A Practical, Local Guide for Strata Councils Across Metro Vancouver
Have You Ever Wondered Why Winter Hits Strata Asphalt So Hard?
Let’s be honest, winter in Metro Vancouver isn’t like winter in the Prairies. We’re not buried under two feet of snow for months.
Instead, we get the worst combo: rain… freeze… thaw… repeat.
And if you’re on a strata council, you already know that those freeze–thaw cycles do more damage to asphalt than any snowstorm ever could. Have you ever thought about what’s happening beneath the surface during those cold nights and warm afternoons?
It’s simple: Water gets into cracks → freezes → expands → breaks your asphalt apart.
And guess what? Winter issues become expensive spring repairs, unless your strata prepares now.
So let’s cut to the chase.
Here’s exactly how your strata can protect its asphalt this winter and save thousands come springtime.
1. Start With a Winter Asphalt Inspection
Have you ever walked through your complex after a rainstorm and noticed water pooling in certain spots? Or maybe you’ve watched residents try to navigate uneven surfaces or deepened cracks?
Here’s what matters: If you can see a problem in winter, it’s already costing you money.
This winter, walk your strata and look for:
- Cracks that widened after the first cold snap
- Potholes forming in high-traffic areas
- Soft, spongy asphalt spots (major red flag!)
- Standing water that doesn’t drain
- Wear near garbage areas or delivery routes
- Damage around parkade ramps and entrance points
If you find even one of these, your asphalt needs attention before spring.
As a strata council member in Vancouver, what would you do right now if you knew a small repair could prevent a $20,000 resurfacing project later?
2. Crack Sealing Before Spring Saves Your Budget
Here’s a no-nonsense fact: Crack sealing is the cheapest asphalt repair, and the one that prevents the most damage.
Every crack is an entry point for water. Every freeze–thaw cycle expands that crack. Every expansion creates a future pothole.
This is what you should do: Book crack sealing early in spring. Not later. Not mid-summer. Early.
Why early?
Because spring moisture hasn’t fully penetrated your asphalt yet. Because prices are lower. Because your surface hasn’t expanded in heat. Because your strata still has budget flexibility.
And honestly? Because your residents will notice and appreciate that you’re proactive.
Think about it. How do you feel about saving thousands simply by timing your repairs better?
3. Patching Damaged Areas Before They Spread
Let’s cut to the chase again: Potholes don’t fix themselves. And a pothole in winter is like a cavity. it only gets worse.
Burnaby Blacktop sees the same issues every winter in places like:
- Brentwood & Metrotown (Burnaby)
- North Road & Lougheed (Coquitlam)
- Fleetwood (Surrey)
- Uptown & Sapperton (New Westminster)
- Terra Nova & Broadmoor (Richmond)
These areas have dense townhouse complexes and mid-rise buildings where traffic never really slows down. That means potholes expand quickly.
So, here is what you should do: If you notice any potholes, soft spots, or crumbling edges this winter, plan patch repairs immediately in spring — not next year, not “when the budget allows.”
A $600 patch now can prevent a $6,000 resurfacing later.
4. Check Your Drainage. Winter Will Expose Every Weak Spot
Have you ever seen a puddle on your strata property that never seems to go away?
Here’s the truth: Poor drainage is the #1 cause of asphalt failure in Metro Vancouver.
Why? Because water sitting on asphalt has nowhere to go, so it goes down into the base layer. Once that base weakens? The whole system fails.
In winter, drainage issues show themselves clearly:
- Long puddles that freeze into dangerous ice sheets
- Water flowing toward parkade entrances
- Sloped areas collecting runoff
- Catch basins that aren’t capturing water
This is what you should do:
- Use winter as your diagnostic season.
- Take photos of every problem area.
- Send them to us.
- We can assess whether it’s a minor fix or a deeper issue.
Winter exposes problems. Spring is when you fix them.
5. Make a Strata Asphalt Maintenance Plan Before Spring Rush Hits
Have you ever tried booking asphalt repairs in May or June? If so, you probably heard: “Sorry, we’re booking six weeks out.”
That’s because spring is when everyone panics and realizes how damaged their asphalt is.
This is your advantage:
Strata councils who plan in winter get:
- Better pricing
- Priority scheduling
- Faster turnaround
- More detailed maintenance planning
- Less disruption to residents
Burnaby Blacktop Ltd. can create a Strata Asphalt Maintenance Plan that includes:
- Crack sealing
- Patching
- Resurfacing (if needed)
- Repainting lines and stall markings
- Parkade entrance upgrades
- Winter damage prevention for next year
Doesn’t it feel better knowing you can get ahead of these problems instead of reacting to them?
6. Book Your Spring Work Now, And Save Money Later
Here’s the simplest advice you’ll ever get: Inspect in winter. Repair in spring. Save.
Strata properties that do this avoid:
- Emergency repairs
- Liability from icy damaged surfaces
- Complaints from residents
- Massive asphalt failures
- Early repaving costs
You have two choices:
Wait until spring forces your hand…
or stay in control by planning now.
What’s your next step?
Ready to Protect Your Strata’s Asphalt?
Burnaby Blacktop has been helping strata councils across Metro Vancouver for years, from Burnaby to Coquitlam, Richmond to Surrey, and everywhere in between.
Let’s walk your site, identify the risks, and build a plan that works for your residents and your budget.