Asphalt is hard and brittle, and as a result, cracks will develop over time. Ranging from hairline to an inch wide or more, cracks are your parking lot’s worst enemy because they let water in.In colder climates, freeze-thaw cycles can be very destructive, and can wreak havoc on your asphalt if water penetrates the cracks, then expands as it turns to ice. And even in warmer climates, water penetration can cause serious damage. The larger the crack, the more serious the problem, and the sooner it needs to be fixed. Cracks that are left un-repaired will lead to serious deterioration of the pavement and even to the base layers, requiring complete replacement of the asphalt – sooner rather than later in colder climates.