Spring Driveway Checklist for Ontario Homeowners

Why spring matters

Ontario winters do most of the damage. Freeze-thaw cycles, salt, and plow scrapes leave behind cracks, oxidation, and loose surface aggregate. Catching it early in spring prevents bigger repairs in fall.

The 10-minute walkthrough

### 1. Check colour

Asphalt should be deep black. If it's faded grey, the binders are dry — sealing is overdue.

### 2. Look for new cracks

Walk the perimeter. Mark anything wider than a credit card. These need hot rubber crack repair → before water gets in.

### 3. Test water beading

Pour a cup of water on the surface. If it soaks straight in, the seal is gone.

### 4. Check edges

Crumbling along the lawn edge or driveway lip means asphalt is breaking down. Edge repair + sealing usually solves it.

### 5. Inspect for sinking

Low spots that hold water = base issues. Patching may be needed before sealing.

### 6. Look at the apron

The driveway-to-road transition takes the most plow damage. Often the first place to fail.

### 7. Check stains

Oil and gas stains accelerate breakdown. Spot-clean with degreaser, then seal.

What to do next

• Minor wear only → schedule sealing
• Cracks present → crack repair + sealing
• Sinking or alligator cracks → on-site assessment

Request a spring assessment → — we cover Barrie, Innisfil, Orillia, Wasaga Beach and all of Simcoe County.