Essential Asphalt Maintenance Tips for Ohio Winters

Central Ohio winters bring freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and the dreaded freeze-thaw cycle — all of which can take a serious toll on your asphalt surfaces. With over 40 years of experience maintaining pavement through Ohio winters, here are our top tips for keeping your asphalt in great shape.

Sealcoat Before Winter Hits

The single best thing you can do for your asphalt before winter is to apply a fresh sealcoat in the fall. Sealcoating creates a protective barrier that shields your pavement from water penetration, UV damage, and chemical exposure from road salt and de-icers.

Ideally, sealcoating should be done when temperatures are consistently above 50°F — making late summer through early fall the perfect window in Ohio. If you missed this year's window, plan to schedule it as early as possible next season.

Fill Cracks Before the Freeze

Water is asphalt's worst enemy, and cracks are how it gets in. When water seeps into cracks and freezes, it expands — making the crack bigger. This freeze-thaw cycle repeats all winter, turning small cracks into major damage.

Before the first freeze, have all visible cracks sealed. This asphalt repair step is one of the most affordable and has one of the highest returns in terms of preventing expensive damage.

Keep Your Surface Clean

Remove leaves, debris, and dirt from your asphalt regularly. Organic matter traps moisture against the surface and can accelerate deterioration. A clean surface also allows you to spot new cracks or damage early.

Be Smart About Snow Removal

• •Use plastic-edged snow shovels or rubber-bladed plows to avoid scraping and gouging the surface.
• •Avoid metal-bladed plows directly on asphalt — they can chip and damage the surface layer.
• •Use de-icers sparingly. While rock salt is common, excessive use can be harsh on asphalt. Consider calcium chloride-based products, which are gentler on pavement.

Address Drainage Issues

Standing water is a major problem in winter. Make sure your asphalt paving surface has proper drainage so water doesn't pool and freeze on the surface. If you notice areas where water consistently collects, contact a paving professional to assess and fix the grading.

Schedule a Spring Inspection

After winter passes, schedule an inspection of your asphalt. Winter damage is easiest and cheapest to address in the spring before it has a chance to worsen through the summer heat. Our team at All State Paving offers free inspections and estimates across Central Ohio.

Protect Your Investment

Your asphalt surface is a significant investment. A little preventive maintenance goes a long way toward extending its life and keeping repair costs down. If you need help preparing your pavement for winter or repairing winter damage, contact us for a free estimate.