When winter rolls in, your parking lot is more vulnerable than you think.
At We Love Paving, we’ve seen firsthand how ice, snow, and freezing temperatures wreak havoc on asphalt and concrete surfaces. But here’s the good news: with a few strategic steps, you can protect your pavement, extend its lifespan, and avoid shelling out thousands in repairs come spring.
This is your Winter Prep Guide — everything you need to know to keep your pavement safe, functional, and looking great during the harshest months of the year.
🧊 Why Winter Is So Dangerous for Your Pavement
Cold weather isn’t just uncomfortable — it’s destructive.
Here’s what happens:
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Water seeps into small cracks in your asphalt or concrete.
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When temperatures drop, that water freezes and expands, making the cracks worse.
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As this freeze-thaw cycle repeats, the damage grows exponentially.
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By spring, you’re dealing with potholes, crumbling edges, or even structural failure.
This is especially true in high-traffic areas like commercial lots, shopping centers, HOAs, and apartment complexes.
🔍 Step 1: Inspect and Seal Cracks Now
Before the first freeze, walk your lot and look for:
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Hairline cracks
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Alligator cracking (spiderweb patterns)
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Small depressions where water pools
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Loose gravel or surface degradation
Early intervention is key.
Crack sealing is one of the cheapest forms of preventative maintenance — and one of the most effective.
💡 Pro tip: A crack sealing job in fall might cost you $300. That same neglected crack could cost you $3,000 to $5,000 in resurfacing if it turns into a pothole.
🚫 Step 2: Don’t Skip Sealcoating
Sealcoating is your pavement’s first line of defense.
It creates a protective barrier that resists:
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Moisture infiltration
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Road salt
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UV damage
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Oil stains
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Daily wear and tear
When applied before winter, it locks in surface integrity and keeps your asphalt looking fresh and dark — even in freezing conditions.
⚠️ Important: Sealcoating can’t be applied in cold weather, so the window is short. Once temps drop below 50°F consistently, you’re out of luck until spring.
🚛 Step 3: Plan for Snow & Ice Responsibly
A poorly managed snow removal plan can destroy your lot faster than the snow itself.
Here’s what to do:
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Mark your curbs, ramps, and islands with tall, visible flags or reflective tape before the first snowfall.
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Use rubber-tipped plows or trained snow removal teams who know how to avoid scraping and gouging the surface.
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Avoid over-salting, which accelerates surface erosion and contributes to long-term damage.
Don’t wait until it snows to figure this out — prep your contractors in advance.
🧼 Step 4: Keep It Clean
Debris, dirt, and oil stains aren’t just ugly — they weaken your pavement.
Before the first storm hits:
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Power sweep the entire lot
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Remove leaves and standing water
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Degrease any oil or chemical spills
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Clean out catch basins and storm drains
Standing water is a major threat in freezing weather, so make sure your drainage systems are working properly.
💰 Why This Matters: Cost of Prevention vs. Cost of Repairs
| Issue | Cost If Caught Early | Cost If Ignored |
|---|---|---|
| Crack sealing | $300–$500 | $3,000–$7,000 (resurfacing) |
| Sealcoating | $0.20–$0.30/sq ft | $10+/sq ft (full-depth replacement) |
| Drain repair | $800–$1,200 | $5,000–$15,000 (flooded foundation) |
When it comes to pavement, an ounce of prevention is worth a ton of reconstruction.
👷♂️ Partner With a Team That Knows Winter
At We Love Paving, we help property managers, business owners, and facility teams get ahead of the winter damage curve.
Whether it’s a routine inspection, a quick crack fill, or a full resurfacing before the cold sets in — we’re here to protect your investment.
📞 Ready to Winter-Proof Your Parking Lot?
👉 Schedule a FREE Winter Assessment
Let us walk your property, assess its condition, and recommend the right steps to keep it in top shape all season long.
🛑 Don’t wait until spring to deal with winter’s damage.
✅ Take action now — and save big later.
