Protecting Your Asphalt During Harsh Calgary Winters
Living in Calgary means preparing your property for long, cold winters. Snow, ice, freeze-thaw cycles, and heavy equipment like plows all take a toll on paved surfaces and make them crack. Without the right care, asphalt driveways, parking lots, and roadways can crack, crumble, and deteriorate quickly. At Bulldog Paving, we know how challenging Calgary’s climate can be for asphalt, and we’re here to share some straightforward tips that will keep your surfaces protected and lasting longer through even the harshest months.
Why Asphalt Needs Extra Care in Winter
Asphalt is a durable and flexible surface, but extreme temperatures can test its limits. Calgary’s winter weather brings repeated cycles of freezing and thawing that expand and contract pavement, creating stress points. Add in snow plowing, salt, sand, and everyday traffic, and even well-built asphalt can weaken if it’s not maintained properly.
The good news is that a few preventative measures make a big difference. By making small adjustments now, you can save yourself the expense of major repairs in the spring.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
One of the first mistakes property owners can sometimes make is relying on strong chemical de-icers. While these products may melt snow and ice quickly, they can be extremely damaging to asphalt over time. Harsh chemicals can seep into the surface, breaking down the binding agents, and accelerate the cracking caused by constant usage or travel.
Instead, choose gentler options like sand or calcium magnesium acetate (CMA), which provide traction without eating away at your pavement. If you’re unsure which products are safe, we can help guide you toward materials that balance safety and long-term protection.
Watch Plowing Practices
Snow removal is a necessity in Calgary, but it’s also one of the biggest culprits when it comes to asphalt damage. Improper plowing can leave gouges and scrapes that weaken the surface.
To reduce this risk, making sure that plow blades are raised slightly above the pavement is important. This allows snow to be cleared efficiently without direct contact that could cut into the asphalt. For smaller spaces, using snow blowers or shovels with plastic edges can help minimize damage.
At Bulldog Paving, we know that people can undergo springtime repairs that could have been avoided with a little more care during plowing. The best thing to do is just keep an eye out when your area is being plowed, being sure to note where things may be damaged.
Keep Surfaces Clear
Leaving piles of snow and ice on your asphalt may seem harmless, but it can create long-term issues. When snowbanks melt and refreeze, water seeps into tiny cracks and expands, leading to potholes and structural damage.
Clearing your asphalt regularly ensures that water doesn’t linger where it can cause harm. Pay special attention to drainage areas, looking for blocked drains or poorly graded sections that will hold water longer, making them more vulnerable to freeze-thaw damage.
Schedule Preventative Maintenance
While daily habits help, professional maintenance is essential for asphalt that needs to withstand Calgary’s harsh conditions. Services like sealcoating, crack filling, and resurfacing provide added layers of protection that help pavement resist moisture and temperature extremes.
At Bulldog Paving, we recommend scheduling inspections and maintenance before the winter hits. Identifying problem areas early means they can be addressed while conditions are still manageable, rather than waiting until damage is extensive in the spring.
Partner with Calgary Asphalt Experts
Your asphalt is an investment in your property’s function and curb appeal. Protecting it through winter is about more than just safety, and ensuring that your pavement lasts as long as possible without costly replacements is vital.
At Bulldog Paving, we specialize in asphalt solutions built for Calgary’s unique climate. From new paving projects to maintenance and repair, our team has the experience and equipment to keep your surfaces performing their best year-round.
Take Action Before Winter Arrives
The long months of snow and ice don’t have to mean inevitable asphalt damage. By avoiding harsh chemicals, practicing careful plowing, keeping surfaces clear, and investing in preventative maintenance, you’ll set your pavement up to withstand winter and look its best when spring returns.
Be sure to contact us today to schedule a winter-readiness assessment or maintenance service. With our help, you can be confident your asphalt is protected and ready to endure another Calgary winter.
