What Causes Asphalt to Crack? The Real Reasons—and How to Stop It

Cracks in asphalt never start out big. They begin as tiny splits—barely visible at first. But given time, water, and temperature shifts, those small imperfections quickly grow into deep fractures, potholes, and expensive repair jobs. If you’ve ever looked at your driveway or parking lot and wondered how it got that way, you’re not alone.

Asphalt cracking is one of the most common—and most preventable—issues in pavement maintenance. And if it’s not addressed early, it only gets worse.

At Ellsworth Pavement Maintenance, we’ve seen it all. From hairline surface cracks to full-blown alligator cracking, we’ve spent years helping property owners in Oklahoma and Northwest Arkansas fix and prevent these problems before they spiral out of control. We don’t just patch what’s visible—we get to the root of the issue and implement solutions that last.

Let’s break down the real causes of asphalt cracking, how to recognize them, and what you can do to stop them in their tracks.

The Life of Asphalt: What You're Really Dealing With

Asphalt is flexible, durable, and cost-effective—which is why it’s used on more than 90% of roads and driveways in the U.S. But even though it’s built to handle heavy traffic and tough weather, it’s not invincible.

At its core, asphalt is a mixture of aggregates (like gravel or crushed stone) bound together by bitumen, a sticky black substance derived from petroleum. When freshly laid, this mixture is pliable and smooth. But over time, sunlight, moisture, and movement cause the binder to oxidize and break down. The result? Cracks.

It’s not just wear and tear that causes this—there are specific conditions and mistakes that speed up cracking dramatically. And most of them can be prevented with the right strategy.

1. Water: Asphalt’s Silent Killer

Water is the single most destructive force to asphalt. It seeps into tiny openings on the surface, then erodes the foundation from underneath. In cold months, it freezes and expands. In warm months, it softens the base. Either way, the result is the same: cracks, crumbling, and collapse.

You don’t need standing water for damage to occur. Just one rainy season without sealcoating or proper drainage is enough to start a cycle that will ruin your pavement.

At Ellsworth Pavement Maintenance, we often say this: If water gets in, the pavement gives out.

This is why crack filling, edge sealing, and proper slope are so important. Even the most durable asphalt won’t survive if water is allowed to linger. We design maintenance plans specifically to address this—because waiting until spring to deal with the damage is always more expensive than preventing it in fall.

2. Sunlight and Oxidation

UV rays don’t just tan your skin—they dry out and oxidize asphalt binders. When exposed to direct sunlight for long periods, asphalt loses its flexibility and becomes brittle. That’s when cracks begin to form.

You’ve seen it before: that faded gray pavement that used to be deep black. That’s oxidation in action. Once that process starts, cracks form more easily from vehicle weight, temperature changes, and moisture penetration.

Sealcoating is the best line of defense here. It acts like sunscreen for your pavement—preserving flexibility and slowing down oxidation significantly. We recommend a reapplication every 2–3 years for both commercial and residential surfaces, depending on sun exposure.

At Ellsworth, we use only polymer-enhanced, fast-cure sealers that offer extended UV protection and restore the deep black finish of freshly paved asphalt. It’s about performance and presentation, all in one.

3. Temperature Fluctuations and Freeze-Thaw Cycles

Oklahoma and NW Arkansas are no strangers to wild temperature swings—especially between seasons. When the temperature rises during the day and drops sharply at night, asphalt expands and contracts. Over time, this repeated movement weakens the pavement and causes cracks.

Worse, if water has already made its way beneath the surface, freeze-thaw cycles turn small cracks into potholes overnight.

This is why winter preparation matters. Many property owners wait until spring to address their pavement issues. By then, it’s too late. The real damage happens when water freezes and expands inside small fractures—blowing them wide open from the inside.

Crack sealing before winter is essential. At Ellsworth, we use premium hot-pour crack sealant that stays flexible year-round, sealing out water and surviving temperature changes without breaking down.

If your pavement has even minor cracking, don’t wait. Schedule a professional inspection and seal those cracks before the next hard freeze. You’ll save thousands in the long run.

4. Poor Drainage and Standing Water

Cracks don’t always start on the surface. Sometimes, the problem is underneath.

If your parking lot or driveway has areas where water pools after a storm—or if the surrounding grading funnels runoff back toward the pavement—you’re inviting erosion from below. Over time, the base materials that support the asphalt wash away, leaving the surface unsupported and prone to cracking or collapse.

This type of damage is common in properties that were poorly designed or have shifted over time due to soil movement. Fixing it means more than just patching the cracks—it means addressing the drainage issue itself.

Ellsworth Pavement Maintenance doesn’t just repair asphalt. We solve the problem underneath. Our team evaluates slope, run-off patterns, and sub-base integrity to ensure your investment is protected from every angle.

If your pavement is cracking in the same spots over and over, drainage may be the real issue—and we can help you fix it for good.

5. Heavy Loads and Traffic Stress

Asphalt is strong—but like anything else, it has limits. When vehicles that are too heavy or concentrated traffic areas put stress on the same spot repeatedly, that area begins to crack under pressure.

Loading docks, bus lanes, garbage truck routes, and drive-through lanes are all examples of high-stress zones that often show early cracking—even if the rest of the lot looks fine.

The solution here isn’t always repaving. Often, we can:

• Reinforce those areas with thicker asphalt overlays

• Add base support or concrete pads

• Seal cracks as soon as they appear to prevent deeper failure

Ellsworth works closely with commercial property managers to identify these high-wear areas and build a preventative maintenance plan around them. It’s all about keeping your pavement safe, durable, and functional—no matter how busy the lot gets.

6. Weak Subgrade or Improper Installation

The integrity of any asphalt surface depends entirely on what lies beneath it.

If your pavement was installed over soft, unstable, or poorly compacted soil, it will begin to fail sooner than expected. You might not see the signs for a few months or even a couple of years—but once cracking begins, it usually means the base has shifted or eroded.

This is why choosing the right contractor from the beginning is so critical. Anyone can throw down asphalt—but building a pavement system that lasts decades takes real expertise.

At Ellsworth Pavement Maintenance, we don’t just pave. We engineer. From soil compaction to subgrade stabilization and base layer design, our team builds every surface with longevity in mind.

If you’re dealing with recurring cracks or settling, it may be time for a full evaluation. We’ll help you understand what’s happening beneath the surface and create a plan that gives you peace of mind.

7. Lack of Maintenance

The harsh truth? Most asphalt cracks because it’s neglected.

Just like a roof or HVAC system, pavement needs upkeep. Ignoring small issues today leads to big, expensive problems tomorrow.

Here’s what regular maintenance should include:

• Crack sealing to prevent water infiltration

• Sealcoating to protect from sun and surface wear

• Patching of potholes or edge damage

• Drainage management and surface cleaning

• Annual inspections to catch issues early

At Ellsworth, we don’t wait for problems to get worse. We build customized preventative maintenance programs for both residential and commercial clients—so you stay protected year-round and never fall behind.

It’s proactive, it’s cost-effective, and it’s how smart property owners avoid surprise repair bills.

Signs Your Asphalt Is About to Crack (or Already Is)

Cracking isn’t always obvious. In fact, many early signs go unnoticed until they turn into visible damage. Here’s what to watch for:

• Fading or discoloration (indicates oxidation and UV damage)

• Small surface lines (even hairline cracks can let in water)

• Puddling or poor drainage after rain

• Brittle texture that feels rough to the touch

• Vegetation growth through joints or edges

• Repeated cracking in the same area

• Edge deterioration where asphalt meets soil or concrete

If you notice any of these issues, schedule a professional inspection. The sooner you act, the easier and cheaper it is to fix.

Why Ellsworth Pavement Maintenance is the Trusted Name in Crack Prevention

When it comes to asphalt cracking, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Every property is different. Climate, traffic patterns, age, and original construction all play a role in how your surface ages—and how it should be maintained.

What sets Ellsworth apart is our commitment to getting it right from the start.

We don’t slap a bandaid on a broken system. We inspect, diagnose, and customize the repair or prevention approach based on what your pavement actually needs.

Our services include:

• Crack sealing with hot-pour, flexible rubber sealants

• Full-depth repair for structural cracks

• Sealcoating for surface protection

• Drainage correction and slope improvements

• Base reinforcement and paving overlays

• Preventative maintenance programs with regular service reminders

  
  

We work with schools, shopping centers, churches, medical campuses, HOAs, and homeowners across Oklahoma and NW Arkansas who want peace of mind—not patch jobs.

If you’re dealing with cracking, don’t wait for it to spread. Let us take a look, give you honest feedback, and deliver the kind of long-term solution you can trust.