Winter Asphalt Damage: When to Repair vs. Replace

Winter in Minnesota, Wisconsin and other northern states takes a toll on the asphalt that makes up the parking lots, roads and driveways we drive on every day. The extreme weather, snow removal process and more leads to cracks, potholes, and surface deterioration. When the long winter months finally come to an end, business owners, property managers and homeowners will find themselves wondering if simple pavement repairs will suffice or if a full replacement is necessary. This guide will help you assess the damage and determine whether repairing or replacing is the best choice for your asphalt this spring.

Common Types of Winter Asphalt Damage

Depending on the local climate in your area, the damages that occur during winter months will vary. However, in the midwest, the most common kinds of damage that we see resulting from winter weather include:

• Cracks – Worsened by freeze-thaw cycles and water infiltration.
• Potholes – Caused by repeated freezing, thawing, and vehicle stress.
• Surface Erosion – This is when asphalt breaks down and wears away from prolonged moisture and salt exposure.
• Drainage Problems – Poor runoff, which leads to standing water and further damage.

Based on the severity of the damage you are experiencing on your blacktop, you'll have two main options to decide between – repairing or replacing. Next, we'll look at when each situation is most applicable.

When Asphalt Repairs Are the Best Option

If it was a mild winter or if your pavement was in good standing prior to the winter season, you likely are only dealing with minor damages. These are the types of conditions when asphalt repairs makes the most sense:

• Hairline or minimal cracks

Thinner hairline cracks or just a few larger cracks can typically be fixed with crack sealing.

• Small Potholes

If you have smaller potholes rather than craters, infrared repair or patching may be sufficient.

• Faded Line Striping

Faded line striping can be refreshed without major resurfacing.

• Localized damage

If the majority of your parking lot or asphalt is in good shape, and only a small portion of the asphalt is affected, targeted repairs generally work well.

When Full Replacement or Resurfacing Is Needed

If it was a long, harsh winter or if your blacktop was already compromised before the season, resurfacing or replacing asphalt might be necessary. Here's when that makes the most sense:

• Extensive and widespread cracking

If you have cracks the size of canyons (ok, actually 1/2 inch or wider) or cracking that is visible and apparent across most of your blacktop, this can indicate bigger problems such as structural failure beneath the surface, and resurfacing or replacement would be the best choice.

• Deep or large potholes

With large or deep potholes, repairs won't last long if the subbase is compromised, meaning this could be another situation when asphalt replacement makes the most sense.

• Drainage Issues Affecting Large Areas

If you've noticed standing water again and again, this indicates poor drainage, another sign that your parking lot may require regrading and repaving.

• Multiple Past Repairs

If patching has already been done numerous times before, full resurfacing may be more efficient and more cost-effective.

The Best Time to Schedule Repairs or Replacement

Now that you know what to look for when determining if you need to repair or replace your asphalt, you'll need to know when to do it! Word of the wise: don't wait too long, especially if you plan to repair; doing so can just lead to bigger and more costly fixes later. Spring or early summer are the ideal time to set up your asphalt repairs or resurfacing.

Not sure whether to repair or replace your asphalt? At Doctor Asphalt, we provide full-service commercial asphalt solutions and we can help you make the right choice. Contact us today to schedule a free inspection and consultation for your parking lot, driveway, or road repairs.