If you are a homeowner or business owner in Holland, Michigan, you know that our winters are not for the weak. The heavy snow and ice mixed with the intense freeze-thaw cycles are Old Man Winter’s favorite way to prove your asphalt isn’t aging well. If the winter weather conditions have left your pavement looking more cracked than your lips after a ski trip, here’s everything you need to know about the best time for asphalt repair in the West Michigan area.

Why Earlier is Better for Scheduling Asphalt Pavement Repairs

If your driveway or parking lot already had signs of wear and tear before winter hit, the road salt and extreme temperatures worked as damage accelerators. It’s a lot like putting lighter fluid on a fire. Things get real big, real fast.

When water freezes inside a crack, it expands. The bigger it gets, the more it shows. Unfortunately for you, big cracks can be just as dangerous as they are ugly. All it takes is one crack and a slightly wobbly customer for a good ol’ liability case to slip into your day.

So, if your driveway or parking lot is looking as crumbly as your kid’s “garden” they never watered, it’s time to get those asphalt repairs scheduled. The longer you wait, the more damage control you’ll have to do. 

Not only that, once summer hits, asphalt repair slots fill up fast. Smart business owners and homeowners call in March and April  so they can beat the rush and avoid the waitlist. 

Can you repair an asphalt driveway during the winter months?

Most of the time, no. Cold patch emergency repairs can be done in winter or early spring, but they are just temporary fixes.

Long-lasting, hot mix asphalt is kinda finicky. It needs the right temperature and conditions to work well. Cold weather makes asphalt cool too quickly, which means it won’t stick well or dry nicely.

To do asphalt repairs that look great and last longer, we have to wait until:

• Outdoor temperatures are consistently above about 50°F.
• The ground is dry.
• There’s no rain forecasted during the application or curing period.

In West Michigan, that usually means you’ll have to leave your cracks exposed until late spring. But, there are a few things you can do in the meantime to salvage your curb appeal.

A Seasonal Guide to Asphalt Repair in Holland, MI

The best time for asphalt repair in West Michigan is late spring through early fall. But, that doesn’t mean you just leave your bare asphalt cracks out there for the world to see until then. There are actions you can take to keep those cracks under control and prevent more from forming.

Early Spring: Inspect & Prevent Further Damage (March–April)

As the snow melts, it’s time to:

• Check the damage. Here’s a handy checklist you can use to see how much pavement damage Old Man Winter did and how urgently it needs to be fixed.
• Call Stripe A Lot at (616) 772-2559 for a free estimate. If you already know you’re going to need asphalt surface repairs, now is the best time to give us a call. We’ll come out, look for ourselves, give you a free estimate, and get you on our schedule.

Waiting until it is warm enough to start paving projects puts you behind all the other people who were proactive during the colder months. If you want to get your cracks covered as soon as surface temperatures are warm enough, get on our schedule now. 

We may also be able to give you some tips to prevent additional asphalt pavement damage during that random March snowstorm you know we are bound to get.

Late Spring to Early Fall: Best Time of Year for Asphalt Repair and Paving (May–August)

In our opinion, this is the best season of the year. It is the best time for asphalt repair in Holland, MI and surrounding communities. If you want your asphalt surface to look as good as new, this is the time to:

Do asphalt repairs: If pavement markings and potholes are making your driveway look more like the surface of the moon than a welcoming entrance, this is the time for all your paving projects. Filling cracks and potholes will prevent water from seeping in and causing additional damage.

Lay asphalt: If you have an area that needs to be repaved or want to lay a new layer of asphalt, summer is the perfect time to get it done.

Seal asphalt: Sealant is kind of like sunscreen for your pavement, it helps prevent “wrinkles” and gives your asphalt a sleek, black glow your neighbors will envy.

Late Fall: Last Chance Before Winter (September–October)

Once pumpkins start lining driveways, consider it your last call for asphalt paving. If the weather cooperates, we can still squeeze in a few repair projects, but we try not to make promises we can’t keep. When temperatures drop and the random October flurries start, your project will have to wait until spring.

That is why planning ahead for asphalt repairs is so important. If your parking lot is already cracking up and it has to go through another winter all bare and exposed, we are going to end up doing more than just repairing cracks. You’ll save money by getting the repairs done before your asphalt surface looks like a porcelain teacup that had a run in with a toddler.

Winter: Be Kind to Your Cracks (November–February)

Even though winter is the wrong time for asphalt repairs, you can still make winter a little less brutal for your pavement.

• Keep your pavement clear of standing water.
• Clean off snow quickly, before it starts to melt.
• Use asphalt-safe de-icing products to minimize chemical damage.
• Avoid heavy plowing directly on the pavement when possible.

A little preventative care during winter can go a long way in keeping your cracks from becoming craters.

Essential Asphalt Driveway and Parking Lot Care Tips for Holland Property Owners

✔ Start with an early spring inspection. Look for cracks, potholes, and any areas needing attention.
✔ Schedule major repairs early. Late spring to early fall is the best time of year for asphalt pavement and repairs in West Michigan. But it is never too early to get on our schedule. Demand for paving and repair services skyrocket in the summer and schedules fill quickly.
✔ Plan preventative maintenance. Set reminders in your calendar for regular crack sealing and sealcoating every 2–3 years to help your pavement look great and last longer.

Put Crack Sealing on the Calendar

While early spring is perfect for inspections and prevention, late spring through early fall is best for durable, long-lasting asphalt repair and paving. Get on our schedule now so you can be the first in line to cover your cracks. Call Stripe A Lot today at (616) 772-2559 to take advantage of the best time of year for asphalt repair. 

How to Choose the Right Sealcoating Contractor

Unlike some crews, we’re not going to roll up unannounced, in unmarked trucks, splash on something out a random bucket, and dash away. Nope, we’ll coordinate schedules in advance and on the big day, our crew will do a great job, use the right materials, and pay attention to the details. You only sealcoat your surfaces every 3–4 years, so we take the time to do it right. That’s how you get asphalt that looks great and lasts longer.

We don’t want you to get scammed, so we wrote a flyer full of warning signs and questions to ask before you hire anyone. You can download it for free.

Tempted to DIY sealcoat your own driveway? You can, but sealcoating your asphalt is not as easy as it looks, and the disappointment level with DIY attempts is HIGH! You end up with cracks that don’t stay sealed. Persistent drainage problems. Streaky color. Toxic trash. A ruined pair of shoes. And heaven help you if you track it in the house! 😬

Give us a call at 616-772-2559 or visit our website to schedule your free estimate. We’re ready to make your asphalt look great and last longer.