People say that Hamilton winters are hard to predict. Our local weather puts a lot of stress on residential driveways. For example, heavy snow on the Mountain and cold, wet winds from Lake Ontario. If you own a home in Hamilton and are thinking about paving your driveway, you might be wondering if winter is the best time to do it or if you should wait for the thaw.
We at Via Pave Ltd. think that homeowners who know a lot are happy. This is all the information you need about paving and caring for asphalt during the coldest months of the year.
Can you put asphalt on a driveway in the winter?
The short answer is that it depends on how hot it is. The ground needs to be thawed and the temperature outside should be at least 10°C for a successful asphalt installation.
Paving in Hamilton becomes hard once the ground freezes, which usually happens between December and March. This is because hot-mix asphalt has to be compacted while it is still hot. When it’s cold outside, the asphalt cools off too quickly, which makes it not stick together properly. This can make the surface weak and crack too soon.
The Problems: The Hamilton Freeze-Thaw Cycle
The “freeze-thaw cycle” is the worst thing for your driveway, not just the cold. On a warm afternoon in Hamilton, when the snow melts, the water gets into tiny cracks in your asphalt. The water freezes and expands when the temperature drops at night. This pushes the asphalt apart.
That’s why you often see new potholes in the late winter. If your driveway is already starting to show signs of wear, these cycles will make the damage happen faster.
Things You Can Do in the Winter
We usually suggest waiting until spring to replace your entire driveway, but winter is the best time for
Emergency Repairs: If a pothole poses a safety risk or could damage your car, professional “cold patch” solutions can fix it temporarily until the paving plants open again in the spring.
Strategic Planning: The best paving companies in Hamilton fill up quickly. Via Pave Ltd. will give you a free estimate during the winter. You can be first in line when the ground thaws in April or May if you plan ahead.
Safety when removing snow: A smooth, professionally paved driveway makes it much easier to clear snow. If your driveway is bumpy, your shovel or snowblower is more likely to get stuck on bumps, which makes winter chores even more annoying.
Why go with Via Pave Ltd.?
Via Pave Ltd. has been working in Hamilton, Stoney Creek, and the surrounding areas for more than 28 years, so they know the local geology and climate. We don’t just “lay asphalt.” We make sure the foundation is graded and compacted so it can handle the worst winters in Ontario.
We make sure that your driveway adds value and curb appeal to your home by using only the best materials and professional-grade tools. We are your trusted local partners, whether you need to completely remove and replace something or install something new for a new build.
Start Spring Early!
Don’t put off the spring rush. Call Via Pave Ltd. today for a free consultation about your home paving project. Let’s make sure your home has the beautiful, long-lasting entrance it needs.
To get your free estimate, call us at 905-650-7283 or go to viapave.ca.