Why It’s Smart To Pave Your Asphalt Parking Lot in The Fall
Most assume spring or summer is the best time to pave your asphalt parking lot. Most asphalt paving projects indeed occur during the warmer months, but the arrival of fall is no excuse to put off asphalt paving in Atlanta. Experienced contractors can pave surfaces and perform parking lot maintenance all the same, and choosing to complete a project during the fall season may be more beneficial than you think!
Is It Too Cold to Pave Your Asphalt Parking Lot in the Fall?
You’ve likely heard that asphalt parking lot paving offers the best results in warm, dry conditions. Less experienced contractors may have even told you that working with asphalt in fall or winter temperatures is impossible. However, that’s not the case! There’s nothing wrong with asphalt paving a parking lot in cooler temperatures. However, there are limits.
Generally, hot asphalt starts to experience issues when temperatures fall below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Once laid, the material will cool too quickly, resulting in poor compaction and inferior cooling. It is possible to use cold asphalt mixes, but seasoned contractors will only use those products for small-scale repairs or parking lot maintenance. When asphalt paving a parking lot, you want a hot mix, and it requires temperatures above 55 degrees.
The good news is that Atlanta’s average fall temperatures are above that 55-degree threshold. Therefore, there’s no reason why professionals can’t perform asphalt paving during the fall months.
Why Are Fall Conditions Ideal for Atlanta Asphalt Paving?
Asphalt parking lot paving during the fall is not only possible, but it’s also often a smarter choice. There are two reasons why, and they all come down to environmental conditions in Atlanta.
First, it rains less in Atlanta during the fall. Precipitation can ruin asphalt paving in Atlanta. The rainiest months are between May and the end of August. Once fall arrives, there’s less of a chance of rain-related delays.
Second, cooler temperatures typically translate to less humidity. Humidity can impact how Atlanta asphalt paving cures. In the intense heat of summer, humidity levels can be so high that it takes asphalt longer to cure. However, the cooler air temperatures of fall create dryer air. When asphalt paving a parking lot, you may experience faster curing and less downtime for your property.
Are Completed Surfaces Better Prepared for Winter When You Pave Your Asphalt Parking Lot in the Fall?
Another reason to consider hiring contractors to do asphalt paving in the fall is to ensure your new surface has no problems during the winter. Good parking lot maintenance will keep older surfaces well-protected. However, fresh asphalt is less susceptible to salt corrosion, freezing, snow accumulation and more. Asphalt parking lot paving done in the fall typically still looks brand-new after winter, allowing you to go into the following spring season with a strong, beautiful surface.
Are you thinking about starting an Atlanta asphalt paving project this fall? If so, turn to The Surface Masters! We’re an award-winning company nationally recognized for our quality workmanship and stellar customer service. We’re experts in asphalt paving in Atlanta and offer many other services to meet your needs, including sealcoating, repairs, crack sealing, reclamation, resurfacing and pavement markings.
We’re ready to show you what we can do. To learn more and get a free project estimate, submit your information through our online form, email Info@TheSurfaceMasters.com or call (770)250-6392 today!