After the Snow: What Asphalt Contractors Near Me Recommend for Ice-Damaged Pavement

Winter may be beautiful, but it’s tough on pavement. When the snow melts and ice disappears, it often leaves behind cracks, holes, and damage you didn’t see before. If you’re asking, “What should I do about it?” Well, you’re not alone. Every year, property owners look for trusted solutions. That’s when you should search for the “best asphalt contractors near me” on the internet.

These local experts know exactly how winter weather harms your pavement and what steps to take next. In this guide, we’ll break it all down for you in simple terms. So, take a look at helpful tips that you can actually use.

Understanding Ice-Damaged Pavement

Snow and ice don’t just sit on top of your driveway or lot; they seep in. When temperatures drop, water gets into small cracks in your asphalt. It freezes there and expands. This puts pressure on the pavement and causes problems like:

• Cracks that keep spreading and let more water in

• Potholes that get deeper and more dangerous

• Surface crumbling from repeated freeze-thaw cycles

• Uneven pavement that’s unsafe to walk or drive on

• Water pooling from poor drainage caused by damaged surfaces

Over time, these small problems turn into big ones if left untreated. That’s why you should look for reliable asphalt contractors near me. The experts will help you understand that the freeze-thaw cycle is one of the biggest threats to any pavement.

Most homeowners and business owners don’t notice the damage until spring. That’s why a professional suggests taking the right steps after the snow melts. You shouldn’t wait until the damage gets worse.

Steps Asphalt Contractors Near Me Suggest After Winter Damage

1. Start with a Full Visual Check

Once the snow clears, take a good look at your pavement. Look for:

• New cracks

• Potholes

• Uneven spots

• Areas where water pools

If anything looks off, it probably is. Professional asphalt contractors recommend walking the area slowly and taking notes or pictures. This helps you (and your contractor) understand the full scope of the damage.

Also, try to check after rain or melting. If water is not draining properly or is sitting in one spot, that could mean trouble underneath.

2. Clean the Surface

It might seem like a small step, but cleaning makes a big difference. That’s why asphalt contractors near me suggest removing dirt, debris, and leftover ice. This helps the repair materials to stick properly. Without cleaning, the fix won’t last as long. Basically, this step sets the foundation for everything else.

Think of it like painting. Would you paint over a dirty wall and expect it to look good or last? No, right? The same goes for asphalt.

3. Don’t Delay Small Repairs

One of the biggest mistakes people make is waiting and expecting the damage to repair itself. However, the reality is completely different. You will be shocked to know that a tiny crack can turn into a wide split. You won't even realize when a shallow dip can become a deep pothole.

If you ask expert asphalt contractors near me, they will say the same thing: Fix it early. The main reason is that repairs are faster, cheaper, and easier, but only when the problem is still small.

This can include:

• Crack filling

• Pothole patching

• Sealcoating small worn areas

These quick fixes protect your pavement from more damage. Waiting could lead to full

resurfacing or even complete replacement.

4. Resurface If Needed

Sometimes, the damage is too much for spot repairs. In that case, experts recommend resurfacing as a better option. This process involves applying a new layer of asphalt over the existing surface.

Resurfacing is an effective solution for worn-out pavement that has small to medium cracks but isn’t destroyed (completely). It adds strength to the surface and makes it look new again.

The best part? Your pavement looks brand new again without the cost of full replacement.

5. Sealcoat to Add Fresh Protection

If your pavement is a few years old or showing wear, it might be time to sealcoat. This is a thin layer that goes on top of your pavement to protect it from sun, rain, snow, and ice.

Best asphalt contractors near me recommend sealcoating every 2–3 years, depending on your climate and traffic.

Sealcoating fills in small surface flaws and gives your driveway or lot a clean, finished look. But more importantly, it adds a barrier against future damage.

Tip: Do it after a rough winter; it’s a smart move.

6. Keep Up with Maintenance

Fixing the damage is just the beginning. That’s why pros guide to ensure regular maintenance. That’s why you should:

• Seal small cracks as soon as you see them, so they don’t get worse.

• Add a fresh sealcoat every couple of years to protect the surface.

• Check for water puddles or damage after rain or snow.

Doing these simple things helps your pavement stay strong and saves you from bigger, more expensive repairs later on.

7. Schedule a Professional Inspection

Even if everything looks fine to you, a pro might catch things you missed. Experts suggest seeking help from the best asphalt contractors near me. They have the tools and training to spot deep cracks, base layer issues, and poor drainage.

They can also check the pavement’s age and give advice on whether you need simple fixes or a bigger plan like sealcoating or resurfacing. This kind of inspection doesn’t take long, but it can save you a lot of money and stress down the line.

In a Nutshell

Winter weather can do real damage to your driveway or parking lot. But with the right steps, and guidance from trusted asphalt contractors near me, you can stop small problems from becoming big ones.

Start by checking your pavement, cleaning up debris, and making quick repairs. Then, think about longer-term protection like sealcoating or drainage fixes. Most of all, don’t wait. A strong surface is safer, cleaner, and lasts longer when it’s cared for the right way.

Need help with your pavement? Contact Armor Asphalt for reliable contractors today and get your surface back in shape before winter hits again.