Winter in Edina isn’t just about eye-catching snowfall—it’s about cracked, icy parking lots that frustrate customers and tenants alike.
At 50th & France, shoppers dodge puddles and uneven pavement before they even step inside, turning what should be a smooth visit into a hassle.
For business owners and property managers, winter pavement damage means more than just an eyesore—it’s a costly problem. High maintenance expenses, liability risks, and customer complaints can pile up fast.
However what’s good to know is there’s a simple, cost-effective solution: crack sealing.
In the next sections, we’ll break down exactly how crack sealing helps you maintain a durable, safe parking lot—without draining your budget.
Key Takeaways
- Water seeps into unsealed cracks, freezes in winter, and expands, causing serious pavement damage over time.
- Crack sealing costs far less than resurfacing or full reconstruction, saving property owners thousands in long-term repairs.
- Smooth, sealed parking lots prevent trip hazards, reduce liability risks, and enhance a business’s professional image.
- Sealed pavement lasts up to 20 years, while unsealed lots typically fail within 8 to 12 years.
- Homeowners can also prevent costly driveway repairs by sealing cracks before winter hits.
4 Ways Concrete Crack Sealing Helps Your Edina Parking Lot Withstand 10+ Winters
Commercial crack sealing isn’t just routine maintenance—it’s a long-term investment that strengthens your pavement and saves you money.
Here’s how sealing your lot’s cracks now helps prevent major issues later.
1. Stops Water Damage and Freeze-Thaw Deterioration
Edina’s winter weather is brutal on the pavement.
The real culprit? Water infiltration.
Every time snow melts or rain falls, unsealed cracks absorb moisture. When temperatures drop, that trapped water freezes, expands, and forces cracks to grow wider and deeper.
Over time, this process breaks down the pavement, leading to potholes and structural failure.
You’ve likely seen this firsthand.
Look at some parks’ walking paths—what started as small cracks have widened into deep fissures, creating uneven surfaces and crumbling edges. The same thing happens to parking lots that go unsealed.
Crack sealing blocks moisture from penetrating the pavement, stopping freeze-thaw damage before it starts.
The difference is clear: sealed parking lots stay smooth and intact, while unsealed lots deteriorate within a few winters.
If you want to keep your parking lot in top shape and avoid costly repairs, sealing before winter is the smartest move you can make.
2. Saves You Thousands on Long-Term Repairs and Replacement
Parking lots, especially high-traffic ones like Southdale Center, take a beating from cars, delivery trucks, and extreme weather. When cracks aren’t sealed, the damage spreads, leading to expensive resurfacing or full reconstruction.
Here’s the cost breakdown:
- Crack sealing: $1–$3 per linear foot
- Resurfacing: $4–$10 per square foot
The difference is massive.
Crack sealing stops minor issues from escalating, eliminating the need for premature resurfacing and saving property owners tens of thousands of dollars over time.
One Edina business can put this strategy to the test.
By sealing cracks annually, they could cut their maintenance costs in half over five years—avoiding emergency repairs and keeping their lot in excellent condition.
A small investment in crack sealing today can prevent major expenses.
3. Keeps Your Parking Lot Smooth, Safe, and Professional
Cracked parking lots are both a hazard and an eyesore.
At Centennial Lakes Park, a parent can be seen pushing a stroller as the wheels catch on uneven pavement. For businesses, the hidden risks go beyond inconvenience:
- Cracks turn into potholes, increasing hazards for pedestrians and vehicles.
- Trip-and-fall liabilities rise, leaving businesses vulnerable to lawsuits.
- ADA compliance issues emerge, making access difficult for customers with mobility challenges.
Beyond safety, a well-maintained parking lot projects a professional image.
Customers notice details, and a smooth, damage-free lot signals that your business values quality and care. Crack sealing is a simple way to enhance curb appeal while protecting your investment.
4. Strengthens Your Parking Lot’s Foundation for the Long Haul
Your pavement’s integrity starts at the base.
When cracks go untreated, water seeps in and erodes the foundation, causing deep structural damage. This problem is especially severe for high-traffic lots like Braemar Ice Arena, where heavy loads accelerate wear and tear.
Crack sealing reinforces the pavement by distributing stress evenly across the surface, reducing the risk of further cracking.
This maintenance step makes a significant impact:
- Sealed parking lots last 15–20 years
- Unsealed lots typically fail within 8–12 years
Think of it like sealing your home’s windows before winter—by keeping out cold air, you maintain warmth and prevent damage. Crack sealing works the same way, keeping moisture out and preserving pavement strength.
If you want your lot to last well beyond a decade, sealing is a must.
Crack Sealing Works for Homeowners, Too!
Commercial parking lots aren’t the only ones affected by Minnesota’s freeze-thaw cycles.
If you own a home in Morningside, Indian Hills, or Parkwood Knolls, you’ve likely seen cracks forming in your driveway.
Those cracks might seem minor, but they allow water to seep in, leading to foundation shifts, sinking slabs, and costly repairs.
The good news?
Crack sealing isn’t just for businesses—it’s an easy, affordable way to protect residential driveways, too.
A Parkwood Knolls homeowner could spend just $500 on driveway crack sealing before winter—preventing water infiltration that might lead to a $5,000+ full driveway replacement in just a few years.
Sealing your driveway is like winterizing your home—a small upfront cost prevents major expenses later.
Get Expert Crack Sealing for Your Edina Parking Lot Today
At Classic Company, we specialize in professional crack sealing that protects Edina’s parking lots and driveways from severe winter damage. With years of experience handling Minnesota’s extreme freeze-thaw cycles, we help businesses and homeowners cut repair costs in half while extending pavement life.
Don’t wait until small cracks turn into costly problems!
Contact us today for a free estimate, and keep your pavement smooth, safe, and built to last. Your customers (and your budget) will thank you.