Winter in places like Cincinnati can be hard on everything — including your asphalt.

If you've noticed potholes appearing every spring or cracks multiplying after a harsh winter, freeze-thaw cycles are likely the culprit. Understanding this process — and how to prevent it — can save you thousands in repair costs.

What Is a Freeze-Thaw Cycle?

A freeze-thaw cycle happens when:

1. Water seeps into tiny cracks or pores in the asphalt
2. Temperatures drop below freezing, causing the water to expand as ice
3. The expanded ice widens cracks and weakens the pavement
4. Temperatures rise and the ice melts, creating larger spaces for water
5. This cycle repeats throughout winter

This repeated expansion and contraction breaks down the surface, causing cracks, potholes, and base failure.

Why Asphalt Is So Vulnerable

Asphalt is naturally porous. Even properly sealed surfaces allow small amounts of moisture to penetrate. Without maintenance, these minor flaws become entry points for water, speeding up freeze-thaw damage.

Heavy traffic, snowplows, and deicing chemicals further stress these weakened areas.

Signs Freeze-Thaw Damage Is Happening

Keep an eye out for:

• New or expanding cracks
• Small surface depressions (soft spots)
• Loose gravel or crumbling edges
• Early-stage potholes

Catching these signs early helps prevent costlier problems later.

How to Protect Asphalt from Freeze-Thaw Damage

✅ Sealcoat Regularly

A fresh sealcoat helps block moisture from penetrating the surface. Aim to sealcoat every 2–3 years, especially in freeze-prone climates.

✅ Fill Cracks Quickly

Don't let cracks sit all winter. Professional crack filling seals gaps and keeps water out.

✅ Ensure Proper Drainage

Water that drains off the pavement can't freeze inside it. Make sure your lot or driveway has proper grading and clear drainage paths.

✅ Use High-Quality Materials

Strong base layers and high-quality asphalt mixes better withstand extreme temperature changes.

✅ Schedule Regular Inspections

A professional paving contractor (like Pave-Worx!) can spot early damage signs and suggest cost-effective solutions before problems worsen.

Why Acting Early Saves Big

Freeze-thaw damage compounds over time — and repair costs grow exponentially. A small crack fix today might cost $100–$300. Let it develop into a pothole or base failure, and you're looking at thousands.

Trust Pave-Worx to Winter-Proof Your Asphalt

We know Cincinnati winters inside and out. Our team can help prep your surface for cold weather, repair winter damage quickly, and create smart maintenance plans that keep your pavement strong year-round.

Don't Wait for Winter to Wreck Your Pavement

📞 Contact Pave-Worx today for a free inspection or maintenance quote — and let's protect your surface before the next freeze-thaw cycle hits.