Asphalt is tough and is an effective and reliable driving surface. It can last decades because it is durable, but asphalt will experience wear and tear. The weather will play a very big role in this regard. The heat, in particular, can cause a lot of damage, and once asphalt is installed, hot temperatures and UV rays from the sun can affect asphalt and can contribute to the following problems:
1. Oxidation
Asphalt oxidation is a form of deterioration and occurs whenever UV rays from the sun cause a chemical reaction within the asphalt. Light oils mixed with heavier oils reduce the binding oils in the asphalt and weaken its structural sturdiness and integrity.
Oxidation will cause the asphalt to become less elastic, and the heavier oils will cause the asphalt to become brittle. This kind of fragility will make the asphalt more prone to cracks, buckles and failure, and the dark hue of the asphalt will fade to a lighter shade and eventually look grey. If this happens in parking lots or roads, you may also notice stripping of pavement markings.
The more UV radiation occurs, the more severe the oxidation, which will progress to deep cracks and potholes and the eventual failure of the asphalt construction. Asphalt oxidation can happen because of age after a few decades, although the sun’s rays can speed up the deterioration process.
2. Cracking
In addition to solar radiation and oxidation, cracking can occur because of thermal changes in the asphalt. Extreme heat can cause the asphalt to expand, and when the temperature drops at night or when it rains, the asphalt contracts again. This expansion and contraction of the asphalt can cause cracks, and the road may even buckle.
Cracking tends to occur with old asphalt, but it can also happen in newly installed asphalt if it needs to be installed properly or because of a lack of regular maintenance. Cracking is common on asphalt surfaces with a lot of traffic, like roads and parking lots.
Cracked asphalt is a serious problem because it can lead to additional issues like water infiltration. This would allow water from the rain to seep through the crack openings, which would cause more damage. If this problem continues after the summer season, the water will remain in the gaps and expand into ice as the seasons change and damage the subbase of the asphalt.
3. Raveling
This occurs when water or excess moisture enters the cracks and causes a binder cohesion in the asphalt mixture. The asphalt will ravel in combination with the aggregate and the soil and cause further damage to the surface. Inadequate compaction or separation of the binder and aggregate can cause ravelling, although the main cause is generally the result of cracking. As cracks expand, so does the severity of the damage and the more cracks you have in the asphalt, the more problems you will experience.
Additionally, you may notice settling, rutting or base failure from water penetration through cracks.
4. Tracking
Asphalt absorbs the sun’s heat energy, resulting in high surface temperatures. The asphalt surface can soften and release specks of asphalt, which can adhere to shoes and tires.
5. Faded lines
Parking stripes are very important and are indicators of where to park. While this striping is designed to be weather resistant, the impact of heat will wear down and fade your parking stripes and any directional signs, which can lead to unsafe lot conditions.
6. Dried out and weakened pavement
UV light and heat will break down and dry out asphalt binding agents, leaving the remaining surface brittle and prone to breakage. The asphalt will not be as flexible and will likely crack under pressure. This will speed up the process of wear and tear and may allow for serious water infiltration.
7. Heat expansion
Colder temperatures cause asphalt to contract, while warm temperatures cause it to expand, and whenever it gets hot, this expansion can cause pavement edges to curl and cracks to widen. New cracks can also form because of pavement motion.
How To Protect Asphalt from Heat
Heat damage is inevitable to your asphalt surface, but there are ways to prevent excess damage and extend the lifespan of your asphalt. A seal coat and regular asphalt maintenance can help prevent major damage.
Investing in asphalt sealcoating is one of the best ways to protect your parking lot from summer conditions. It should be applied every 2 to 3 years. This sealer forms a protective layer to keep the true asphalt surface below strong, fresh, and flexible.
Contact Ampac Paving Today!
Are you looking for asphalt driveway paving services in Toronto? Ampac Paving is one of the top paving companies in the city, and you can trust our team to help you with all your paving needs.
Or a long time. Although asphalt wear and tear is expected, we will provide you with a maintenance schedule and give your driveway the attention it deserves. We specialize in asphalt driveway paving and have served customers in Toronto the attention it deserves. We offer asphalt paving services, and our team will get your asphalt to look great.
Contact us at any time to learn more about our paving services.
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