Minnesota’s freeze-thaw cycle is one of the leading causes of cracking and potholes in older asphalt driveways. When water enters small cracks, freezes, expands, and repeatedly melts, it slowly weakens the pavement — often turning minor issues into costly repairs if left untreated.

Living in Minnesota means enjoying all four seasons. But for homeowners with older asphalt driveways, that means facing this relentless challenge. Over time, these temperature swings can seriously affect the integrity of your driveway. 

Want to learn how to protect your asphalt driveway this time around?

We’re breaking down the freeze-thaw process, the types of asphalt damage to watch for, and why choosing the right driveway repair partner matters!

What’s the Freeze–Thaw Cycle?

The freeze–thaw cycle happens when water enters cracks in asphalt, freezes and expands, then melts and refreezes repeatedly. 

Every winter, Minnesota weather brings repeated fluctuations above and below freezing. When water penetrates small cracks or pores in your driveway and then freezes, it expands. 

As temperatures rise again and that ice melts, water seeps deeper into the pavement. 

Why the Freeze-Thaw Cycle Matters for Asphalt

Each freeze-thaw cycle puts tremendous pressure on the surrounding asphalt, slowly degrading the driveway from the inside out. Cracks widen, voids increase, and the bond between the asphalt binder and the aggregate weakens. 

This repeated stress can degrade your driveway’s structural strength, leading to common issues such as potholes, crumbling edges, and more extensive cracking. 

Is Cracking in Winter Normal for Asphalt Driveways?

Yes, small cracks are common in older asphalt driveways, especially in Minnesota. Untreated cracks often grow larger and lead to potholes.

Why Do Older Asphalt Driveways Crack Faster?

As asphalt ages, it becomes less flexible and more porous. This allows water to penetrate more easily, increasing freeze–thaw damage.

How Minnesota’s Climate Accelerates Driveway Aging

Frequent Freeze-Thaw Transitions

Because Minnesota often hovers around the freezing point, water cycles in and out of its solid state more frequently than in milder climates. 

Subgrade Weakening

Underneath your asphalt, the soil (or “subgrade”) can become saturated when ice melts. As that soil thaws, it weakens, reducing its capacity to support the driveway — which can lead to settlement or deformation. 

Binder Damage

At the microscopic level, freeze-thaw cycling reduces the asphalt binder's stiffness and weakens its bond to aggregate particles. Over time, this leads to a loss of cohesion within the pavement itself. 

Common Warning Signs of an Aging Driveway

If you have an older asphalt driveway, keep an eye out for:

  • Hairline Cracks: One of the earliest signs that water is getting in. 

  • Crumbling or Loose Edges: As cracks deepen and widen, the edges of your driveway may 

  • Surface Depressions or Soft Spots: These can indicate weakening beneath the surface due to recurring freeze-thaw cycles. 

  • Potholes & Spalling: With enough cycles, those weak spots collapse, forming potholes or areas where chunks of asphalt break away. 

  • Frost Heaving: In some cases, ice lenses can form under the surface, pushing parts of the pavement upward, then settling unevenly when they melt. 

What Homeowners Can Do to Protect Asphalt Driveways

While freeze-thaw cycles are part of living in Minnesota, there are smart steps you can take to reduce damage and extend the life of your driveway.

Inspect & Repair Early

Check for even minor cracks before the deep freeze arrives. Early repair, especially with infrared technology, helps maintain structural integrity.

Ensure Proper Drainage

Water is the root of the problem. If your driveway doesn’t slope properly, or if water pools in low spots, it’s more likely to infiltrate. Improving drainage can dramatically reduce freeze-thaw stress. 

Mind Your Maintenance Calendar

Regular inspections after major seasonal shifts (especially in spring) can help you catch new damage early, before it gets worse. J&W Asphalt has decades of experience helping Twin Cities homeowners do exactly this! 

Partner With a Local Expert

Working with a team familiar with Minnesota’s climate (like J&W Asphalt!) gives you peace of mind. We know how to assess damage, recommend repairs, and restore your driveway so it resists further freeze-thaw deterioration.

Can Freeze–Thaw Damage Be Repaired, or Does the Driveway Need to Be Replaced?

Many freeze–thaw issues can be repaired if caught early! 

Infrared asphalt repair can restore strength and prevent further cracking without full replacement.

When’s the Best Time to Fix Freeze–Thaw Damage?

Spring is ideal, once temperatures stabilize. Early repairs prevent water from re-entering cracks during future winters.

How Can I Reduce Freeze–Thaw Damage Next Winter?

Seal cracks early, improve drainage, remove slush promptly, and schedule regular inspections with a Minnesota-based asphalt professional.

Why Choosing J&W Asphalt Matters for Minnesota Homeowners

At J&W Asphalt, we’ve been serving the Twin Cities area for decades. We understand how Minnesota winters uniquely affect asphalt, and we specialize in treatments that strengthen your driveway against the stress of freezing and thawing.

Our professionals use infrared repair, blending old and new asphalt to restore your surface seamlessly, without lines or weak patches. We focus on structural repairs (not just surface fixes), addressing the deeper issues caused by freeze-thaw cycles.

As a family-owned company, we’re invested in long-term quality: your driveway is a critical part of your home’s curb appeal, safety, and value.

Bringing It All Together: Protect Your Investment

If your Twin Cities driveway shows early signs of wear (cracks, small crumbles, or soft spots), don’t wait for spring potholes. Minnesota’s freeze-thaw cycles are powerful, but with the right attention, you can protect your investment and avoid more costly repairs later.

When you're ready to take action or want a professional assessment, the highly rated team at J&W Asphalt in Burnsville is here to help. We’ll diagnose the problem, recommend long-term solutions, and keep your driveway safe and strong — season after season.

Request a quote today to get started!