Winter Preparation: How to Protect Your Asphalt Before the Cold Hits

Cold weather puts asphalt under serious stress. Freezing temperatures, snow, and ice speed up deterioration and create costly damage.

The right preparation before winter ensures your pavement stays strong, safe, and attractive all season.

Why Asphalt Needs Winter Protection

Asphalt looks solid, but it reacts to weather changes. When water enters small cracks and freezes, it expands and pushes the pavement apart. This leads to wider cracks, potholes, and weakened foundations.

Salt and de-icing chemicals add extra strain, making untreated asphalt even more vulnerable. Preparing in advance reduces risks and saves money on major repairs later.

Step One: Sealcoat for a Protective Barrier

Sealcoating creates a shield that blocks out moisture, salt, and oil. A fresh coat locks in flexibility and restores a deep black finish.

Applying sealcoat before winter helps asphalt resist freeze-thaw cycles and heavy plowing. Without it, the surface becomes brittle and breaks down faster in cold conditions.

Step Two: Fill Cracks Before They Widen

Even the smallest cracks give water a path into the base layer. Once the freeze-thaw cycle starts, those cracks spread quickly.

Filling them with a rubberized material seals the surface and keeps moisture out. Contractors complete crack filling before applying sealcoat to give the asphalt complete protection.

Step Three: Maintain Clean Surfaces

Leaves, dirt, and debris trap moisture on the pavement. Before winter, a thorough cleaning prepares asphalt for sealcoating and improves drainage.

Clean surfaces reduce slipping hazards and make snow removal easier once the season starts.

Step Four: Improve Drainage Around Pavement

Standing water speeds up asphalt deterioration. Check gutters, downspouts, and nearby landscaping to make sure water flows away from the surface.

Good drainage keeps the base layer strong and prevents pooling that freezes into damaging ice patches.

Step Five: Schedule Professional Maintenance

Routine maintenance prevents small issues from turning into expensive problems.

A professional asphalt contractor inspects the surface, repairs cracks, applies sealcoat, and ensures proper drainage.

Taking these steps before the first frost adds years of life to your pavement.

Protect Your Asphalt Before Winter Arrives

Super Seal helps property owners prepare asphalt for the harsh winter months.

Our team provides expert crack filling, sealcoating, and maintenance services that keep your pavement safe, durable, and visually appealing.

Schedule your winter prep today and enjoy peace of mind knowing your asphalt is ready for the cold.

Frequently Asked Questions About Winter Asphalt Care

When should I sealcoat asphalt before winter?

You should sealcoat in late summer or early fall, when temperatures stay warm enough for proper curing.

Can I sealcoat in cold weather?

No, sealcoating requires temperatures above 50 degrees for at least 24 hours. Cold weather prevents the sealant from bonding correctly.

How do I know if cracks need filling?

Any crack wider than one-quarter inch should be filled before winter. Even small cracks allow water to penetrate and expand.

Will snow plowing damage asphalt?

Plowing can scrape the surface if the asphalt has existing cracks or potholes. Sealcoating and crack filling create a smoother, stronger surface that resists plow damage.

Does asphalt always need maintenance before winter?

Yes, regular maintenance protects your investment. Even if the surface looks fine, sealing and crack filling prevent hidden damage from worsening during freeze-thaw cycles.