The #1 Cause of Asphalt Damage in Ontario Parking Lots
Asphalt damage in Ontario is common with out ever-changing climate presenting a serious challenge to pavement durability. With hot summers, harsh winters, and dramatic freeze-thaw cycles, property owners and managers across the GTA, and beyond must stay proactive to protect their pavement investment.
Understanding how weather affects asphalt is essential to long-term maintenance planning—and the experts at Sure-Seal Pavement Maintenance are here to help.
The Freeze-Thaw Effect: Asphalt’s Biggest Enemy
Ontario’s winters bring repeated freeze-thaw cycles that wreak havoc on asphalt. As water seeps
into small surface cracks and freezes, it expands and forces the pavement to crack further. Over
time, this leads to potholes, alligator cracking, and serious structural degradation.
Key Problems Caused by Freeze-Thaw:
- Widening cracks and surface separation
- Increased risk of potholes
- Sub-base instability and erosion
- Liability concerns for pedestrians and drivers
Proactive services like crack sealing and sealcoating can protect asphalt by sealing vulnerable
areas and preventing water infiltration before winter hits.
Understanding how weather affects asphalt is essential to long-term maintenance planning—and the experts at Sure-Seal Pavement Maintenance are here to help.
Heat and UV Exposure: Summer’s Slow Damage
While Ontario doesn’t see Texas-level heat, extended periods of sun and rising summer temperatures can still soften asphalt binders, damaging the asphalt surface. This leads to surface ravelling, oxidation, and brittleness—especially in high-traffic commercial or industrial properties.
Effects of Summer Sun on Asphalt:
- Fading pavement and line markings
- Accelerated aging and drying of the surface
- Cracks caused by thermal expansion and shrinkage
Applying a fresh layer of sealcoat helps block UV rays and extends pavement life, while line marking services restore visibility and safety.
Heavy Rain & Poor Drainage
Ontario’s spring and summer storms can dump large volumes of water onto paved surfaces. If your property has improper drainage or deteriorating catch basins, pooling water can erode pavement, weaken the base, and cause sinkholes. Ensure your drainage systems and catch basins are inspected and repaired before the next heavy rainfall.
Year-Round Maintenance = Long-Term Savings
No matter the season, asphalt requires consistent upkeep. At Sure-Seal Pavement Maintenance, we offer a full range of year-round services that help you avoid costly repairs:
- Crack Sealing
- Sealcoating
- Asphalt Repairs & Patching
- Milling & Paving
- Catch Basin Repairs
- Line Marking & Custom Stencils
- Bollard & Speed Hump Installation
Don’t Let Ontario’s Weather Destroy Your Pavement
If you manage or own a commercial/industrial property in Ontario, now is the time to take action. Sure-Seal Pavement has over 30 years of experience protecting pavement across Ontario—from Mississauga and Toronto to Barrie, Vaughan, and beyond. Call us today at 416-410-3705 or request a free quote online with out contact form.
Let’s build a maintenance plan that keeps your pavement strong, safe, and looking great—year-round.