How Do Weather Conditions Impact Asphalt Pavement In Retail Chain Parking Lots?

Asphalt paving is renowned for its resilience and natural water resistance. However, asphalt pavement in retail settings can still suffer from weather-related distress. The key to minimizing the effects of rough weather is understanding how harsh conditions can impact your retail parking lot paving and developing care solutions that offer superior defense. At The Surface Masters, we offer years of experience protecting retail paving in Atlanta, and we’ve recently opened a new location to do the same for clients in Fort Myers, Florida.

How Can Rain Harm Asphalt Pavement in Retail Properties?

Proper drainage is vital for retail parking lot paving. Otherwise, standing and pooling water can slowly deteriorate asphalt. The binder in asphalt, bitumen, is a byproduct of crude oil’s fractional distillation. Water and oil don’t mix, so when water pools on the surface of retail paving in Atlanta, it breaks down the binder.

This breakdown process can result in cracks that allow water to penetrate deep within the asphalt paving. Once that happens, rapid deterioration can occur.

What Harm Can Moisture Do Once It Penetrates Retail Parking Lot Paving?

In retail chain parking lots, water penetration is a substantial problem that you can’t afford to ignore. Water infiltration, whether through small cracks or unpatched potholes, can lead to erosion. Once the subgrade and base layers erode, small air pockets form between the paved surface and the weakened foundation. Eventually, potholes and subsidence will occur.

The foundation will continue to deteriorate, and your once-reliable retail parking lot paving will suffer structural failure.

Can Sunlight and Heat Hurt the Asphalt on Retail Chain Parking Lots?

It’s not just rain you have to worry about. Intense heat and UV rays from the sun can also harm asphalt paving for retail properties, especially surfaces that don’t receive regular attention and sealing from Atlanta asphalt paving contractors. UV rays can slowly oxidize asphalt paving, breaking down those binders that hold everything together.

The surface becomes less pliable and more brittle, making it susceptible to cracking. Asphalt paving can suffer widespread cracking and surface raveling. Extreme summer heat may also soften the asphalt, resulting in ruts and deformations that ruin your pavement’s water-shedding slope. It all compounds, creating sunken areas that hold water and cracks that invite water penetration.

What Issues Does Asphalt Paving for Retail Encounter During Cold Weather?

During the winter season, retail chain parking lots suffer damage from freeze-thaw cycles, snow accumulation, and ice buildup. When water seeps into cracks and freezes, it widens the existing voids. Freezing water can also cause the ground to heave. What starts as a small crack at the start of the season can turn into large cracks and noticeable unevenness come spring.

Ice and snow buildup can also cause issues. More specifically, it’s the methods used to clear ice and snow that create problems. Frequent scraping, de-icing agents, and road salts can cause abrasive and chemical damage. These issues only accelerate deterioration.

Will High Humidity Levels Damage Asphalt Pavement in Retail Settings?

High humidity levels can severely damage asphalt paving for retail, a problem that often occurs in both Atlanta and Fort Myers. Humidity can trap moisture, weakening adhesive bonds within the pavement and increasing the risk of moisture penetration. Years of high humidity can take a toll, weakening foundations and ultimately leading to premature failure of retail paving in Atlanta and Fort Myers.

What Can Atlanta Asphalt Paving Contractors Do to Minimize Weather-Related Damage?

Rough weather can impact retail chain parking lots in many ways. However, Atlanta asphalt paving contractors can take steps to ensure surfaces are well protected against whatever Mother Nature throws at them. Vigilant maintenance is key. In addition to regular cleaning and timely repairs, you must invest in routine sealing.

Atlanta asphalt paving contractors can sealcoating parking lots every few years to shield the material against oxidation, chemical damage, water penetration, and more. Sealcoating helps to mitigate the risk of weather-related distress and damage, improving resilience and longevity.

At The Surface Masters, we know how to combat the effects of weather. We’re an award-winning asphalt paving and maintenance contractor dedicated to raising the bar for quality, reliability, and customer care. Our services include new asphalt paving, sealcoating, repairs, milling and reclamation, resurfacing, pavement markings, and more. We specialize in commercial paving, helping business owners and property managers throughout Atlanta and Fort Myers get and maintain asphalt paving that boosts the bottom line.

Call The Surface Masters today at (770) 670-7857 to learn more about what we can do for you and request a free project quote. You can also reach out to the team using our online form or by emailing Info@TheSurfaceMasters.com.