Water is one of the most damaging elements to your asphalt surface. When frozen, water expands in size and becomes one of the strongest forces in nature. This problem is extreamly prevalent in the the Vancouver/Portland area, due to our climate. The problem with water collecting in the pores and cracks of asphalt is that the surface freeze first, forcing the ice to move downward. This, in turn, will cause deep cracking of the asphalt down to the gravel base, which will soften and damage the integrity of the base, leading to further deterioration of the asphalt, the effect of the freeze and thaw cycle will destroy the asphalt in a short period of time.