When winter hits hard, your asphalt takes the hit first. Snowstorms, freezing rain, and icy conditions do more than just make roads slippery—they wear down your pavement, crack your surface, and shorten the lifespan of your investment. Whether you’re a facility manager, business owner, or homeowner, understanding how snow and ice damage asphalt—and what steps you can take to protect it—can save you thousands in repairs.

Let’s break it all down in plain language.

What Happens to Asphalt in Winter?

1. The Freeze-Thaw Cycle is Your Asphalt’s Worst Enemy

This is the biggest culprit behind asphalt damage. When snow melts during the day and refreezes at night, water seeps into small cracks and expands as it freezes. That pressure widens cracks and breaks apart the surface. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles can turn small cracks into potholes fast.

2. Salt and De-Icing Chemicals Can Weaken Your Surface

Salt helps prevent ice buildup—but it’s also harsh on asphalt. It can speed up deterioration by allowing water to seep in deeper and break down the bond between aggregate and binder. Over time, repeated use of salt and chemicals weakens the structure of your pavement.

3. Snowplows Can Scrape or Gouge the Asphalt

Improper snowplow settings or using metal blades without rubber edges can cause surface damage. Especially if your asphalt already has small cracks or uneven sections, plowing can break pieces off and cause long-term surface degradation.

4. Pooling Water Turns Into Dangerous Ice

Uneven surfaces or blocked drainage can trap melted snow. When this water refreezes, it forms ice patches that create slip hazards—and more freeze-thaw stress that breaks up the pavement.

Signs That Winter Has Damaged Your Asphalt

You might not see the damage right away. But once the snow melts, here’s what to look for:

• Cracking (especially alligator cracking)
  
• Potholes
  
• Raveling (loose gravel on the surface)
  
• Depressions or pooling water
  
• Faded or worn-out line striping
  

If you’re seeing any of these signs, don’t wait. Delaying repairs leads to bigger costs down the road.

Proactive Asphalt Protection: What You Can Do Before Winter Hits

1. Sealcoating Is Your First Line of Defense

Think of sealcoating like sunscreen for your asphalt. A fresh coat before winter provides a barrier against moisture, salt, and ice. It slows down oxidation and stops water from seeping into the surface.

When to sealcoat? Ideally every 2–3 years, and always before the cold season begins.

2. Crack Sealing Stops Damage at the Source

If water can’t get in, it can’t freeze and expand. That’s why sealing cracks in the fall is critical. Use hot rubberized crack filler to seal off gaps and stop the freeze-thaw cycle from doing more damage.

Tip: Don’t try this with DIY store-bought fillers—they don’t bond well in cold weather and won’t last.

3. Improve Drainage Around Your Pavement

Check that your catch basins, drains, and grading are working properly. Water should never be sitting on the surface. Fixing drainage problems now prevents ice formation and extends your pavement’s life.

4. Repaint Line Striping for Visibility and Safety

Snow and plowing can wear down markings. Faded lines reduce parking efficiency and increase liability. Fall is the best time to restripe so your lot is ready for winter traffic and poor visibility conditions.

Winter Maintenance Tips for Asphalt

If you’re already into winter and dealing with snow, here are a few strategies to minimize damage:

Use the Right Snow Removal Equipment

• Rubber-bladed plows or snowblowers are gentler on asphalt.
  
• Avoid scraping too close to the surface if the asphalt is cracked or aged.
  
• Mark the perimeter of your lot with snow stakes to avoid edge damage.
  

Choose Ice Melt Products Carefully

• Avoid calcium chloride or magnesium chloride blends that break down surfaces.
  
• Use eco-friendly or asphalt-safe deicers.
  
• Apply sparingly—more isn’t better.
  

Stay On Top of Snow Removal

Letting snow accumulate leads to more water penetration as it melts. The more water that seeps in, the more likely you are to get deep cracks and potholes.

Spring Recovery: What to Do After the Snow Melts

Schedule a Post-Winter Asphalt Inspection

A professional paving contractor can check for structural issues, subsurface damage, and areas that need attention before they get worse.

Repair Potholes Immediately

Even small potholes can weaken surrounding areas fast. Cold patch is a temporary fix, but hot mix asphalt repair in early spring is the best way to restore the surface properly.

Consider Milling and Resurfacing

If your surface has widespread cracks or damage but the base layer is still solid, asphalt milling might be the solution. It removes the top layer and replaces it with new asphalt—saving you the cost of a full tear-out.

How Much Does Winter Asphalt Damage Cost?

Let’s be honest: ignoring problems is expensive.

Here’s a rough breakdown:

• Crack filling: $1–$3 per linear foot
  
• Pothole repair: $100–$300+ each
  
• Resurfacing (milling and overlay): $2–$4 per sq. ft.
  
• Full replacement: $5–$8+ per sq. ft.
  

Every year you put off maintenance, the cost to fix it later multiplies.

Why Facility Managers and Property Owners Need a Winter Asphalt Plan

Whether you manage a school, warehouse, shopping plaza, or apartment complex—pavement safety and longevity affect your bottom line. Avoiding winter damage is not just about protecting the surface. It’s about:

• Minimizing liability
• Reducing emergency repairs
• Avoiding lost revenue from blocked or unsafe areas
• Making your property look cared for and professional
  

Bonus Tip: Lock in Winter Services Before the First Snow

Don’t wait until January to book snow removal, crack sealing, or repairs. Reputable paving contractors fill up their schedules fast. Locking in services in the fall ensures you’re covered—and often gets you better pricing.

Real Talk: When Is It Time to Call a Pro?

If your asphalt has:

• Potholes deeper than 1 inch
  
• Spiderweb cracking across large areas
  
• Drainage issues or surface depressions
  
• Or just hasn’t been maintained in 3+ years
  

…it’s time to bring in an expert.

Professional asphalt contractors can assess whether crack sealing, patching, resurfacing, or full replacement is the most cost-effective solution for your situation. And if you need snow and ice management too, bundling services saves time and money.

Ready to Protect Your Pavement This Winter?

Snow and ice are unavoidable—but pavement damage doesn’t have to be. The key is planning ahead, choosing the right protection strategies, and partnering with a paving expert who knows how to keep your surfaces safe, smooth, and long-lasting year-round.

If you’re looking for help preparing your asphalt for winter—or repairing what last winter left behind—contact us today for a free estimate.

Huntington Paving provides expert asphalt paving, repairs, sealcoating, and winter snow management across Long Island, NY.

📍 266 Broadway, Huntington Station, NY 11746, United States
📞 +1 631-349-0009