The Pavement Problem You Don’t See Until Spring
Every Utah business owner knows that winter is tough on parking lots — but most don’t realize just how destructive it really is.
While snowplows and salt get blamed for surface wear, the real culprit behind crumbling pavement is the freeze-thaw cycle. This natural process silently breaks down asphalt from the inside out, turning small cracks into costly potholes by spring.
The good news? With proper commercial snow maintenance in Utah, property managers can prevent most of this damage before it starts.
At Millburn Lawn & Landscape, we specialize in helping Salt Lake City businesses protect their investments year-round — and that starts with understanding what’s happening beneath the surface.
What Is the Freeze-Thaw Cycle?
The freeze-thaw cycle is a repeating weather pattern that happens throughout Utah’s winter season.
- Daytime temperatures rise, melting snow and ice.
- Water seeps into tiny cracks in asphalt and concrete.
- Nighttime temperatures drop, freezing that water.
- As the water freezes, it expands by nearly 9%, widening cracks and stressing the pavement.
Each time this process repeats, more water penetrates deeper — eventually breaking apart the pavement from within.
Salt Lake City’s climate, with frequent temperature swings between 20°F and 40°F, creates the perfect environment for continuous freeze-thaw damage all winter long.
The Hidden Cost of Asphalt Damage
Once cracks widen, they don’t just affect appearance — they threaten your entire pavement structure.
Common signs of freeze-thaw damage include:
- Spiderweb cracks across parking areas.
- Depressions where water collects.
- Loose gravel and surface flaking.
- Growing potholes by late February or early March.
Beyond the visual impact, these issues create serious safety and financial risks:
- Vehicle damage from uneven pavement.
- Slip hazards for pedestrians.
- Drainage problems leading to flooding or ice buildup.
- High repair costs, especially if the base layer becomes compromised.
Preventing these problems through professional pavement protection and winter maintenance in Utah is far more cost-effective than repairing them later.
How Snow and Ice Management Protects Your Pavement
The best defense against freeze-thaw damage is proactive commercial snow maintenance that controls both snow and moisture.
1. Timely Snow Removal
Allowing snow to sit on asphalt traps moisture and increases refreezing risk. Professional plowing removes snow before melting temperatures occur, reducing how much water enters cracks.
2. Strategic De-Icing
Using the right de-icing materials — like liquid brine instead of raw salt — prevents ice bonding while minimizing chemical damage. Millburn’s calibrated application systems ensure even coverage without overuse.
3. Surface Inspections and Crack Sealing
Before winter, Millburn inspects parking lots for preexisting cracks and recommends sealing small gaps to prevent water infiltration. A few hours of prep work can save thousands in spring repairs.
4. Drainage Management
Blocked drains and uneven grading accelerate damage. Professional crews keep runoff flowing away from paved surfaces, preventing freeze pockets.
5. Temperature-Based Scheduling
Modern snow management relies on pavement sensors and real-time weather data. Crews know exactly when to plow or treat surfaces based on temperature fluctuations — maximizing efficiency and protection.
Why DIY Snow Care Makes Pavement Damage Worse
Many business owners try handling snow removal in-house to save money, but untrained crews often make small problems worse.
Common DIY mistakes include:
- Using dull plow blades that scrape or gouge asphalt.
- Over-salting, which breaks down surface binders.
- Failing to remove slush before nighttime refreeze.
Professional equipment and trained operators reduce surface stress and ensure materials are applied precisely — keeping your pavement intact season after season.
Long-Term ROI: Maintenance vs. Repair
Here’s the real math:
| Service Type | Cost Range | Frequency |
| Crack Sealing & Preventative Snow Care | $0.20–$0.50 per sq. ft. | Once per season |
| Pothole Repair | $3–$5 per sq. ft. | Multiple spots per year |
| Full Asphalt Replacement | $7–$10 per sq. ft. | Every 10–15 years if neglected |
Preventive care is a fraction of the cost of reactive repairs — and professional snow maintenance dramatically extends pavement lifespan.
Protect your pavement before winter takes its toll.
Millburn Lawn & Landscape provides proactive commercial snow maintenance and pavement protection across Utah. From precision plowing to moisture control and de-icing, our team helps Salt Lake City businesses stop freeze-thaw damage before it starts.
Call (801) 810-5452 or visit Millburn Landscape to schedule your winter maintenance assessment today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often does the freeze-thaw cycle occur in Utah?
A: It happens dozens of times each winter due to Utah’s frequent temperature swings between day and night.
Q: Can salt cause pavement damage?
A: Overuse of rock salt can erode asphalt binders. Millburn uses controlled brine applications to prevent ice without surface degradation.
Q: Is it too late to prevent winter damage mid-season?
A: No. Even during active snowfall, proper de-icing and moisture management can reduce ongoing deterioration.
Q: How long does asphalt last with proper care?
A: Well-maintained commercial pavement in Utah can last 20–25 years with seasonal maintenance.
Q: Does sealing cracks really make a difference?
A: Yes. Sealing prevents water intrusion — the root cause of nearly all freeze-thaw damage.
