As a commercial property owner, your asphalt parking lot should be a priority through the winter months, especially if you are in an area that's prone to snow and ice. Unfortunately, many business owners don't understand the damage that snow can cause to asphalt. This leads to poor decisions that cause rapid deterioration of the asphalt and costly repairs. Here's a look at why your business needs a comprehensive snow management plan for your asphalt parking area.

The Effects Of Changing Temperatures

When snow and ice are left on an asphalt surface and things start to melt, water from the snowmelt can seep into fine cracks in the asphalt. Sometimes, these cracks are so small that you can't even see them yet. Unfortunately, when the temperatures drop back below freezing, any water in those fine cracks is going to freeze and expand. This forces those fine cracks to expand as well. Over time, this can be destructive to your asphalt surface, leading to costly repairs.

The Damage Caused By Inexperienced Plowers 

When that first big snowstorm hits, you should have a reliable, experienced plow service ready to address your parking area already. If you don't, you might find yourself having to settle for the first company that's actually available. Sometimes, this leaves you with inexperienced plow drivers who scrape, scratch, and otherwise damage the asphalt surface while they're plowing. Snow removal shouldn't cause further damage to your parking area. Take the time to establish a snow management plan with an experienced plowing contractor so that you can be sure that you're not causing unnecessary damage to the parking area.

The Problem With Using De-Icers

Deicing material is a valuable resource during the snowy, icy winter season, but it can also be destructive to your asphalt paving. The nature of deicers makes these chemical products abrasive, so they can cause surface damage to the asphalt, including pitting, scratches, and cracks. Make sure that you talk with your snow removal contractor about options to moderate the use of deicers so that you don't add further wear and tear to the asphalt without need.

These are some of the things every business owner should know about dealing with their asphalt parking lots during the snowy winter months. Talk with a local service today to establish a snow management plan for this winter. That way, you can be adequately prepared, and your asphalt will be protected.