San Jose Asphalt: As we move into the fall season in San Jose, now is the perfect time to focus on preventive maintenance for your asphalt surfaces. The cooler temperatures and increased moisture during autumn (and the coming winter) can take a toll on asphalt, making it more vulnerable to damage. With the right care, however, you can prevent costly asphalt failure and extend the life of your pavement for years to come.
At Calvac Paving, we’ve seen firsthand the damage that lack of maintenance can cause. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you keep your asphalt in top condition as we head into the fall and winter months.
The first step to preventing your San Jose asphalt failure is regular inspections. As the weather starts to cool and moisture increases, small cracks and defects can worsen quickly. Make it a habit to walk your property and check for signs of wear and tear. Look for:
Catching these problems early is crucial. For example, small cracks may seem harmless, but they allow water to seep into the asphalt. When the temperature drops, the water freezes and expands, making the cracks larger and leading to more severe damage.
Pro tip: Conduct your San Jose asphalt inspections right after a rainstorm. This allows you to spot areas where water may be pooling, which is a key indicator of poor drainage.
If you find cracks in your San Jose asphalt, don’t wait for them to get worse. Cracks allow water to penetrate the surface, which weakens the pavement structure over time. With fall rains and cooler weather coming, this process can accelerate. Crack sealing is a simple and cost-effective solution that prevents water from entering the asphalt and causing further damage.
The fall season is a particularly good time for crack sealing because the cooler temperatures allow the sealant to adhere better to the surface. Make sure to seal cracks that are less than 1/4 inch wide—anything larger may require more intensive repair work.
Real-world example: One of our San Jose clients noticed early signs of cracking on their parking lot last fall. By sealing those cracks before the heavy winter rains hit, they were able to avoid significant water damage and extend the life of their San Jose asphalt pavement by several years.
Sealcoating is a protective layer applied to the surface of your asphalt that acts as a shield against the elements. This is especially important during the fall and winter months, when rain and cooler temperatures can weaken asphalt if it’s not properly protected. Sealcoating also helps protect against UV rays, oil spills, and chemicals that can degrade the surface over time.
In San Jose, where temperatures are relatively mild but moisture levels can increase significantly in the fall, sealcoating can make a big difference. It’s recommended to sealcoat your San Jose asphalt every 2-3 years, depending on its condition.
Seasonal focus: Sealcoating in the fall is ideal because it gives the asphalt a protective layer before the winter rains start. It also ensures that your pavement is in good shape when the warmer, sunnier months return, helping to prevent oxidation and sun damage.
Standing water is one of the most common causes of asphalt failure, especially in the fall when rain is more frequent. If your pavement doesn’t drain properly, water can pool on the surface, leading to cracks, potholes, and even base layer damage. Proper drainage is crucial for maintaining the integrity of your asphalt.
During your fall maintenance, check for areas where water is collecting after a rain. These areas should be addressed immediately, either by adjusting the slope of the pavement or installing additional drainage systems to direct water away from the asphalt.
Pro tip: Check your drainage systems and make sure gutters and downspouts aren’t directing water onto your asphalt surface. Rerouting drainage can be an inexpensive way to prevent long-term damage.
While San Jose doesn’t experience extreme freezing temperatures, occasional frosty mornings can still take a toll on your asphalt. Water that seeps into cracks and then freezes can expand, causing the cracks to widen. Over time, this can lead to potholes and more significant structural damage.
To prepare your asphalt for winter, make sure to complete any necessary crack sealing and sealcoating before the coldest months. This will ensure that your asphalt is protected from water infiltration and freezing.
If you already have potholes in your asphalt, it’s important to repair them before they get worse. Potholes not only create safety hazards, but they also allow water to penetrate deep into the pavement, weakening the base layer and leading to more extensive damage.
Fall is the perfect time to fill potholes and repair damaged areas of your asphalt. Repairing potholes now can prevent them from expanding during the winter months when moisture is more prevalent, and repairs can be more difficult.
Real-world example: A property owner in San Jose had several small potholes last fall that went untreated. By the time spring came around, those small potholes had expanded significantly, requiring costly repairs that could have been avoided with timely maintenance.
The best way to prevent San Jose asphalt failure is through regular, ongoing maintenance. A well-maintained asphalt surface can last up to 30 years, while neglected pavement may need replacement after just 10-15 years.
At Calvac Paving, we recommend setting up a regular maintenance plan that includes routine inspections, crack sealing, and sealcoating every few years. By staying on top of repairs, you can avoid costly damage and keep your asphalt looking great year-round.
Preventing San Jose asphalt failure requires proactive maintenance, especially as we head into the fall and winter months in San Jose. From regular inspections and crack sealing to sealcoating and ensuring proper drainage, these preventive measures will help extend the life of your pavement and save you money in the long run.
To learn more about how to spot the early signs of asphalt damage, check out our blog on 8 Signs Your Asphalt May Be Failing. With a little effort, you can keep your asphalt in top condition and avoid the headaches of costly repairs.
