Water penetrating the pavement through cracks can cause damage in both warm and cold weather. In warm weather it soaks down into and softens the base under the pavement. Since asphalt is flexible, vehicle traffic will cause it to move up and down over the soft base and pump out the base. This creates a void under the pavement and allows it to fail under the weight of the vehicles on top. In cold weather you have the same expansion and contraction scenario plus the freeze - thaw action that can create the void under the pavement without the need for vehicles on top.
Parking lots represent a sizeable investment.
The best and most cost efficient way to maintain this investment is to conduct various asphalt maintenance procedures on the lots periodically. The ultimate goal in pavement maintenance is to avoid water intrusion and to protect the surface from the elements. Asphalt generally cracks from the bottom up so when cracks appear on the surface they are full depth and will allow water to penetrate to the base. Cracks should be filled at least every other year. The rubberized material is designed to adhere to the sides of the crack, expand and contract with the temperature fluctuations, and keep moisture away from the base.