Sure-Seal Pavement Maintenance Inc. Comments on Increase in Winnipeg Potholes

Sure-Seal Pavement Maintenance Inc. (www.SureSealPavement.com), the leading provider of asphalt sealcoating in Brampton and the Peel Region, is commenting on reports that Winnipeg is experiencing more potholes earlier than expected.

Winnipeg’s public works director, Lester Deane, warned drivers that the city may have an increase in potholes during the rest of this winter and the beginning of spring. Deane blames this year’s “freeze and thaw” weather conditions for causing potholes on Winnipeg roads. (Source: Keele, J., “Pothole season could come sooner than usual,” CTV News, February 02, 2016, http://winnipeg.ctvnews.ca/pothole-season-could-come-sooner-than-usual-1.2761590.)

“Winter conditions are one of the biggest causes of pavement damage,” says Lance Bradshaw, president and CEO of Sure-Seal Pavement Maintenance Inc. “When you have fluctuations in temperature, pavement can easily crack. It’s no surprise that this season may see an increase in potholes.”

Winnipeg city officials have already noted that they have seen more potholes around the city. Infrastructure chair Janice Lukes stated that they were “vicious,” suggesting these are worse than the ones typically seen in Winnipeg.

“Extreme temperature changes actually cause pavement to expand or contract,” says Bradshaw. “With a winter season like this one—in which temperatures have been constantly going above and below zero degrees—it would be expected that more cracks would form in pavement.”

Many parts of Canada have been hit by an unusually mild winter season, with temperatures staying above 0˚ Celsius and very little snowfall. Temperatures have been above average in Winnipeg, particularly compared to recent years.

“Dry weather conditions are usually good for roads though,” Bradshaw notes. “Temperature changes can cause cracks and degradation, but it’s water damage that is the major cause of potholes. You would expect a mild winter to lead to fewer potholes than usual, but it’s possible that the ‘freeze and thaw’ has been just too bad this year.”

Winnipeg officials were concerned enough to warn the public to take extra precautions when driving. The increase in potholes would also likely mean an increase in road repair throughout the spring season.

“It’s really important to do regular road maintenance to prevent major damage from occurring,” says Bradshaw. “It’s always easier to prevent damage than it is to repair it. Doing proper asphalt sealing is effective at preventing potholes and it would be more cost-efficient for the city as well.”

Bradshaw also notes that property owners in Winnipeg and throughout the rest of Canada should take notice of the city’s warning. “If the city is saying there’s going to be more potholes on the roads, it probably means there will be more on your property too,” he says. “Regular road maintenance is very important.”

As the leading pavement maintenance contractor in the GTA, Sure-Seal Pavement Maintenance Inc. specializes in catch basin repairs, rebuilding, and repaving. They offer an industry-leading seven-year structural warranty.