How Midwest Weather Wreaks Havoc on Asphalt (and What Property Owners Can Do About It)

If you own or manage property in Iowa or anywhere across the Midwest, you already know one thing for sure: our weather doesn’t play nice. From bone-chilling winters to blazing hot summers, Midwest conditions are some of the toughest an asphalt surface can face. Parking lots, driveways, and roadways take a constant beating often long before their expected lifespan is up.

At Pate Asphalt, we’ve spent over 40 years working directly with Midwest property owners, municipalities, and businesses. We’ve seen firsthand how weather can quietly undermine even well-installed asphalt and more importantly, what can be done to stop minor issues from turning into major repairs.

This guide breaks down how Midwest weather damages asphalt and what proactive property owners can do to protect their investment.

Why Midwest Asphalt Fails Faster Than You Expect

Asphalt is durable, flexible, and cost-effective but it isn’t invincible. The Midwest’s rapid temperature swings, heavy precipitation, and long winters create a perfect storm for pavement deterioration.

According to industry data, asphalt surfaces in regions with frequent freeze–thaw cycles can deteriorate up to 40% faster than those in milder climates.

That means property owners who ignore preventative maintenance often face earlier and more expensive repairs than anticipated.

Let’s break down the biggest culprits.

Freeze Thaw Cycles: Asphalt’s Silent Enemy

How Freeze–Thaw Damage Happens

Midwest winters are notorious for fluctuating temperatures. One day it’s below freezing, the next it’s above and asphalt feels every shift.

Here’s what happens:

1. Water seeps into tiny cracks and pores in the asphalt.

2. Temperatures drop, and that water freezes.

3. Frozen water expands, forcing the cracks wider.

4. When temperatures rise, the ice melts leaving larger gaps behind.

5. The cycle repeats, causing cracks to grow, spread, and deepen.

Over time, what started as a hairline crack can turn into potholes, surface failure, or even base damage.

What Property Owners Can Do

The key is early intervention:

• Seal cracks before winter sets in

• Apply sealcoating to reduce water penetration

• Address drainage issues that allow standing water

  
  

At Pate Asphalt, we often tell clients that crack sealing is one of the most cost-effective services available especially in freeze-heavy climates like Iowa.

Snow Plows and Winter Maintenance Damage

When Snow Removal Becomes Asphalt Removal

Snow plows are necessary, but they’re also unforgiving. Improper plowing techniques or poorly marked pavement edges can scrape, gouge, or tear asphalt surfaces.

Common winter damage includes:

• Surface scarring and scraping

• Broken pavement edges

• Dislodged asphalt near curbs and drains

• Accelerated wear in high-traffic areas

  
  

This damage is often overlooked until spring when melted snow reveals a parking lot that suddenly looks years older.

How to Reduce Plow-Related Damage

Property owners can take proactive steps:

• Clearly mark curbs, edges, and obstacles before winter

• Repair existing cracks before snow season

• Schedule post-winter inspections to catch hidden damage early

  
  

With decades of experience handling post-winter repairs, Pate Asphalt helps property owners restore surfaces quickly before small issues become safety hazards or liability concerns.

Summer Heat: When Asphalt Gets Too Soft

Hot Weather Isn’t Harmless

While winter gets most of the blame, Midwest summers can be just as destructive. Extended periods of high heat can soften asphalt, making it more vulnerable to deformation.

Common summer-related issues include:

• Rutting from heavy vehicles

• Surface scuffing and tire marks

• Softened asphalt pulling apart under turning traffic

• Oxidation and drying from UV exposure

  
  

As asphalt ages, it loses oils that keep it flexible. Combine that with extreme heat, and cracking becomes inevitable.

Preventative Measures for Summer Damage

To combat heat-related wear:

• Maintain proper sealcoating schedules

• Restrict heavy vehicle traffic when possible

• Address surface distress early in the season

Sealcoating doesn’t just improve appearance — it acts as a protective barrier against UV rays and heat damage, extending pavement life significantly.

Water: The Underlying Threat in Every Season

Whether it’s snowmelt, spring rain, or summer storms, water is the number one enemy of asphalt.

If water reaches the base beneath your pavement, structural failure isn’t far behind.

Signs of water damage often include

• Alligator cracking

• Depressions or sinking areas

• Repeated potholes in the same locations

  
  

Proper drainage design and routine inspections are critical and something many property owners overlook until it’s too late.

Why Preventative Maintenance Saves Money

Many property owners wait until asphalt visibly fails before calling a contractor. Unfortunately, by then, repair options are limited and expensive.

Preventative maintenance:

• Extends pavement lifespan

• Reduces long-term repair costs

• Improves safety and curb appeal

• Protects your initial investment

  
  

Over a 10-year period, a maintained asphalt surface can cost up to 50% less than one that receives no preventative care.

A Real-World Perspective from the Midwest

One long-time commercial client recently shared this after working with Pate Asphalt:

“We used to think cracks were just cosmetic. After one winter destroyed our lot, Pate Asphalt showed us how early maintenance could’ve saved us thousands. Now we have a plan and our pavement actually lasts.”

That’s a story we hear often. Education makes the difference.

Why Experience Matters in Midwest Asphalt

Not all asphalt contractors understand Midwest conditions but they should.

At Pate Asphalt, we’ve spent more than 40 years installing, maintaining, and repairing asphalt and blacktop surfaces specifically in this region.

We don’t use one-size-fits-all solutions.

Every recommendation is based on:

• Local climate conditions

• Traffic patterns

• Surface age and usage

• Long-term cost efficiency

That’s how asphalt lasts in the Midwest.

What Property Owners Should Do Next

If your asphalt surface has endured even one Midwest winter, it’s already aging faster than you think. The smartest move is not waiting for visible failure — it’s planning ahead.

A professional evaluation can:

• Identify hidden damage

• Prioritize repairs

• Prevent unnecessary replacements

• Extend surface life for years

  
  

For free quotes please reach out to us at https://www.pateasphalt.com/contact.