Asphalt has been used for centuries in everything from road construction to waterproofing. And because it has such a long history, you’d think we’d know everything about it. Unfortunately, many misconceptions exist, and it’s costing property owners more than they think.
Here are the most common asphalt myths worth calling out.
Myth #1: Sealing Your Asphalt Every Year Is Good for It
It sounds logical, yes. But more protection, more often, for better results?
Over-sealing is one of the most common beginner mistakes property owners make. Sealcots need time to bond and should get the time to wear naturally. Applying it annually can cause buildup, which can cause cracking and peeling more quickly. Many pavement pros recommend sealing every three years, depending on traffic and weather exposure.
Winters in Calgary are harsh and brutal on pavements. But the solution isn’t to throw the nearest sealant you can grab whenever you feel like it. It’s all about timing the application right.
Myth #2: Cracks Are Just Cosmetic
A small crack in your driveway or parking lot feels like a minor eyesore. It’s easy to ignore. But water gets in, and in Alberta, that water is prone to freezing and expanding. The crack gets bigger, then the base beneath starts shifting. What started as a minor crack fill job could turn into a costly rehabilitation.
Crack sealing early is one of the most cost-effective things you can do for asphalt maintenance.
Myth #3: New Asphalt Doesn’t Need Maintenance
A lot of property owners install a fresh driveway or lot and assume it will stay in good shape for decades with zero attention. In reality, pavement doesn’t work that way.
New asphalt should be:
- Left to cure properly before heavy vehicle use
- Sealed for the first time within 12 months of installation
- Inspected annually for early signs of cracking or edge damage
Skipping early maintenance significantly shortens the lifespan of your pavement, wasting the investment you made upfront.
Myth #4: All Asphalt Is the Same
Asphalt performance depends heavily on how it’s installed. The mix design, base preparation, and even the compaction process can all affect durability. Asphalt laid on a poorly graded base will fail regardless of quality, while hot mix applied at the wrong temperature can reduce structural integrity.
That’s why going with the right asphalt paving contractor is so important. If a contractor cuts corners on base work or places an inadequate depth for your project, you’ll be repaving in five years instead of twenty. Southern Alberta has specific conditions, freeze-thaw cycles, heavy traffic loads, and UV exposure. The paving approach should match.
Myth #5: You Can DIY Patch Asphalt Just Fine
Cold patch from a hardware store exists (and it has its place, sure), but it’s not a permanent fix.
Cold patch is a temporary solution as it doesn’t bond the way hot-mix asphalt does. It’s fine for filling a pothole to get through winter, but it’s not a substitute for professional repairs when the underlying issue is structural.
If you keep patching the same area repeatedly and the problem keeps coming back, the base is the problem, and no amount of cold patch fixes that.
Myth #6: Asphalt and Concrete Are Interchangeable
People sometimes shop between the two as interchangeable options for the same purpose.
Asphalt and concrete behave completely differently under load and temperature changes. In Calgary’s climate, asphalt is generally more flexible and forgiving during freeze-thaw cycles. Concrete can heave and crack in ways that are significantly more expensive to address.
For driveways and commercial lots in Alberta specifically, asphalt tends to be the more practical long-term choice both in upfront cost and in repairability.
Asphalt Myths, Busted
Most of these myths share the same root: people either over-maintain, under-maintain, or assume every contractor or product will get them the same result. Asphalt is more nuanced than its reputation suggests.
Becoming informed before making decisions saves real money. Working with a team that actually knows Alberta conditions saves even more. Reach out today and get a proper assessment before small issues turn into major repairs.