Contrary to popular belief, summer heat and the sun’s UV rays can be just as damaging to asphalt pavement as winter elements. This manifests in different ways. Particularly in the middle of July when peak temperatures are at their maximum, blacktops tend to attract and hold a lot of heat. In the summer, asphalt surfaces might resemble scorching coals. Asphalt will eventually turns dry and brittle. This might result in some weak points as well as surface and subsurface damages brought on by a combination of heat and continuous use.
Here are some excellent suggestions to help your asphalt pavement survive this summer’s heat.
Check Your Pavement
Significant pavement damage doesn’t often begin that way. Summer heat damage will initially appear as little cracks. As time passes and more cars drive over them, cracks enlarge as they accumulate water and debris. This is why it’s crucial to set aside some time at least once a week to thoroughly check your asphalt surface for little defects. Small damages can be repaired as soon as they are discovered. This will stop them from growing larger and costing more money to remedy later. You should get this done by a reliable commercial paving firm in your region if you don’t have the time or resources to do it yourself.
Schedule Sweeping & Cleaning
Minor and serious summer heat damage can be avoided by maintaining a clean asphalt pavement. A clean pavement is free of organic matter and inorganic particles. It can help extend the life of your asphalt pavement in addition to improving the appearance and curb appeal of your home.
It’s possible for loose debris to drift across your parking lot and get sucked into your catch basin. It can also get continuously stepped on and driven over to the point where it becomes ingrained into the pavement. Your asphalt will not do well in any circumstance. The combination of crushed debris and the sun’s heat is already making your asphalt brittle. This problem lingering can cause the asphalt to crack and cause significant structural damage.
Maintain & Repair
To prevent summer heat damage problems with asphalt pavement from escalating and becoming more expensive over time, be sure to spot them and fix them right away. In the summer, take the time to repaint your parking lot. You should also fill in cracks and potholes, remove oil stains, and fill in other imperfections.
Control Pooling Water
Pooling water can harm your asphalt pavement in the same way that litter can. Your parking lot’s asphalt may degrade over time if water pools in some areas. It may also be a sign of a far more serious issue. If there are any pools of water, your catch basin may be broken or blocked. In some places with dips and depressions that collect water, it might also be a sign of poor quality asphalt construction.
Implement vehicle size and weight restrictions in commercial parking areas
Smaller cars like SUVs, sedans, motorcycles, or vans are the only kind of vehicles that some business parking spaces are designed to support. The asphalt substrate may buckle in some places under the load of large transport and delivery trucks that weigh much more than these vehicles. A rigorous vehicle weight and size limit should be put in place. This is especially true if your parking lot is primarily intended for business use to minimize damage from larger vehicles.
Get Expert Help
There is no longer a need for you to look for “commercial paving contractors near me.” This summer, put your trust in the asphalt professionals to take good care of your asphalt parking lot. Contact us at Atlantic Sweeping & Cleaning right away! For more information on general pavement and parking lot upkeep, check out the resources on Parking Lot Advisor.