Roads are salted during cold weather in order to prevent snow and ice from accumulating. The salt lowers the freezing point of water, so it can’t form ice on the pavement. It also helps to melt any ice or snow that has already accumulated.
But can salt damage your asphalt pavement? If you’re looking for more information on this matter, we invite you to read further as we’re going to tackle this topic in today’s post.
How Can Salt Cause Damage On Asphalt?
While salt is effective at melting ice and snow, it can also damage your asphalt pavement. The salt can corrode the metal in the asphalt and make it break down more quickly. It can also cause the asphalt to crack and crumble.
Without a doubt, salt is a very important part of winter road maintenance, but it can also be very damaging if not used correctly. Salt can damage the asphalt pavement by corroding the surface and making it brittle. This can lead to potholes and other problems with the roadway.
In order for salt to be effective in winter weather, it needs to be applied before the snow or ice begins to accumulate. This way, it can melt the snow and ice and prevent it from bonding to the pavement. Salt should also be applied in smaller amounts so that it does not have a chance to sit on the pavement and cause damage.
How To Remove Salt To Prevent Extensive Damage On Your Asphalt Pavement?
Salt can be very damaging to asphalt pavement, as it can cause the surface to crack and deteriorate. In order to protect your pavement, it is important to remove salt as soon as possible after it has been deposited. There are a few ways to do this:
One way is to sweep the salt away with a broom. This is the most effective method if the salt has just been deposited and has not had time to sink in.
Another way is to use a hose to wash the salt away. This is less effective than sweeping, but can still be helpful if the salt has already started to sink in.
Or if you’re looking for an easy way to remove salt from your asphalt pavement, try using a plastic shovel. Plastic shovels are less likely to damage the surface of your pavement than metal shovels, and they’ll help you get the job done quickly. Just be sure to clean up any salt that you spill on the ground, as it can damage the environment.
If the salt has already caused damage to your pavement, you may need to have it repaired or replaced. This can be expensive, so it is important to take care of your pavement and remove salt as soon as possible.
Are There Salt Alternatives You Can Use?
Salt alternatives can include sand, calcium chloride, or magnesium chloride. All of these have been shown to be effective at preventing ice and snow from forming on asphalt pavement. However, each has its own benefits and drawbacks that should be considered before use.
Sand is the most common alternative to salt, and is relatively cheap and easy to use. However, it does not melt ice and snow as effectively as salt and can create a messy mess when used in large quantities.
Calcium chloride and magnesium chloride are both more effective than sand at melting ice and snow, but they can be more expensive and may damage vegetation or concrete if used improperly. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using these products.
What To Do To Protect Your Asphalt From Salt Damage?
To protect your asphalt pavement from salt damage, it’s important to apply a sealant coating. This will help to protect the asphalt from the elements and prevent salt from causing damage.
Aside from that, the pavement has to be regularly cleaned and maintained. This will help to remove any salt that has already built up on the surface and prevent it from causing further damage.
Protect Your Asphalt Pavement The Best Way Possible
When winter weather hits, it’s important to take steps to protect your asphalt pavement from damage caused by salt, ice, and snow. One way to do this is by hiring a qualified professional paving company like Highway Masters Paving. These companies have the experience and expertise to keep your pavement in good condition during the winter months.
Hiring a professional paving company can save you money in the long run by preventing damage to your pavement. Salt, ice, and snow can cause cracks and potholes in your asphalt pavement. These problems can be expensive to repair. Hiring a professional paving company can help you avoid these costly repairs.