Asphalt is a popular surface material for roads, driveways, and car parks due to its durability, flexibility, and affordability. However, even the best-laid asphalt can deteriorate over time — and the weather plays a significant role in this. Whether it’s scorching heat, freezing cold, or heavy rainfall, every type of weather has an impact on your asphalt surface.
Understanding these effects is vital if you want to maintain your asphalt’s longevity, avoid costly repairs, and keep surfaces safe for both vehicles and pedestrians. In this guide, we’ll explore how different weather conditions affect asphalt surfaces and what proactive measures you can take to protect your investment.
How Weather Conditions Affect Asphalt Surfaces
The condition of your asphalt surface depends on more than just its initial quality or installation. Weather-related factors such as temperature swings, moisture, UV exposure, and snow or ice accumulation all contribute to the gradual wear and tear of the material. Left unchecked, these elements can lead to serious structural damage, safety concerns, and higher maintenance costs.
Heat and Sun Exposure
In warmer climates, consistent heat and sunlight are among the leading causes of asphalt deterioration. High temperatures can soften the asphalt binder, making the surface more susceptible to deformation such as rutting or shoving caused by vehicle traffic. Prolonged UV exposure accelerates the oxidation of asphalt, which dries it out and leads to cracks and brittleness over time.
Asphalt oxidisation also results in colour fading — turning your smooth blacktop into a light grey or white surface. This might not seem like a big deal initially, but it’s a sign that the surface is losing flexibility, which is crucial for handling pressure and movement.
One of the best ways to counteract sun and heat damage is by applying a sealcoat every 2–3 years. Sealcoating acts as a protective layer that reflects UV rays and helps maintain the surface’s structural integrity. Keeping the asphalt clean of debris and oil spills can also reduce heat absorption and prevent premature wear.
Rain and Water Penetration
Water is one of asphalt’s worst enemies. When rainwater pools on the surface or seeps into cracks, it weakens the foundation beneath. Over time, this causes the asphalt to shift, crumble, or develop potholes. In areas with poor drainage, water damage becomes even more significant due to constant saturation and erosion.
Furthermore, small cracks may go unnoticed in drier seasons but become serious problems once rain starts entering those spaces. This moisture then works its way through the surface and into the base, undermining the sublayers and accelerating the formation of potholes or surface depressions.
Ensuring proper drainage is critical to minimising water damage. That includes regular surface inspections, crack sealing, and installing or maintaining stormwater systems like gutters and channels. Additionally, having a slight slope in the pavement can help redirect rainwater away from the structure.
Freezing Temperatures and Frost
In colder climates, freeze-thaw cycles are a major concern for asphalt surfaces. When water enters cracks or pores in the pavement and subsequently freezes, it expands. This expansion puts pressure on the surrounding asphalt, eventually causing it to crack further. When temperatures rise, the ice melts, and the process starts all over again.
This repeated cycle leads to structural breakdown, potholes, and raised or sunken patches on the surface. Over time, these areas may become hazardous for vehicles and pedestrians alike, particularly if they collect ice in winter or become invisible under snow.
To prevent freeze-thaw damage, crack sealing before winter sets in is essential. Applying a winter-grade sealant can keep water from infiltrating the surface in the first place. It’s also wise to keep your surface clear of snow and ice using de-icing products that are asphalt-safe and not corrosive.
Snow and Ice
Beyond the damage caused by freezing water, snow and ice themselves pose a risk to your asphalt surface. Mechanical snow removal with heavy ploughs or shovels can scrape the surface, dislodging loose pieces or damaging the sealcoat. Ice accumulation increases the risk of slips and falls, especially in high-traffic areas.
The repeated application of rock salt and other de-icing chemicals can also degrade the asphalt, particularly at joints and edges. These substances may react with the surface and lead to long-term deterioration.
Using rubber-edged snowploughs and non-corrosive de-icing products like calcium magnesium acetate can reduce this type of wear. It’s also a good idea to sweep the surface periodically during the winter to prevent accumulation of damaging substances.
What You Can Do to Protect Your Asphalt Investment
Proactive maintenance is the key to extending the life of your asphalt surface. Regular monitoring, seasonal treatments, and preventative repairs can help you get the most out of your pavement, regardless of the weather conditions it faces.
Regular Inspections and Preventive Maintenance
The first step in protecting your asphalt is establishing a maintenance routine. Visual inspections should be done quarterly and after major weather events. Look for signs such as cracks, pooling water, fading, rutting, and loose gravel. These indicators suggest underlying issues that should be addressed promptly.
One of the most effective preventative measures is crack sealing. Sealing small cracks when they appear prevents water from infiltrating the surface and causing more significant issues. Additionally, applying a high-quality sealcoat every few years helps preserve flexibility and adds an extra layer of protection against UV rays and precipitation.
When done at the right time, these small investments in maintenance can save thousands in major repair or replacement costs down the line.
Drainage Solutions and Surface Slope
Proper drainage is often overlooked but plays a crucial role in protecting asphalt surfaces. Poor drainage leads to water accumulation, which can result in both surface and subsurface damage. Standing water can be especially harmful in colder months when it freezes and expands.
Make sure your asphalt is laid with an appropriate slope — typically around 1-2% — to allow rainwater to run off naturally. Installing French drains, gutters, or catch basins can also help redirect water away from problem areas. Cleaning out existing drainage systems ensures they remain effective throughout the year.
If you notice frequent pooling or erosion, it may be time to consult with a professional to evaluate and improve your drainage setup.
Sealcoating for Protection
Sealcoating is an essential component of asphalt maintenance that shields the surface from weather damage, vehicle traffic, and chemical exposure. By creating a barrier over the asphalt, sealcoating prevents oxidation, resists water penetration, and improves visual appeal.
A fresh coat of sealant should be applied every 2–4 years depending on the amount of traffic and environmental conditions. High-traffic or sun-exposed areas may need more frequent applications. It’s important to apply sealcoat during dry, warm conditions for best adhesion and curing.
Aside from protection, sealcoating also gives your surface a rich, uniform colour that improves curb appeal and adds value to your property.
Timely Repairs and Resurfacing
When damage does occur, timely repair is crucial. Small cracks can quickly become potholes, and once the base layer is compromised, full resurfacing may be required. Addressing issues early ensures your asphalt surface remains structurally sound and reduces the risk of larger, more expensive damage.
Patching, overlaying, and resurfacing are viable options depending on the extent of the deterioration. It’s best to work with experienced asphalt contractors who can assess your surface and recommend the most effective solution.
A well-maintained asphalt surface can last 15–20 years, or even longer with consistent care and weather protection strategies.
FAQs
1. How often should I inspect my asphalt surface?
2. Can heat alone cause asphalt to crack?
3. What’s the best time of year to apply sealcoat?
4. How can I tell if water is damaging my asphalt?
5. Is it okay to use rock salt on asphalt in winter?
6. Can asphalt be repaired in winter?