Winter in Minnesota has a way of reminding you who’s in charge.
You wake up to fresh snow. Your plow service has already been through. Your driveway looks clear.
But underneath? The season might be doing more damage than you think.
Winter damages asphalt driveways primarily through freeze–thaw cycles, snowplow scraping, and moisture caused by salt and melting snow. In Minnesota, repeated temperature swings allow water to penetrate asphalt, freeze, expand, and slowly weaken the surface—often leading to cracks, crumbling edges, and costly spring repairs.
Yet it doesn’t have to be this way. When you understand what winter really does to asphalt, you can protect your driveway, extend its life, and avoid major repairs later.
Let our experts walk you through what winter throws at your driveway — and what smart homeowners can do to stay ahead of it.
1. Snow Plows: Small Mistakes, Big Damage
Snow plows are fast, efficient, and necessary. But they can be rough on asphalt.
What can happen:
Often, the damage is subtle. You don’t notice until spring.
What could be: A driveway that survives winter without new scars.
How Homeowners Get There
-
Ask your plow driver to lift the blade slightly on uneven or older driveways.
-
Use driveway markers so the operator can see the edges.
-
Avoid pushing heavy snow piles onto weak spots.
Simple winter driveway prep. Big difference!
2. Road Salt: The Quiet Driveway Disrupter
Salt keeps you safe. But it also contributes to the freeze–thaw cycles that damage your asphalt.
What can happen:
-
Moisture seeps into tiny pores.
-
The water freezes. Expands.
-
Then melts and refreezes.
-
Over time, the asphalt weakens.
-
Small cracks become bigger problems.
Salt doesn’t destroy asphalt directly, but by melting snow, it accelerates the weathering that does.
What could be: A driveway that handles winter without crumbling or new cracks.
How to Help
-
Use just enough salt to improve traction.
-
Spread salt evenly, not in piles.
-
Switch to sand when temps drop below salt’s effective range.
-
Know that less salt = less moisture = fewer freeze–thaw cycles.
Your driveway will thank you in April!
3. Sand: Helpful, But Not Harmless
Sand is great for traction. It doesn’t melt ice, but it helps prevent slips.
But sand builds up. Especially near garage doors, low spots, and the street.
What can happen:
-
Abrasion of the top surface
-
Grinding effect under tires
-
More wear in high-traffic areas
-
Early spring drainage issues if sand blocks the runoff
What could be: A driveway that benefits from sand without wearing faster.
How to Manage It
-
Use sand sparingly.
-
Sweep away buildup during warm spells.
-
Keep drainage areas clear.
-
A little sand goes a long way.
4. Freeze–Thaw: The Real Winter Villain
Behind every crack, there’s a story. And in Minnesota, that story almost always starts with temperature swings. Your driveway expands and contracts all winter long. Snow plows. Salt. Sand. Sun. Shade. All of it intensifies this process.
What can happen:
What could be: A driveway that holds its strength year-round.
How to Help
-
Keep the driveway as clean as possible before major snowfalls.
-
Remove slush quickly. Slush = water = freeze–thaw.
-
Watch for small cracks in spring. Address them early.
-
Ensure gutters and downspouts don’t dump water onto the driveway.
You’re not fighting winter. You’re simply reducing its opportunities.
5. Winter Damage: When You Should Call for Help
Homeowners sometimes wait too long. Winter hides damage. Spring reveals it.
What you might find:
-
New cracks
-
Areas that feel soft or “spongy”
-
Uneven or lifted sections
-
Depressions that hold water
-
Crumbling edges
What could be:
When repairs happen in time, asphalt lasts longer. Much longer!
FAQ: Winter Asphalt Driveway Damage
Does winter damage asphalt driveways?
Yes. Winter damages asphalt driveways primarily through freeze–thaw cycles, moisture intrusion, snow plow scraping, and de-icing materials that increase water exposure.
Can snow plows ruin an asphalt driveway?
Snow plows can damage asphalt if blades scrape too low, catch edges, or push heavy snow piles onto weak areas. Proper blade height and driveway markers reduce the risk.
Is road salt bad for asphalt driveways?
Salt does not directly break down asphalt, but it accelerates melting and refreezing. This increases freeze–thaw cycles, which can worsen cracks and surface deterioration over time.
Is sand safer than salt for asphalt?
Sand provides traction without melting ice, but excessive sand can abrade the surface and clog drainage areas. It should be used sparingly and swept up when possible.
What are the signs of winter damage to asphalt driveways?
Common signs include new cracks, crumbling edges, soft spots, uneven areas, and water pooling in depressions after snow melts.
When should I repair winter driveway damage?
Spring is the best time to address winter damage. Repairing cracks and surface issues early prevents water infiltration and extends the life of your driveway.
Can winter damage be prevented?
While winter damage can’t be eliminated, it can be reduced with proper snow removal, limited salt use, good drainage, and timely maintenance.
Trust J&W Asphalt for Minnesota Driveways
Minnesota winters are tough. But a driveway doesn’t have to fail just because the weather is harsh.
Make the shift from what winter does to you to what you can do for your home:
-
You can understand what’s happening.
-
You can take simple steps.
-
You can keep your driveway strong for years!
Contact J&W Asphalt for all your Minnesota driveway needs. We're a second-generation, family-owned business in Burnsville with the crew and the equipment to get the job done on your schedule and budget.