What Are Freeze–Thaw Cycles?
Freeze–thaw cycles describe what happens when temperatures repeatedly move above and below freezing, causing water to freeze, thaw, and freeze again inside the ground and construction materials. This cycle is one of the most damaging natural forces affecting asphalt, concrete, and masonry in colder climates.
It’s not just the cold that causes problems. It’s the constant change.
How a Freeze–Thaw Cycle Works
Water enters
Water seeps into small cracks, joints, and pores in pavement or the ground below. No surface is completely waterproof, especially over time.Freezing occurs
When temperatures drop below freezing, the water turns to ice. Ice expands, taking up more space than liquid water.Pressure builds
That expansion creates internal pressure, pushing against the surrounding material.Thawing follows
When temperatures rise, the ice melts and leaves behind slightly larger voids or weakened areas.The cycle repeats
With each freeze–thaw cycle, damage accumulates. What starts as a hairline crack can grow into a visible failure.
Why Freeze–Thaw Cycles Are So Damaging
The repeated expansion and contraction:
Widen cracks
Loosen aggregates
Weaken subbase materials
Allow even more water to enter
This creates a feedback loop. More water leads to more freezing, which leads to more damage.
It’s especially problematic when combined with traffic loads, which stress already weakened areas.
How Freeze–Thaw Affects Different Materials
Asphalt
Asphalt’s flexibility helps it absorb some movement, but once cracks form, water intrusion accelerates deterioration. Over time, this can lead to alligator cracking, potholes, and surface breakdown.
Concrete
Concrete is rigid and porous. If water freezes inside the concrete or beneath it, internal pressure can cause cracking, scaling, or surface spalling, especially if the concrete was not properly air-entrained or cured.
Masonry
Brick, block, and stone can absorb water. Freeze–thaw pressure can crack units, deteriorate mortar joints, and cause long-term structural or cosmetic damage if moisture isn’t properly managed.
Why Drainage Matters So Much
Freeze–thaw damage is less about temperature alone and more about water presence.
Good drainage reduces:
Standing water
Saturated subbase conditions
Repeated moisture intrusion
That’s why proper slope, base preparation, and water management are just as important as the surface material itself.
Can Freeze–Thaw Damage Be Prevented?
It can’t be eliminated entirely in cold climates, but it can be managed.
Common mitigation strategies include:
Proper subbase compaction
Adequate slope and drainage
Crack sealing and joint maintenance
Material selection appropriate for the climate
There are multiple accepted approaches, and no single solution works for every site.
The Big Picture
Freeze–thaw cycles are a natural process that slowly breaks down hard surfaces in cold climates. The damage happens incrementally, not overnight. Materials that are designed, installed, and maintained with freeze–thaw conditions in mind perform far better over time.
Understanding this process explains why climate, drainage, and maintenance matter as much as the surface you see.
If you have questions about freeze–thaw damage or how to protect your asphalt, concrete, or masonry surfaces, feel free to reach out to us at Atlantic Mason. We’re always happy to walk through the options.
Atlantic Mason works with homeowners, property owners, and managers across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut on asphalt, concrete, and masonry projects. Our work includes parking lots, driveways, sidewalks, curbs, and related site improvements, with an emphasis on durability, transparency, and long-term performance.
