You have a driveway or a parking lot that has seen better days. It might have cracks as well as ruts as well as uneven spots that collect water after a good rain. Asphalt Milling, or cold planing as we sometimes call it, is often the smartest first step to getting that pavement back in shape. This happens before a new overlay goes down. In Lakewood, WA, timing is very important for an Asphalt Milling project.
When to Schedule Your Asphalt Milling Project in Lakewood
The Pacific Northwest climate guides a lot of what we do in the asphalt business. We get mild, wet winters as well as warm, relatively dry summers. This means there is a good time for Asphalt Milling. You do not want to miss this good time for your Asphalt Milling project.
- The Ideal Window: Late Spring to Early Fall. This is when you want to get your Asphalt Milling done. The ground needs to be dry as well as stable. Our summers, especially from July through August, are typically the driest months. These months have the lowest average rainfall. You want consistent warm temperatures, ideally above 50°F, for the best Asphalt Milling results.
- Why Not Winter? Our winters are wet as well as cold. They often bring saturated soils. Asphalt Milling in these conditions is just asking for trouble. Water can seep into the base layers. This will weaken the pavement and lead to early failure. In addition, cold temperatures make the asphalt brittle and harder to work with effectively for Asphalt Milling.
- Spring & Fall Considerations: Spring can work for an Asphalt Milling project. You have to watch out for those late rains. The ground needs to be dry for proper base preparation. Early fall is also a good option. It has moderate temperatures as well as less humidity. You are racing against the start of our wet season.
Weather Conditions That Affect the Asphalt Milling Work
It is not just about the season for your Asphalt Milling project. It is also about the day-to-day weather. Apex Asphalt Solutions is always checking the forecast. A few things can really mess with an Asphalt Milling job.
- Rain: This is the big one for us in Lakewood. While Asphalt Milling can sometimes be done in light precipitation, it is generally best to avoid it. We need a dry surface for the best adhesion of any new overlay. Rain can also make the ground unstable. This is especially true with our local silty-sandy soils. These soils can get pretty saturated.
- Temperature: Asphalt Milling itself is not as temperature-sensitive as laying new asphalt. Extreme cold is not ideal. It can make the existing asphalt harder to mill cleanly. For the subsequent paving, you absolutely need warmer temperatures. Ideally, these temperatures are above 70°F. This ensures proper compaction as well as curing.
- Wind: Strong winds can cool the asphalt too quickly. This happens when we are laying down a new layer after Asphalt Milling. This can affect how well it compacts as well as how well it bonds.
At Apex Asphalt Solutions, we are always monitoring these conditions. This makes sure your Asphalt Milling project goes off without a hitch. Our team knows the ins and outs of working around American Lake. The soil conditions there can sometimes be a bit tricky with all that moisture.
Protecting Your Asphalt Investment Year-Round
Asphalt Milling is a good step. It is just one part of keeping your asphalt in top shape. Here is what you need to do to protect that investment.
- Sealcoating is Your Best Friend: This is very important in Lakewood. Our constant rain as well as those freeze-thaw cycles can really damage asphalt. Sealcoating acts like a shield. It protects against water as well as UV rays as well as oil as well as chemicals. It prevents cracks. It also extends the pavement's lifespan. It keeps it looking good. You should be sealcoating every 2-5 years.
- Address Cracks Promptly: Do not let small cracks turn into big problems. Water is the enemy of asphalt. Once water gets into those cracks, it can undermine the base. This leads to potholes as well as more extensive damage. This is especially true with our wet climate.
- Ensure Proper Drainage: This is very important, especially around here. If water is pooling on your driveway or parking lot, you have a problem. Proper grading as well as drainage are essential. This prevents water from sitting on the surface. It also prevents water from seeping into the subgrade.
- Keep it Clean: Regular sweeping as well as removing debris can prevent organic matter from breaking down on your asphalt. This can lead to staining as well as deterioration over time.
Taking care of your asphalt is not a one-time deal. This is especially true with our local weather patterns. It is an ongoing process. With the right timing for big jobs like Asphalt Milling as well as consistent maintenance, you will get years of reliable service out of your pavement. If you are ready to talk about Asphalt Milling or any other asphalt needs, give Apex Asphalt Solutions a call. We are here to help you in Lakewood, WA.