The temperatures are fast approaching those triple digits. That’s right, it’s summertime! For those of us in the Asphalt Biz, that means we’re entering one of the toughest seasons on asphalt. This time on the blog we are going to give you a quick and sweet rundown of the top tips for keeping your asphalt intact through the sweltering heat!
Taking Care of Your Asphalt this Summer
Ever hear that old saying, ‘An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’? That mantra is true even on the blacktop!
Avoid Heavy Loads
This might be outside your power but if you are able, try to reduce the number of heavy vehicles that are being parked on your pavement for any extended amount of time. Heavy vehicles exert a ton (pun intended) of pressure on a surface. Normally, this wouldn’t be a terrible problem, after all asphalt is meant for it! However, the exceedingly high temperatures can weaken the structural integrity of the asphalt making for the perfect combination of heat and pressure to deform the asphalt. So, avoid that if possible!
Don’t Despair, Repair!
No matter the season, don’t ignore any cracks or chips in your asphalt! The summertime heat can soften the asphalt making those cracks spread quickly as the usual wear and tear causes it to crumble at the edges. Instead jump on it quick and get those cracks repaired to maintain the asphalt structure. If you delay too long you will find yourself having to get whole potholes filled instead.
While you’re at it, make sure you stay on top of all the usual asphalt upkeep necessary! If there is standing water remove it, if there is debris clean it up! All of those factors alone contribute to asphalt failing, if you let it all happen along with high temps you are doing yourself a disservice!
Sealcoating
As always, a sealcoat is one of the best steps you can take to prolong the life of your asphalt. It prevents damage from gas and oil spills, weather conditions, oxidation, and normal wear and tear. That sealcoat will also defend against that intense sun beating down on.
Know Your Tools
Remember how we talked about the heat making the surface of the asphalt soft? It can be even softer than you realize, so when you’re getting to work doing maintenance on the asphalt, be careful of which tools you use for it. If you’re using something that is particularly sharp it could gouge the asphalt and end up doing damage where you hoped to make things right.
Hire a Professional
You really want to take care of your asphalt? You hire professionals. While there are plenty of things you can do maintenance-wise, to ensure the best care and repair comes from experts. If you have cracks that need filling or sealing done look at hiring professionals to get the best outcome.
It all boils down to minding the Heat. Tucson is the third fastest warming city in the US and that will do a number on our infrastructure. Take care of your asphalt this summer and it will take care of you for months yet to come. If you need help repairing, sealing, or getting a new stretch of asphalt installed this summer, you know who to call! Our family of asphalt experts are on hand to build the best pavement you have ever driven on.
