You might notice subtle changes in asphalt during the sweltering heat of summer. While asphalt performs well under a variety of conditions, extreme heat can take a significant toll. If you’ve worked with asphalt long enough, you’ve probably observed these effects firsthand, but it’s worth exploring how and why these changes occur.
Understanding how hot summer weather affects asphalt starts with the impact on the line striping in parking lots and other painted markings. UV rays break down the pigments in the paint, reducing visibility and detracting from the surface’s overall functionality.
You’ll need to stay vigilant and touch up faded lines using appropriate tools to maintain clarity and safety standards.
The intense summer heat can soften asphalt, especially if it was recently installed or improperly mixed. When the temperature of the asphalt rises, the binding materials become less stable, creating a pliable surface.
This softening increases the risk of impressions from heavy vehicles and foot traffic. Once softened, the surface becomes more susceptible to long-term damage, such as grooves and deformations.
Repeated exposure to high heat and direct sunlight can also dry out the binding materials in asphalt. Without proper care, the surface loses its flexibility and becomes brittle, making it less resistant to stress from traffic or weather changes. Brittle pavement can lead to long-term structural problems if you don’t maintain it.
Once asphalt begins to soften or becomes brittle, cracks usually follow. Hot weather expands the pavement, but when the heat subsides, it contracts, creating surface stress.
This expansion-contraction cycle puts asphalt under significant pressure, causing new cracks to emerge. If left unattended, these small cracks can quickly grow into larger ones, undermining the integrity of your asphalt.
The ultimate consequence of summer heat on asphalt is pothole formation. You see this progress happen when cracks go untreated. Water seeps into these cracks and collects beneath the surface.
On hot days, the water heats up and expands, putting upward pressure on the asphalt. The weakened pavement buckles, leaving you with an unsightly and hazardous pothole.
No professional wants to see their carefully installed work deteriorate quickly. Understanding how hot summer weather affects asphalt prepares you to respond before the damage accumulates.
When the heat starts showing signs of wear on the pavement, rely on asphalt maintenance equipment from NAC Supply. We have the tools to help you combat summer’s impact and keep surfaces durable and stable.
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