Ah, summertime.. tasty eats on the grill, lounging by the pool, everything gets better in the summer! Everything except for the condition of your commercial parking lot's pavement, that is. The hot heat and beaming sun during the summer season can lead to new pavement problems developing and existing issues worsening.
At Doctor Asphalt, we are the trusted paving company of the midwest and deep south, meaning we've seen and treated it all when it comes to asphalt pavement. In this blog, we'll share the top 3 asphalt pavement issues we see during the summer and what you should do about it.
3 Asphalt Issues that Get Worse During the Summer
Cracking
Asphalt cracking in your parking lot is one of the first concerns you'll notice in your commercial parking lot during the summer. Cracking is a common issue for any type of pavement, but it can increase during the summer due to the ongoing thermal expansion that occurs when it gets hot during the day and the contraction that takes place when it cools down at night.
Rutting
Rutting is another pavement problem that can occur during the hot summer months. Asphalt rutting is when deformation occurs in various layers or subgrades, typically caused by the recurring movement of the pavement materials due to traffic and heavy loads. Again, the occurrence of rutting in the summer is amplified due to the thermal expansion during the hot months as well as the softening of the asphalt binder, which holds the aggregate together.
Raveling
Asphalt raveling is the third issue you'll see happening in the peak of the summer season. Raveling refers to the deterioration of the surface of your road or parking lot. This causes the top layer to become loose, crumbly and uneven. The occurrence of raveling increases in the summer due to temperature fluctuations, softening of the asphalt and binder, and the effects of oxidation.
At first, it may not seem like a major concern, but if not addressed and corrected, these problems can lead to bigger issues such as potholes, large cracks and premature pavement failure.
Other common asphalt problems that occur during the summer months:
- Line fading
- Asphalt bleeding
- Soft Spots
- Weed growth
Related: How to Spot and Address Early Signs of Asphalt Damage
Prevent Asphalt Issues With Doctor Asphalt
Pavement problems are unavoidable, but fortunately, there are things you can do to slow down and prevent problems from taking over. Having a plan for routine pavement maintenance, like crack filling and seal coating, is the best way to prevent these types of asphalt issues from getting out of hand.
At Doctor Asphalt, we specialize in commercial asphalt paving and repair, working with property managers on pavement maintenance plans that make sense for their budget and timeline. Talk to our team today to make a preventative maintenance plan for your pavement or to schedule a free estimate for repairs.
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.
