With the summer thunderstorm season in the rear-view mirror and several months of winter weather looming ahead, autumn is the ideal time for businesses in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. to invest in commercial waterproofing for their asphalt and concrete surfaces.
Water is one of the most destructive elements to pavement. This is especially true during the winter, when icy rain and melting snow seep into cracks, freeze, and cause further damage to concrete and asphalt.
Sealing Cracks During Commercial Waterproofing
If your property’s asphalt or concrete surfaces are a few years old, chances are they will have sustained some visible surface cracks. Sealing (as opposed to filling in) these cracks is a key step in commercial waterproofing.
Pavement materials are designed to expand and contract in response to temperature fluctuations. Normally a positive feature, this constant movement can become detrimental if cracks in the pavement have been filled in using materials that aren’t meant to move. For this reason, sealing surface cracks with an asphalt rubber sealant is a preferable alternative.
Preparing a crack for sealing requires a commercial paver to route (widen and deepen the crack to create a uniform reservoir for the sealant to fill) and thoroughly clean the crack. The sealant is then applied to the crack. If done correctly, the routing and cleaning process will enable the sealant to bond with the pavement, reducing the amount of water that seeps into the sub-base.
The Use of Paving Fabrics in Commercial Waterproofing
If you’re planning to resurface your asphalt pavement, you could also ask your commercial pavement services provider about paving fabrics, commercial waterproofing materials that are made out of non-woven geotextiles. Paving fabrics are designed to help absorb stress, minimize reflective cracking, and reduce the amount of water that filters through the asphalt surface.
Commercial Waterproofing Services for Mid-Atlantic Businesses
Crack sealing and paving fabrics are two common commercial waterproofing methods, but there are many other options available. The specialists at Pro-Pave are well-versed in the pavement application, maintenance, and repair needs of private and municipal organizations in the Mid-Atlantic, and we can help you properly prepare your pavement for harsh winter weather.
Interested in learning more about commercial waterproofing? Call Pro-Pave, Inc. today at (703) 433-9500.
