How to Prepare Your Asphalt for Winter in Durham and Raleigh
Winter is coming, and if you own property in Durham or Raleigh, now is the time to start thinking about how to protect your asphalt. Cold temperatures, rain, and even ice can take a toll on your driveway or parking lot. But with a little preparation, you can help your asphalt last through the winter and beyond.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through simple, effective tips for preparing your asphalt before winter hits. Whether you’re a homeowner or a business owner, these steps can save you money and prevent damage when the weather turns cold.
Why is Winter Hard on Asphalt?
Before we dive into the tips, let’s talk about why winter is tough on asphalt. When water gets into small cracks in your asphalt and freezes, it expands. This can cause those cracks to grow larger, leading to bigger problems like potholes. Ice, snow, and freezing rain can also erode the surface of the asphalt, making it weaker over time.
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) highlights the importance of regular maintenance to protect asphalt from seasonal damage. You can learn more about their recommendations for pavement care at
To avoid costly repairs in the spring, it’s essential to take action before the cold weather sets in. Let’s look at how you can prepare your asphalt for winter.
1. Inspect Your Asphalt for Cracks and Damage
The first step in preparing your asphalt for winter is a thorough inspection. Walk around your driveway or parking lot and look for any cracks, potholes, or areas where the surface is starting to wear down.
Even small cracks can turn into bigger problems when water gets inside and freezes. If you spot any damage, now is the time to fix it. Small repairs, like crack filling, are much easier and cheaper to take care of than larger repairs later on.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emphasizes that early repairs can prevent larger environmental impacts, as damaged asphalt can lead to runoff and contamination. You can read more about their insights at
2. Sealcoat Your Asphalt
One of the best ways to protect your asphalt before winter is by applying a fresh layer of sealcoat. Sealcoating creates a protective barrier that helps keep water, oil, and other elements from penetrating your asphalt. It also fills in minor cracks and gives your driveway or parking lot a fresh, smooth appearance.
If your asphalt hasn’t been sealcoated in the past two to three years, now is a great time to schedule this service. Sealcoating helps prevent cracks from forming in the first place and extends the life of your asphalt.
3. Fill Any Cracks
If you notice cracks during your inspection, you’ll want to fill them before the cold weather arrives. Crack filling involves using a rubberized material to seal the cracks and keep water out.
Crack filling is a simple, cost-effective way to prevent larger cracks and potholes from forming over the winter. By sealing these cracks now, you can stop them from expanding when water freezes inside them.
The FHWA highlights crack filling as a key maintenance step to avoid costly repairs. Learn more about crack filling and other maintenance strategies
4. Clean Your Asphalt Surface
Before winter, it’s a good idea to give your asphalt a thorough cleaning. Dirt, leaves, and debris can block drainage and prevent water from flowing off the surface of your driveway or parking lot. When water sits on your asphalt, it increases the risk of cracks and potholes forming.
Use a broom or leaf blower to remove debris from the surface. If you notice oil stains or other spills, clean those up as well. Oil and chemicals can weaken your asphalt, making it more prone to damage.
5. Check for Proper Drainage
Water is one of the biggest threats to asphalt, especially in winter when it freezes and expands. Proper drainage is key to keeping your asphalt in good shape. After a rain, check to see if water is pooling anywhere on your driveway or parking lot. If you notice standing water, it could mean that your asphalt is uneven or your drainage system is clogged.
If drainage is a problem, consider contacting a professional to improve the grading or install additional drainage solutions. Fixing drainage issues before winter can help prevent serious damage to your asphalt surface.
6. Prepare for Snow and Ice Removal
Once winter arrives, snow and ice removal becomes part of your regular routine. To avoid damaging your asphalt, make sure you’re using the right tools and techniques.
Avoid using metal shovels or plows with sharp edges, as these can scrape and damage the surface of your asphalt. Instead, use plastic or rubber-edged shovels. If you hire a snow removal service, make sure they understand the importance of gentle techniques for asphalt surfaces.
7. Schedule Professional Maintenance
If you’re not sure where to start or need help with repairs, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional. A trusted asphalt contractor can assess your property, fix any damage, and ensure your asphalt is ready for the winter months.
Hiring a professional can save you time and give you peace of mind knowing that your asphalt is protected. Plus, it’s a good investment in the long-term health of your driveway or parking lot.
Why Winter Maintenance is Important
In Durham and Raleigh, winter temperatures can fluctuate, leading to freezing and thawing cycles that can quickly damage asphalt. By taking these steps to prepare your asphalt before winter, you can avoid costly repairs, maintain the safety of your property, and extend the life of your asphalt.
Timely maintenance not only saves you money but also helps protect the environment by reducing the need for new materials and minimizing waste. Regular asphalt maintenance, including sealcoating and crack filling, helps ensure that your asphalt surfaces stay in great condition year after year.
Ready to Protect Your Asphalt This Winter?
If you’re ready to prepare your driveway or parking lot for winter, don’t wait! Reach out to us today for a free quote or just a friendly opinion. We’re here to help you keep your asphalt in top shape and ensure it lasts through the cold months and beyond.
Additional Reference:
American Asphalt Institute (AI): The AI offers a wealth of information on the best practices for asphalt maintenance, including crack filling, sealcoating, and overall pavement care. Check out their resources here.
National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA): NAPA provides guidance on the environmental benefits of asphalt recycling and maintenance, and it offers expert advice on prolonging pavement life.
Asphalt Recycling and Reclaiming Association (ARRA): The ARRA focuses on asphalt recycling and reclaiming methods, which can help homeowners and businesses maintain sustainable and long-lasting pavement.
North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT): NCDOT provides local guidelines and best practices for asphalt maintenance and road care. You can find more about their maintenance recommendations at
