The summer season wreaks havoc on your parking lot; learn about the four main problems your pavement will face due to summer heat and how to fix them.
Summer is here! It is one of the busiest times for parking lots. Summertime comes with an increase of heat and humidity, which means that your parking lot pavement will be subjected to more wear and tear than it would typically face during cooler months.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the harmful effects of summer on parking lots so you can take the necessary measures to ensure your parking lot stays in good condition all year long. At the same time, you might want to consult an experienced parking lot maintenance company to ensure that you are fully prepared for the summer season.
The Pavement Group is a leading pavement maintenance company serving clients in Richmond, WI and several other parts of the US.
Here are the four main pavement-related issues property owners need to worry about during the summer season.
UV Damage
UV rays penetrate asphalt and concrete, causing them to break down and become more porous. This is why you should have sealcoating done on your parking lot, preferably during early spring before the hot summer sun strikes your parking lot with its damaging effects. The sealant will fill any pores, restoring the parking lot to its original strength. There are two types of sealants used to protect parking lots: a penetrating sealant and an overlay or coating. The type of product you choose for your parking lot depends on what level of protection you want.
Increase in the Emergence of Cracks and Potholes
During the summer, the parking lot surface starts to expand and contract due to an increase and decrease in temperature. The expansion and contraction cause cracks and potholes. Over time the cracks widen as more water seeps into them, causing potholes that are both dangerous for vehicles and costly when it comes to repairs.
There are several ways that parking lot owners can prevent cracks from getting wider or potholes from developing, such as sealing the cracks before they widen and having sealcoating done before summer.
Parking Lot Line Striping
Exposure to the intense summer sun can cause parking lot line striping to fade. If you want the striping to last longer, use chlorinated rubber paint instead of waterborne paints. Chlorinated rubber is tough and durable paint that dries quickly. It performs better in a wide range of temperatures as compared to waterborne paints. Chlorinated rubber paint can also be applied in cool temperatures; therefore, it allows for striping well after the summer and fall seasons.
Water Infiltration
Water infiltration is the leading cause of parking lot asphalt deterioration. When water penetrates a parking lot’s surface during the summer months, it causes oxidation, leading to cracking in the surface, which is made up mostly of aggregates such as silica sand or limestone.
One way to prevent this is by ensuring that parking lot surfaces are sloped so that water is directed away from parking spaces. Leaving the parking surface flat or installing an impermeable material such as concrete will result in water pooling and ponding, leading to hydroplaning on asphalt pavement; these changes should be implemented before the summer begins.
Preemptive action will save your parking lot from possible deterioration during summer. The Pavement Group, serving clients in Richmond, WI, is a one-stop-shop for all your parking lot needs. Get a free pavement quote now.