The hot sun can be harmful to your asphalt pavement. That’s because asphalt is a petroleum-based product and it starts to soften and lose its integrity when the temperatures reach over 250 degrees Fahrenheit. This can lead to extensive damage to the pavement, as the hot asphalt will start to break down and become very brittle. The asphalt itself will start to melt, and this can cause significant puddling on the surface of the pavement. Moreover, if the temperatures are high enough, the asphalt can even start to vaporize, which can cause even more damage to the pavement.
So what types of damage can extreme heat do on asphalt? Read more to find out.
If It Gets Too Hot, The Asphalt Surface Will Start To Show These Damages
The most common types of damage that extreme heat can do to your asphalt pavement are:
- Burning The Surface Of The Asphalt – This can cause the top layer of asphalt to wear away, exposing the underlying pavement. This can also lead to a decrease in the strength and durability of the asphalt, making it more susceptible to cracks and potholes.
- Softening The Asphalt – This can cause the pavement to become more susceptible to rutting, potholes, and other types of damage.
- Warping The Asphalt – This can cause the pavement to buckle and heave, creating trip hazards and making it difficult to drive on.
- Discoloration – This can make your pavement look faded and old, and can also lead to staining from oil, gas, and other chemicals.
- Degrading The Asphalt Binder – This can cause the asphalt to become brittle and break down over time, leading to cracking, potholing, and other types of damage.
- Oxidizing The Asphalt – This can cause the pavement to become hard and brittle, making it more susceptible to cracking and potholes.
- Damaging The Asphalt Sealer – This can cause the pavement to become dull and faded, and can also lead to staining and discoloration.
- Harming The Asphalt Surface – This can cause the pavement to become rougher and more uneven, making it difficult to drive on and increasing the risk of damage to your vehicle.
- Compressing The Asphalt – This can cause the pavement to become denser and harder, making it more susceptible to cracking and potholes.
- Weakening The Asphalt – This can cause the pavement to become more susceptible to damage from traffic, weather, and other factors.
Will Spraying Water On Asphalt Help
The answer to this question is a little more complicated than a simple yes or no. In some cases, spraying water on hot asphalt can help to cool it down and prevent further damage. In other cases, however, spraying water can actually make the problem worse.
If the asphalt is hot because of the sun’s heat, spraying water on it can help to cool it down. However, if the asphalt is hot because of a fire, spraying water on it can cause the asphalt to expand and crack.
In general, it is best to avoid spraying water on hot asphalt unless you are sure that it will not make the problem worse because experts usually recommend doing this when the asphalt is freshly paved. If you are unsure, it is best to consult with a professional before taking any action.
What Can You Do To Alleviate The Effects Of Hot Weather On Your Asphalt Pavement
Extreme heat can cause a variety of damage to asphalt pavement. One way to alleviate the effects of extreme heat on the asphalt pavement is to install an asphalt shingle reflector. This will help reflect the sun’s rays and keep the surface cooler.
Another way to help protect your asphalt pavement from extreme heat is to regularly apply a sealcoat. This will create a barrier between the sun’s rays and the pavement, helping to prevent deterioration.
If you live in an area that experiences extreme heat, it is important to take measures to protect your asphalt pavement. By taking these simple steps, you can help ensure that your pavement will last for many years to come.
What Types Of Repair Techniques You Can Avail To Address These Issues Due To Extreme Heat
If you are experiencing any of these damages on your asphalt surface, there are a few repairs that you can do to address the issue.
For cracks, you will want to use a sealant in order to prevent water and other debris from entering and causing further damage. In short, you have to perform sealcoating after filling the cracks.
For potholes, you will want to fill them with an appropriate material such as asphalt patching mix. There are a few types of patching materials that can be used when repairing asphalt. The most common type is asphalt patching mix, which is made up of aggregate and asphalt cement. This type of mix is used to fill potholes and other small damages.
Another type of material that can be used is a slurry seal. This is a mixture of water, asphalt emulsion, and aggregate. It is typically used to fill cracks that are larger than 1/4 inch in width.
Additionally, raveling is when the surface of the asphalt begins to break down and crumble. This can be caused by a number of things, but the most common cause is water damage. In order to repair raveling, you will need to reseal the surface. You can use a sealcoat to help bind the loose particles together and prevent further damage.
Last but not least, there is the cold patch. This type of material is made up of either aggregate or asphalt that has been mixed with a binding agent. A cold patch can be used to fill both small and large damages.
If you are unsure of what type of damage your asphalt is experiencing, it is always best to consult with a professional in order to get an accurate diagnosis and determine the best course of action.
If you are in need of repairs for your worn-out asphalt, be sure to contact the experts. They will be able to help you determine the best course of action and repair the issue correctly. Check out Houston’s trusted paving company, A1 Construction Services to know the kind of repair your need for your sun-damaged asphalt.