It’s no secret that summers in Texas bring serious heat. We’re talking pavement temperatures well above 150 degrees; hot enough to make you question how long you can stand in a parking lot, let alone maintain one.
For commercial properties, that kind of heat can quickly accelerate pavement deterioration. The good news? With the right maintenance strategy, you can stay ahead of the damage and keep your property looking and performing its best.
Why Texas Heat Is Tough on Commercial Pavement
That Texas summer sunshine is well-known to bring intense heat, so much so that there are countless songs about just that. To no surprise, the prolonged high temperatures have an impact on commercial parking lots and other paved surfaces. The intense UV exposure causes oxidation and softened asphalt, which, combined with high traffic in commercial areas and heavy truck traffic, accelerates deterioration.
That's not all: the summer heat during the day and the cool-down at night cause continuous expansion and contraction of the pavement, which also takes a toll and leads to surface breakdown more quickly.
Related: Top 3 Asphalt Issues That Worsen in the Summer
Common Signs of Heat-Related Pavement Damage
During the scorching Texas summers, pavement can suffer significant wear and tear. It's important to recognize the signs of heat-related damage so property owners and managers can take proper measures to maintain safe and functional commercial parking lots and roadways.
Here are some common indicators to watch for:
- Color fading and surface oxidation
- Soft spots or rutting
- Expanding cracks
- Early-stage potholes
Don’t Ignore These Common Signs of Asphalt Trouble
Best Practices to Prevent Summer Pavement Damage
Stay Ahead of Crack Sealing and Repairs
From thin alligator cracks to widening fractures, cracks in your commercial lot are at the top of the list of damage occurring from intense heat and sun and should also be at the top of your list of problems to correct before they lead to worse and more costly pavement issues. Crack sealing helps to prevent cracks from expanding and getting worse, and water intrusion, which can lead to structural integrity issues and failing pavement.
Improve Drainage Where Needed
We say it often, water is your pavement's worst enemy. Standing water, in particular, with the combination of extreme heat, accelerates the breakdown of your pavement. Commercial properties must prioritize proper drainage in their parking lots, so if you have persistent puddles that last longer than they should, it's time to ensure drainage basins are in working order and make pavement repairs and corrections to keep your parking lot dry.
How Drainage Issues Can Cost You More in Asphalt Repairs
Schedule Sealcoating or Microsurfacing Before Peak Heat
In other parts of the country, the summer season is a popular time for pavement projects. However, in the Deep South, like Texas, extreme heat can create complications. High temperatures can soften surfaces and require longer curing times, making summer repairs more challenging. Working with a commercial paving contractor who understands the region and how the climate impacts the pavement is key to successful maintenance. Spring and fall are often ideal for scheduling, though certain periods of summer can still be workable.
Plan Routine Inspections
Problems in your commercial parking lot are easy to overlook. You might park on the other side of the lot, thinking that if it's out of sight, it’s out of mind. However, this is not a wise approach when it comes to maintaining your paved commercial property, which should be treated as the valuable investment it is. Routine inspections help property managers and business owners identify issues early, before they escalate and allow for timely maintenance and repairs to be scheduled.
Find Out About The Cost of Delaying Parking Lot Repairs: Why Acting Now Saves Money
Use High-Quality Materials Built for Hot Climates
The next best thing you can do for your commercial parking lot enduring the Texas summer sun and heat is to use high-quality materials developed to withstand these conditions.
At Doctor Asphalt, we know the difference quality materials make when it comes to increasing the lifespan of your commercial parking lot. This is especially true for high-traffic commercial parking lots. Let us help you determine the best pavement maintenance measures and applications for your parking lot.
Related Read: How Micropaving Extends the Life of Pavement
When to Schedule Pavement Maintenance in Texas
When scheduling maintenance in Texas, aim for spring, early summer, or fall. These times of the year have milder temperatures than peak summertime, which is more ideal for inspections, repairs and maintenance. Delaying maintenance until peak heat can increase costs due to potential equipment failures and longer repairs.
By planning ahead and addressing maintenance needs early on in the year, you can ensure your business's parking lot continues to operate efficiently and avoid unexpected delays and disruptions.
Get Our Guide: How to Build a Multi-Year Asphalt Maintenance Plan
How to Minimize Parking Lot Disruption During Repairs
Commercial parking lots can be challenging to maintain and repair, especially when your business is open 7 days a week. A professional paving contractor will work with you to establish the best times to complete work to ensure minimal disruption to your operation. This may involve scheduling work to be completed in phases or during off-hours and overnight.
Another efficiency measure is using fast-curing applications, such as microsurfacing, which can allow parking lots to reopen in just hours rather than days with standard sealcoating. Lastly, during commercial parking lot repairs and maintenance, putting up clear signage is essential to keeping traffic moving smoothly.
FAQs About Summer Pavement Maintenance in Texas
How does extreme heat affect asphalt parking lots?
The high temperatures and intense sun in Texas during the summer can cause surface color fading, oxidation, and softening of surfaces. All of these factors can lead to accelerated damage.
How often should commercial parking lots be sealcoated in Texas?
Depending on the amount of visitors and traffic your commercial property endures, most parking lots should be sealed every 1-3 years.
Can pavement maintenance be done during high temperatures?
When temperatures exceed 90°F or surface temperatures surpass 120°F, most standard pavement maintenance materials may dry too quickly or fail to adhere properly. Some specialty applications can work in extreme temperatures, which is why it is essential to work with a reliable paving contractor.
Protect Your Parking Lot From Summer Heat
It can feel near impossible to prevent summer heat damage to Texas commercial parking lots, but proper routine maintenance from a professional commercial paving expert like Doctor
Asphalt can help ensure your paved investment withstands the extreme heat and burning sun.
Proactive pavement maintenance not only keeps your lot from showing signs of damage, but it also makes it safer for visitors and prevents high-cost replacement due to lack of maintenance, saving you significantly over time. Protect your commercial pavement and plan your pavement maintenance for the year.
Doctor Asphalt delivers high-quality asphalt paving and maintenance solutions designed for the unique demands of the local climate. With a strong reputation for reliability and expertise, we provide premium services that enhance the safety and longevity of commercial and residential properties. Serving Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Texas, with nationwide capabilities for multi-property clients, we ensure durable, professional results that keep your pavement in top condition.
