How To Plan For Atlanta Paving Services In The Winter

New asphalt paving is a smart investment that adds value and functionality to any property. Typically, contractors prefer to provide Atlanta paving services in the warmer months. However, winter asphalt paving is possible with careful planning. Here’s what you need to know.

What Challenges Exist with Winter Asphalt Paving?

Asphalt paving is a more complex process than most realize, requiring ample site preparation, high-quality materials and expertise to perform correctly. In the spring and summer months, paving companies in Atlanta have fewer hurdles to overcome. The weather is dry, warm and less humid, which are ideal conditions for working with asphalt.

With winter asphalt paving, contractors must navigate unpredictable weather and lower temperatures. Cooler weather can make asphalt more difficult to work with due to its effects on the material. Traditional hot asphalt must remain pliable during the paving process. In temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, asphalt can become brittle and crack-prone.

How Do Contractors Provide Atlanta Paving Services in the Winter?

Fortunately, there are many ways contractors can provide paving services in Atlanta during the winter season. Atlanta is warmer than other parts of the country, providing more wiggle room when scheduling projects. When temperatures drop, paving companies in Atlanta must keep a close eye on the weather forecast. Successful paving occurs when temperatures remain above 50 degrees throughout construction and the subsequent curing process. An experienced Atlanta paving company will only schedule projects when conditions are warm and dry enough to facilitate great results. That applies to site preparation steps like soil stabilization, paving and curing.

Depending on your needs, paving companies in Atlanta may explore alternatives to traditional hot asphalt. For example, cold-mix materials are suitable for small-scale projects and repairs. Contractors can also use heat lances and other equipment to create an appropriate environment for confined paving repairs.

What Surface Prep Must Contractors Do Before Performing Atlanta Paving Services?

Site preparations are a vital part of the paving process. An experienced Atlanta paving company will take all the time necessary to prepare your property for paving. Next to excavation, contractors will prioritize proper soil stabilization and sub-base preparations.

Soil stabilization helps to strengthen existing soil, ensuring it can accommodate the weight and pressure of new pavement. After performing tests to understand soil composition, an Atlanta paving company will perform chemical, mechanical or bituminous soil stabilization to enhance strength, load-bearing capacity and more.

The sub-base is your pavement’s foundation. Properly prepared base layers provide structural integrity, supporting the pavement’s intended traffic. This step may involve further amendments to the soil, compaction, elevation adjustments, etc.

How Can I Avoid Premature Damage After Fresh Asphalt Paving?

After contractors provide asphalt paving services in Atlanta, it’s up to you to ensure your new surface stays in great shape. Paving companies do the heavy lifting, monitoring the pavement as it cures. Once the surface is ready for traffic, you must take extra precautions to avoid unnecessary damage during the winter.

Remain diligent about keeping surfaces clean and debris-free. Remove fallen leaves, trash and other materials that may cause premature oxidation. In the rare instances of snowfall, plow surfaces to prevent damage. If ice develops, use asphalt-safe alternatives to salt, like calcium magnesium acetate.

If you need paving services in Atlanta this winter, turn to The Surface Masters. We’re Atlanta’s most trusted paving company. We have a proven track record of success and are nationally recognized for our top-quality service. While many challenges exist for winter asphalt paving, we have what it takes to overcome them and deliver beautiful, long-lasting results. The Surface Masters are available for all your paving needs. In addition to new asphalt paving, you can call us for repairs, milling and reclamation, soil stabilization, resurfacing, sealcoating, surface markings and more.

Reach out to The Surface Masters team today for a free quote. You can reach us by phone at (770)250-6392, email Info@TheSurfaceMasters.com or use our online contact form.