unstable pavement surface, creating potholes, depressions, and early wear and tear.

Water pooling is yet another common situation found mostly in places where the pavement is uneven, or drainage systems do not work properly. The standing water will add pressure to the asphalt and weaken it, making it vulnerable to cracks and crumbling. Without necessary drainage for asphalt paving, Vancouver property owners will face deteriorating asphalt.

Asphalt in The Freeze-Thaw Cycle

While Vancouver may not have the worst winter like many places in Canada, the cold weather can still impact asphalt paving. Freeze-thaw cycle occurs when water seeps into small cracks in the pavement, expands, and puts pressure on the asphalt upon freezing. After the ice melts, water seeps even deeper into the pavement, starting yet another cycle. Eventually, this deteriorative process leads to severe structural defects, which make the driveway, parking lot, and roadway areas more susceptible to potholing and degrading. Professional asphalt paving minimizes the damage caused by the freeze-thaw cycle, protecting the asphalt long term.

Snow and Ice Effects on Asphalt Surfaces

Slippery surfaces from snow and ice accumulation become potential sources of accidents for pedestrians and drivers. Though not much snow hits Vancouver, havoc strikes when one storm comes. De-icing solutions such as rock salt and chemical treatments work to melt the snow and create a safe environment, but simultaneously cause harm to the asphalt below.

Salt lowers the freezing point of water to help it melt but tends to speed up the destruction of asphalt and its penetration through small cracks to do even more damage. Moreover, snow removal equipment such as plows and shovels may scrape and weaken the surface if not done professionally.

Protecting Asphalt from Rain and Snow

Maintenance work such as drainage, pavement sealing, and regular inspections increases the lifespan of asphalt. Proper drainage prevents any standing water from collecting on the surface as it may soak through the asphalt and cause long-term damage. Slopes, gutters, and drains are commonly used applications for controlled water drainage. A protective coating helps seal asphalt against water, inhibiting water from penetrating the surface and eliminating the chances of crack and pothole development. This sealant also helps asphalt fight against temperature variations and the harm of de-icing chemicals. With asphalt paving, Vancouver home and business owners must invest in routine inspections to reduce expensive repairs later.

Given Vancouver’s temperamental weather, asphalt paving is best left to our professionals at King’s Services. We carry out expert maintenance and installation using only high-quality materials to ensure your property remains protected long-term. From residential driveways and commercial parking lots to industrial roadways, you can count on us to provide the finest asphalt paving Vancouver residents can find!