How the Summer Heat Affects Your Atlanta Asphalt Parking Lot

With the scorching heat of summer right around the corner, many property owners and managers are scrambling to ensure they can stay cool. But have you considered the impact of summer heat on your Atlanta asphalt parking lot? Temperatures can exceed 100 degrees in the thick of summer, and that stress takes a toll on asphalt paving. Here’s how.

Does Intense Heat Weaken Asphalt Parking Lots?

Exposure to high temperatures can weaken your asphalt paving more than you might realize. While the material is tough, it can suffer considerable problems when exposed to extreme heat. When your asphalt paving company in Atlanta first laid your parking lot, they worked with hot asphalt up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. At that temperature, it’s pliable and easy to work with. However, it hardens and becomes more rigid once cooled.

The problem with intense summer heat is that asphalt can become soft and malleable again. Once softened, regular traffic may cause noticeable deformations. Even worse, you may have to turn to paving contractors to repair damage caused by the accelerated wear.

Can Paving Suffer More Damage During the Summer?

Another issue you’ll need help from a paving company in Atlanta to avoid is accelerated deterioration. Asphalt paving can soften, but it may also become more brittle if it lacks proper protection. UV rays from the sun cause the binders within your asphalt to oxidize, causing the surface to become brittle and highly susceptible to cracking.

Before you know it, you’ll have cracks and potholes. Cracks can develop due to UV-related degradation. It can also happen as the material asphalt paving contractors laid begins to expand with the heat. Either way, the results can be unsightly and dangerous.

Is My Atlanta Asphalt Parking Lot More Susceptible to Water Infiltration?

With greater susceptibility to cracks and potholes comes an increased risk of water infiltration. Summers in Atlanta can be rainy, and it doesn’t take much rainfall to cause problems. One issue that many asphalt paving contractors see is foundation erosion. As water seeps into cracks and potholes, it damages the lower foundation layers, creating widespread issues and eventual structural failure.

If you don’t hire an asphalt paving company in Atlanta to protect and repair your pavement, you could end up with severe structural compromise and substantial safety hazards in your parking lot.

How Can Contractors Protect My Parking Lot This Summer?

A lot can happen with your asphalt parking lot during the summer. Fortunately, a paving company in Atlanta can help you avoid disaster.

Protection and preventative care are paramount before summer begins. Paving contractors can provide many services to prepare your pavement for Mother Nature’s onslaught. The service that has the most impact is sealcoating. An asphalt paving company in Atlanta can apply long-lasting sealer to your entire parking lot, protecting it from the effects of heat and damaging UV rays.

With regular sealing, paving contractors can prevent premature deterioration and prolong the life of your pavement.

When damage occurs, contact a paving company in Atlanta immediately for repairs. The faster you invest in repairs, the better. Timely repairs will mitigate the risk of damage spread while preventing water intrusion.

Finally, it’s best practice to hire a paving company in Atlanta to conduct an inspection before and after the summer season. Before summer hits, paving contractors can look for issues that need addressing. They’ll determine if your parking lot needs sealcoating and perform any necessary repairs. After the summer ends, your asphalt paving company in Atlanta can provide the care your parking lot needs, bringing it back to its former glory and preparing the surface for the winter.

Summer weather can be harsh, but you don’t have to let it harm your asphalt parking company. Let The Surface Masters provide the attention your pavement needs. We’re a trusted asphalt paving company in Atlanta, offering many services to keep your paved surfaces in great shape. These includes sealcoating, crack sealing, pavement markings, repairs, milling and reclamation, and more.

We’re eager to show you why we’re the best asphalt paving company in Atlanta. Call The Surface Masters at (770)250-6392, email Info@TheSurfaceMasters.com, or use our online form to reach the team and receive your free project quote.