Whatcom County contractor

December 10 2025

Winter maintenance tips for asphalt and gravel in Whatcom County

Jason Ritter Asphalt paving, Drainage, Driveways, Excavation, General work, Gravel, News, Site prep Asphalt Paving, Asphalt Repair, Drainage, drainage solutions, Excavation and Grading, Gravel, Gravel driveway, Ritter Dirt and Asphalt, Site Prep, Whatcom County contractor

Winter in Whatcom County brings steady rain, freezing nights and long stretches of moisture that can wear down asphalt and gravel surfaces. Property owners who prepare early reduce safety risks and lower repair costs in the spring. Below are Ritter’s winter maintenance tips for asphalt and gravel and how we can help you protect your driveways, parking lots and private roads through the wet season.

Start with drainage. Standing water is one of the main causes of asphalt breakdown in winter. Even small pools can seep into cracks. When temperatures drop, that water freezes and expands, which widens the damage. Walk your paved areas after a heavy rain and note where water collects. Clearing clogged drains and removing debris from ditches helps water move away from the surface.

Check for cracks. Asphalt cracks draw in moisture throughout the winter. If left alone, they grow and lead to potholes. Filling cracks during a dry window can slow that process. It also helps maintain a smoother surface for vehicles and reduces the stress placed on nearby pavement.

Grading. A slight crown in the center of a gravel road helps water move to the sides instead of pooling. Regular light grading maintains this shape and keeps ruts from deepening. If your gravel road connects to main roads, keep the entry point clear of mud and debris for better traction.

Lighting. Winter brings longer nights and shorter periods of daylight. Good lighting around pavement and gravel areas helps drivers avoid hazards like soft shoulders, potholes or high edges. Clear fallen branches and windblown debris that may hide problems.

asphalt and gravel

Monitor gravel surfaces after major storms. Heavy winter rain can quickly create ruts and washouts on gravel driveways and private roads. After a storm, walk or drive the road slowly to identify low spots. Adding gravel promptly helps maintain a level surface and improves drainage before issues worsen. If the ground is still soft, hold off on bringing in equipment—working saturated gravel prevents proper compaction and can shorten the life of the road. Waiting for a colder or drier stretch allows the material to set correctly and ensures a longer-lasting result.

Snow and ice are less frequent in Whatcom County than rain, but they create challenges. Use deicer products that are safe for asphalt. Avoid rock salt because it can speed up surface deterioration. If you plow your driveway or parking lot, set the blade high enough to prevent scraping. Direct contact with the pavement can tear away the top layer and leave it more vulnerable to water.

Plan ahead for spring repairs and paving. Keep notes during winter about areas that break down or require frequent gravel additions. These patterns help you and your asphalt paving company decide where to strengthen the base, improve drainage or repave sections when the weather improves.

A consistent approach during the wet season makes spring repairs easier and helps keep traffic areas safe for residents, visitors and customers. And remember, call Ritter at 360-739-3472 for expert paving and gravel solutions.

November 6 2025

When rain proves you got the dirt work right

Jason Ritter General work, News Asphalt Paving, dirt work, Excavation and Grading, Ritter Dirt and Asphalt, Site Prep, Whatcom County contractor

Field notes from Alysha Ritter, operations manager at Ritter Dirt and Asphalt

It’s been a muddy kind of month—the kind where every truck tire leaves a story and every rainstorm reminds us why good dirt work really matters.

Just last week, I got off the phone with a client who couldn’t stop talking about his driveway. (And no, not because of the asphalt.)

He told me, “Alysha, I was standing at my window watching the rain come down, and it hit me—the design underneath says it all.”

This client had a beautiful setup: a sports court with a strip drain. He expected the water to run straight toward it. But as he watched the storm roll through, something different happened. The water didn’t rush toward the court. It quietly followed the grade we built, sliding right down the driveway as if it knew where it was supposed to go.

He said it looked like “mesmerized raindrops marching down the driveway.”

That kind of feedback makes the long day worth it.

Because that moment, that calm confidence when the rain falls and everything just works, is exactly why we take our Final First Approach^TM so seriously. Every grade, every slope, every bit of dirt we move is about making sure the final surface performs perfectly, not just looks good.

And here’s the part I love most: this client had booked his project over a year ago. He waited patiently, trusted the process and when the final asphalt went down, it was worth every bit of planning.

That’s the reminder I needed heading into next season.

Right now, we’re already looking ahead to spring 2026. If you have a project in mind—a house dig-out, an ADU site prep or even just cleaning up your grading before paving—now is the time to contact Ritter and start planning.

When you bring our local land grading and paving pros in early, we get to do what we do best: plan the base, protect the drainage and make sure your “final” is right the first time.

Rain or shine, it all starts with good dirt work.

Talk soon,
Alysha

P.S. If a friend or neighbor is thinking about a project, tell them to get in touch. We’d love to help them build something worth waiting for, and remember our referral program that rewards you for recommending Ritter Dirt and Asphalt.

October 9 2025

What you should know about asphalt driveways

Jason Ritter Asphalt paving, Driveways, Excavation, General work, News Asphalt Paving, Asphalt Repair, Excavation and Grading, Landscaping, Ritter Dirt and Asphalt, Site Prep, Whatcom County contractor

Homeowners invest in asphalt driveways because they are durable, cost-effective and attractive. But like any surface exposed to the elements, asphalt needs occasional care to stay in good shape. Without proper maintenance, cracks, fading and water damage can shorten its lifespan and lead to repairs.

Here’s what you need to know about asphalt paving maintenance in Whatcom and Skagit counties:

Clean the surface. Keeping your asphalt driveway clean is a simple but important step. Dirt, leaves, oil and other debris can hold moisture and break down the surface over time. Sweep or blow the driveway once or twice a month and occasionally rinse it with a hose to remove buildup. For oil or chemical stains, use an asphalt-safe cleaner before they penetrate the surface.
Sealcoat every few years. (Ritter Dirt and Asphalt does not do seal coating) Sealcoating is an effective way to protect asphalt paving. It’s a thin protective layer that shields the surface from UV rays, moisture and chemicals. Most driveways should be seal-coated every few years, though heavy traffic or harsh weather may require more frequent application. Not only does sealcoating extend the driveway’s life, but it also restores a smooth, dark finish.
Repair cracks early. Small cracks may not look serious, but they allow water to seep beneath the surface. When that water freezes and expands, it can create larger cracks or potholes. Inspect your driveway annually and fill cracks as soon as you notice them. Asphalt patching products can handle minor issues, but larger damage should be repaired by a professional paving company.
Prevent standing water. Water infiltration is a threat to asphalt roads and driveways. Pooling water weakens the base layer and can lead to surface damage. Make sure your driveway has proper drainage and keep gutters and downspouts directed away from the pavement. If you notice dips where water is collected, talk to an asphalt paving contractor about leveling or resurfacing options.
Limit heavy loads and sharp objects. Asphalt is strong, but it can still be damaged by heavy vehicles or sharp objects. Avoid parking large trucks or storing heavy equipment on the driveway for long periods. Snow removal tools with metal edges can also gouge the surface, so use a plastic shovel or a snow blower with rubber paddles in winter.
Schedule professional inspections. Even with regular maintenance, some problems can go unnoticed until they become major. A professional paving contractor like Ritter Dirt and Asphalt can inspect your driveway for early signs of wear, drainage issues or structural damage. Scheduling an inspection every few years can help catch problems before they require expensive repairs.

Routine maintenance can add years to the life of your asphalt driveway and keep it looking its best. Cleaning, sealing, repairing cracks and managing water are all simple steps that make a big difference. If your driveway shows signs of wear or you’re unsure about the right care schedule, contact Jason and Alysha Ritter, owners of Ritter Dirt and Asphalt, proudly serving Whatcom and Skagit Counties since 2015.

September 5 2025

Preparing for the rainy season in Whatcom County: Drainage and grading solutions

Jason Ritter Drainage, General work, News drainage solutions, grading solutions, Ritter Dirt and Asphalt, Whatcom County contractor

The rainy season in Whatcom County brings steady water flow that can create problems for homes, driveways and landscapes. Addressing drainage early helps reduce the risk of flooding, erosion and structural damage. Three solutions to consider are French drain installations, culvert repairs and grading improvements, and a local professional like Ritter Dirt and Asphalt can help.

A “French drain” directs water away from areas where it collects. It involves a trench with gravel and a perforated pipe that channels water to a safer location. This system is useful for yards with standing water, wet basements or areas with poor soil drainage. Installing a French drain before Bellingham’s rainy season ensures water is managed instead of pooling.

Culverts carry water under driveways, roads and pathways. Over time, they can clog, crack or collapse. A damaged culvert slows water movement and increases the chance of flooding nearby. Cleaning, repairing or replacing culverts before heavy rainfall helps keep water flowing where it should, especially if you live near or on the Lake Whatcom Watershed area.

drainage

Precision grading shapes the ground so water drains away from structures and low points. Proper grading prevents water from sitting near foundations and reduces erosion on slopes. Even small changes in soil elevation can improve drainage. Checking the grading around your property now helps avoid bigger problems later.

French drains, culvert installation and precision property grading can guide water safely and reduce the potential for damage. Planning these projects before the rain arrives can protect your land and structures. Hire an experienced dirt work team to get the job done! Contact Ritter Dirt and Asphalt at 360-739-3472.