Winter brings some of the harshest conditions for asphalt streets and parking lots. Between freezing temperatures, heavy snow, and repeated cycles of melting and refreezing, even well-maintained pavement can start to break down.
Proper asphalt maintenance for winter helps protect your surfaces, avoid costly repairs, and keep your property safe for drivers and pedestrians. Read on to learn about the top maintenance steps to follow, how winter weather affects asphalt, and why a proactive approach matters.
Understanding the Freeze-Thaw Cycle
The freeze-thaw cycle happens when water seeps into small cracks in asphalt, freezes, expands, and pushes the pavement apart. Once temperatures rise, the ice melts, leaving a slightly larger gap behind. As this cycle repeats throughout the season, cracks widen, potholes form, and the base layer weakens.
Cold weather also reduces asphalt’s flexibility. Pavement becomes more brittle in low temperatures, making it easier for cracks to spread and minor surface issues to worsen. Properties with high traffic often see rapid deterioration during winter because the pavement is already under constant load.
5 Tips for Winter Asphalt Pavement Maintenance
Winter weather puts pressure on every part of your pavement, but there are a few things you can do to prevent damage. The following winter maintenance tips can help you protect high-traffic streets, commercial parking lots, and access roads throughout the coldest months.
1. Avoid Metal Snow Shovels
Metal shovels can scrape and chip asphalt surfaces. Even small scrapes can expose the surface to moisture, increasing the risk that cracks will expand during a freeze-thaw cycle. Repeated scraping also wears down the protective sealcoat, leaving the asphalt vulnerable to oxidation, salt exposure, and water damage.
2. Use De-Icer Sparingly and Avoid Rock Salt
A common question among property managers is, “Does salt damage asphalt?” The short answer is yes—rock salt can accelerate surface deterioration. Rock salt in particular is corrosive to asphalt and contributes to cracking. Instead of using de-icing agents like rock salt, opt for a chemical-free alternative. It’ll be better for your pavement and protect your investment.
3. Check for Cracks, Potholes, & Pooling
Minor pavement issues can escalate quickly in winter. Moisture settles into even the smallest cracks, freezes, expands, and forces the asphalt apart. As this cycle repeats, cracks widen, potholes form, and the weakened areas start to break apart under traffic. This is why regular inspections are essential throughout the winter.
4. Remove Snow & Ice as Soon as Possible
Snow and ice removal directly affects pavement longevity. When snow sits for long periods, the melting and refreezing cycle causes rapid expansion. Thick layers of ice also add weight and stress to the surface, making weak areas more likely to crack or sink. Removing snow quickly helps prevent dangerous freeze-thaw expansion and improves visibility and traction.
5. Apply Proper Sealcoating Before Winter
Sealcoating is one of the best ways to prepare asphalt for cold weather. Sealcoating helps block moisture, slows oxidation, improves appearance, and makes the asphalt more resistant to salt. Since it must be applied during warmer temperatures, sealing should be completed well before winter.
Choose Asphalt Seal & Repair for All Your Asphalt Pavement Maintenance in Green Bay, WI
Asphalt in winter can be tricky to maintain, but it doesn’t have to be. From managing freeze-thaw cycles to removing snow early, asphalt maintenance for winter is the best way to protect your pavement all season long. A proactive plan is especially important for commercial properties, where high traffic, heavy equipment, and constant exposure to moisture can speed up surface wear.
Asphalt Seal & Repair provides reliable asphalt maintenance services designed for Green Bay’s long, cold winters. Our team understands how quickly minor issues can escalate when temperatures drop and why preventive care is essential for busy retail centers, industrial sites, municipal properties, and commercial access roads. With experience in winter preparation, inspection, and long-term pavement maintenance, we help property owners protect their pavement before, during, and after the season.
Contact Asphalt Seal & Repair today to schedule your asphalt maintenance service in Green Bay, WI.
