Why Asphalt Cracks After Winter

Why Asphalt Cracks After Winter

If you’ve noticed new cracks in your driveway or parking lot after winter, you’re not alone. Ontario winters can be extremely hard on asphalt. Between freezing temperatures, snow, ice, water, road salt, and repeated freeze-thaw cycles, even well-maintained pavement can develop cracks.

The good news is that many asphalt cracks can be addressed before they turn into more expensive damage. Understanding why cracks form—and dealing with them early—is one of the best ways to extend the life of your asphalt.

What Causes Asphalt to Crack After Winter?

1. Freeze-Thaw Cycles

One of the biggest causes of winter asphalt damage is the repeated freezing and thawing of water.

Small cracks and openings in asphalt allow water to work its way beneath the pavement. When temperatures drop below freezing, that water freezes and expands. As temperatures rise, the ice melts and the ground shifts again.

This process can happen repeatedly throughout the winter and early spring. Over time, the movement can cause existing cracks to widen and new cracks to develop.

2. Water Gets Beneath the Asphalt

Asphalt itself is durable, but water infiltration can cause significant problems.

When water gets underneath the pavement, it can weaken the underlying gravel and soil. A weakened base can eventually cause the asphalt above it to settle, crack, or develop potholes.

This is why repairing cracks isn't just about improving the appearance of your pavement. Sealing cracks can help prevent water from getting deeper into the pavement structure.

3. Winter Temperature Changes

Extreme temperature swings can also contribute to cracking.

Asphalt naturally expands and contracts as temperatures change. During an Ontario winter, pavement can experience significant changes in temperature over relatively short periods.

Over time, repeated expansion and contraction can place stress on the asphalt and contribute to cracking.

4. Snow Plowing and Winter Maintenance

Snow plowing is essential for keeping parking lots and driveways safe, but heavy equipment and improper plowing techniques can sometimes contribute to pavement damage.

Plows can catch existing cracks, damaged edges, or raised sections of asphalt and make them worse. Areas that were already weakened before winter are particularly vulnerable.

5. Salt and De-Icing Chemicals

Road salt and other de-icing products are commonly used throughout Ontario during winter.

While these products help improve traction and melt ice, they can contribute to the deterioration of pavement over time. More importantly, they help create repeated wet-and-freezing conditions around existing cracks and damaged areas.

Good asphalt maintenance before and after winter can help minimize the effects.

What Do Winter Asphalt Cracks Look Like?

Not all asphalt cracks are the same. Some are relatively minor, while others can indicate more serious pavement problems.

Common types include:

• Hairline cracks: Small cracks that may be an early warning sign of deterioration.

• Linear cracks: Longer cracks that can allow water to penetrate the pavement.

• Alligator cracking: A network of interconnected cracks that resembles an alligator's skin and can indicate deeper pavement failure.

• Edge cracks: Cracks that develop along the edges of driveways or parking lots.

• Wider or expanding cracks: Cracks that have grown significantly since the previous season and may require prompt attention.

The type, size, location, and extent of the cracking can help determine the appropriate repair.

Why You Shouldn't Ignore Asphalt Cracks

It can be tempting to ignore a few cracks, especially after a long winter. However, small cracks can become much larger problems when they're left untreated.

Once water gets into cracks, it can reach the layers beneath the asphalt. Continued water infiltration and freeze-thaw cycles can weaken the pavement and contribute to:

• Larger cracks

• Potholes

• Uneven pavement

• Base deterioration

• Further water damage

• More expensive repairs

Addressing minor damage early is generally much easier than dealing with extensive pavement failure later.

What Should You Do When You Find Cracks?

The first step is to inspect the pavement once winter has ended.

Look for new cracks, widening cracks, potholes, areas where the pavement has settled, and places where water is pooling.