Asphalt pavement might look tough and resilient, but when Colorado snow and rain comes into the picture, things can quickly change. Water has a way of seeping into the smallest cracks, and once it’s in, the damage can begin. As the seasons progress, those cracks can widen and deepen, making your pavement rough and uneven. Understanding how weather elements like snow and rain affect asphalt is key to keeping it in great shape year-round. Here’s what the Asphalt Doctors have to say about it.

How Snow Affects Asphalt Pavement

Snow and cold temperatures can be particularly harsh on asphalt surfaces. It’s not just the moisture and cold themselves that pose a threat; it’s the freeze-thaw cycles that can cause serious damage. Here's how cold temperatures and snow affect asphalt:

• Freeze-Thaw Cycles: When snow melts during the day and refreezes at night, the water trapped in small cracks expands as it freezes. This repeated freezing and thawing process can cause cracks to widen and the surface to weaken.
• Snow Plow Damage: Snow plowing is extremely important in Colorado, especially after heavy snow storms that leave roads undrivable. Unfortunately, the heavy equipment can scrape and scratch the top layer of asphalt, especially if the surface is already compromised by cracks or potholes. Even worse, the plows can run into an exposed crack or pothole, causing even more damage than before. 
• Moisture Accumulation: Snow that sits on asphalt for extended periods of time leads to moisture buildup, especially here in Colorado, where the sun often causes quick melting following a snow storm. As water seeps into the pavement, it will erode the foundation beneath, causing structural issues over time.
• Salt and Chemical Deicers: Many companies, individuals, and municipal plowing services use salt or chemicals to melt snow and ice. While effective, these can lead to significant asphalt deterioration, making the surface weak and more vulnerable to cracks and potholes.

How Rain Affects Asphalt Pavement

You might wonder: what’s a little rain compared to a snowstorm? Don’t be fooled. The problem with rain isn’t just the water itself—it’s how it interacts with the surface and what's going on beneath. Here’s how rain can damage asphalt: 

• Water Seepage: Asphalt is a porous material, meaning water can seep into it. While a little rain won’t hurt, over time, that water works its way down into the deeper layers, weakening the foundation of the pavement. This can lead to cracks, potholes, and a general breakdown of the surface. Once the water gets in, it’s a ticking time bomb for the integrity of your asphalt.
• Pooling and Drainage Issues: Ever noticed water sitting on asphalt after a rainstorm? That’s called pooling, and it’s a bad sign. Poor drainage is often to blame. When water can’t flow away properly, it pools in low spots and eats away at the asphalt. Over time, this can create dips, ruts, and soft spots in the pavement, making it more prone to cracking and breakdown.
• Erosion: Rainwater that’s constantly running over your asphalt can also cause erosion, especially at the edges. Storm after storm, this rain wears away the asphalt, making it thinner and more fragile. You’ll start to notice small chunks breaking away, which can expand into larger problems if left unchecked.
• Hydroplaning and Surface Wear: Rain can make your pavement slick and unsafe. The constant friction from tires, combined with rain, causes the surface to develop a smooth face. This can result in hydroplaning—when tires lose contact with the pavement and instead slide across a layer of water.

Beat the Snow and Rain with Preventative Asphalt Maintenance

Preventing asphalt damage before it starts is key to keeping your pavement in great shape, especially when it comes to the effects of weather.  There are a few simple steps you can take to make sure rain, snow, and everyday wear don’t turn your pavement into a cracked, pothole-filled mess.

First up, sealcoating. Think of sealcoating like sunscreen for your asphalt. It forms a protective barrier on top that helps keep water, UV rays, and chemicals from reaching beneath the surface. By applying a fresh coat every few years, you’re sealing out the moisture that would otherwise seep in and start breaking down the foundation of your pavement. It’s one of the most effective ways to extend the life of your asphalt.

Then there’s crack sealing, which is just as important. Over time, small cracks are bound to form, whether from regular traffic or the natural settling of the ground beneath the asphalt. The trick is not to let them grow into bigger problems. Crack sealing involves filling those little gaps with a durable material that prevents water from sneaking in and making things worse. It’s a simple, cost-effective way to stop rain from wreaking havoc under the surface.

Finally, you can’t forget about drainage. Proper drainage is the unsung hero of asphalt maintenance. If water is pooling or not draining away from your pavement properly, it’s going to cause problems. Installing or fixing drainage systems, like gutters or French drains, can help keep water off the surface and away from the base of the asphalt. This reduces the risk of erosion and the formation of dips or soft spots that lead to more damage down the road.

Protect Your Asphalt from Snow and Rain 

At Asphalt Doctors, we know asphalt inside and out—literally. Whether your pavement has been hit hard by snow, rain, or just the wear and tear of everyday traffic, we’ve got the tools and expertise to keep it looking its best. From small cracks to major resurfacing, our team can handle it all, making sure your asphalt is strong, smooth, and ready to take on whatever Mother Nature throws its way.

What sets us apart is our commitment to quality. We don’t just patch things up and hope for the best. We take the time to assess the condition of your pavement, find the root cause of the issue, and provide long-term solutions that last. Whether it’s sealcoating to protect against future damage, crack sealing to keep water out, or installing proper drainage systems, we do it all with precision and care.

Ready to give your asphalt the care it deserves? Reach out to Asphalt Doctors today, and let’s create a plan to keep your pavement smooth and strong for years to come. Your pavement will thank you—and so will your wallet.