Freeze-thaw cycles, salt, and plowing all take a toll on asphalt. Here's how the Maryland winter affects your pavement — and how to protect your investment before spring.
Maryland sits in a tough spot climatically. We get enough winter to cause serious freeze-thaw damage but rarely enough to keep crews off the roads, which means asphalt takes a beating from both weather and heavy salt/plow use.
Freeze-thaw cycles
Water finds its way into small cracks in the asphalt. When temperatures drop below freezing, that water expands — up to 9% in volume. That expansion widens cracks from the inside. Repeat this dozens of times over a Maryland winter and those hairline cracks become full potholes by March.
Road salt damage
Salt lowers the freezing point of water, which is why it's used for de-icing. But it also penetrates asphalt and attacks the binding agents. Over time, salt causes asphalt to become brittle and more susceptible to cracking. It's a trade-off, but minimizing salt use where possible — especially on private driveways — extends asphalt life.
Plow damage
A plow blade set too low will gouge the asphalt surface, especially at turns, inclines, and areas with slight heaves. If you hire a plow service, ask them to keep the blade slightly elevated or use rubber blade attachments on asphalt surfaces.
What to do before winter
The best protection is going into winter with sealed, crack-free asphalt. Fill any open cracks in the fall — even small ones. A proper fall sealcoat is ideal if it's been 2+ years since the last one. Think of it as weatherproofing your driveway before the season hits.
What to do in spring
Walk your driveway or lot after the last freeze. Note potholes, new cracks, and any areas where the surface has heaved or sunk. Spring is the best time to address winter damage before heat and UV make things worse.
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