Preserving anything, whether a coat, car, piece of furniture, equipment, etc., often comes down to giving it the proper care it deserves—a seemingly straightforward concept. This principle holds true for asphalt surfaces as well.
Taking care of asphalt is like maintaining anything else—it’s best done proactively, especially when dealing with changing weather conditions. In this blog post, we’ll dive into weather’s impact on asphalt, examine its composition, and highlight the crucial role of timely repairs in securing long-lasting durability.
Components of Asphalt: Aggregates and Binder
So, what is weather’s impact on asphalt? First, let’s look at its components — aggregates and binders. These two elements form asphalt’s foundation and determine how well it can fight environmental factors.
Aggregates make up approximately 95% of pavement materials and comprise crushed rocks, river gravel, minerals, and sand, providing strength and structure to our roadways and parking areas. Their size varies depending on whether they support busy urban streets or quiet rural lanes.
The binding agent, known as asphalt or bitumen, is the adhesive that binds the aggregates within asphalt. In so many words, the binder functions as an inexpensive, waterproof, thermoplastic adhesive that acts as the glue that holds the road together. Without it, we’d just have rocks.
Understanding Asphalt’s Vulnerability to Weather
Despite its strength, asphalt is not impermeable to weather. Extreme heat, cold periods, and precipitation can significantly affect your asphalt’s longevity. For instance, asphalt loses flexibility in colder temperatures, making it more prone to cracking. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can soften the asphalt, making it susceptible to deformation. Also, precipitation can gradually wear down the top layer of asphalt, causing gradual deterioration over time.
Common Weather-Related Damages to Asphalt
Freeze-Thaw Cycle: This natural phenomenon occurs when water seeps into asphalt during rainy periods, freezes, and expands, creating pressure and potential cracks.
UV Radiation: Excessive sunlight can wear down asphalt, necessitating protective measures for longevity.
Heavy Rainfall: Rain can impact parking lots, emphasizing the need for efficient drainage solutions.
The Importance of Timely Asphalt Repairs
When weather-related damages do occur, proactive repairs play a crucial role in stopping further damage. If you delay fixing such things as potholes, they could become bigger openings for water, leading to more damage in the long run.
The solution? Act fast with repairs. It’ll stop further damage, keep your property secure, and save you money in the long haul.
Key Parking Lot Repairs for Weather-Related Damage
Crack Sealing: A preventative measure to thwart water infiltration and mitigate further deterioration.
Pothole Patching: Swift and effective patching to prevent the expansion of potholes.
Resurfacing or Overlay: Exploring rejuvenating properties by applying a new asphalt layer to weather-worn surfaces.
Balancing Maintenance and Repairs
While making repairs is a must, regular maintenance shouldn’t be overlooked. Think of it this way: Each year, we’re supposed to get a physical to ensure our bodies are healthy and working correctly. It’s essential to do the same with asphalt. It’s like scheduling regular check-ups for your asphalt to catch and address minor issues before they become major headaches. So, asphalt care, maintenance, and repairs must all work together to ensure surfaces remain resilient and long-lasting.
Asphalt Everywhere: Navigating Weather Challenges in Every Location
When it comes to asphalt, there’s no perfect place impervious to specific weather conditions. Regardless of your location, you’ll face unique weather challenges. Whether you’re in a sunny region, a cold climate, or an area prone to frequent rainfall, the impact of weather on asphalt remains a constant concern for one reason or another.
Road Resilience: Proactive Steps for Durable Asphalt in Any Temperature
Protecting asphalt from weather’s impact on it requires active care and prompt repairs. Like caring for valuable belongings, giving asphalt the attention it deserves is crucial. Understanding its makeup—where aggregates provide strength, and a binding agent ensures unity—is crucial to comprehending its vulnerability to weather variations.
Weather-induced damages, like the freeze-thaw cycle, UV radiation, and heavy rainfall, emphasize the need for quick action. Proactive measures such as crack sealing, pothole patching, and resurfacing are preventive steps to prevent further deterioration.
The delicate balance between maintenance and repairs is crucial. While repairs address current issues, maintenance works behind the scenes to enhance the repair process. Regular inspections and addressing minor concerns early on are like “physicals” for asphalt, ensuring its well-being.
Key takeaway: Remember to be proactive. Adopt a well-balanced approach to both repairs and regular maintenance. By doing this, you’re taking all the right steps to secure your asphalt’s long-lasting durability.
Call DRYCO to Schedule Your Maintenance or Repairs Today!
Contact DRYCO today to learn about our preventative maintenance options and convenient repair services.