How Weather Affects Your Asphalt: Seasonal Maintenance Tips

As is the case with most construction materials, asphalt is susceptible to wear from the environment. Patterson Paving, an asphalt company located in Phoenix, AZ, knows exactly how the different seasons of Phoenix impact your asphalt surfaces. The distinct seasons in Phoenix – from the relentless summer sun to severe downpours during monsoon – present multiple challenges to the durability of your asphalt if not properly maintained. In this post, we discuss the effects weather has on your asphalt, along with basic seasonal asphalt maintenance strategies to keep your asphalt healthy.

Why Weather Matters for Asphalt

Composed of aggregate stone, sand, asphalt cement, and other filler components, asphalt is a long-lasting construction material. However, it is highly susceptible to damage and weakening from exposure to relentless sun, rain, extreme cold, or heavy snowfall. The dry climate and scorching sun in Phoenix are detrimental, but the city’s sudden rain showers can be just as problematic. Knowing these consequences gives you the opportunity to take appropriate action in advance to protect your asphalt and save a lot of money on repairs.

At Patterson Paving, an asphalt company in Phoenix, AZ, we have encountered problems caused by poor weather-related maintenance, such as the development of cracks, potholes, and fading. With a bit of effort, you can preserve your asphalt while simultaneously keeping its appearance tidy year-round.

Summer: Battling the Heat

The Problem with Summer Heat

Summer in the Phoenix region is extremely hot, and the temperatures can reach above 100°F. Sustained exposure to heat can soften asphalt, making it riddled with ruts or indentations in highly trafficked locations, like parking lots. In addition, the asphalt binder is quite susceptible to fading and brittleness, and so is affected by the sun’s UV rays.

Summer Maintenance Tips

To make certain that your asphalt is well protected in summer, it all starts with trash. Make certain to clean it. Preventive maintenance begins with maintenance like sweeping the surface and removing loose trash, which, if left unattended, can hold excessive heat and be abrasive to the surface. In addition, consider applying a seal on a coat every two to three years. Sealcoating is as efficient as sunscreen and a protective layer against UV rays. A well-applied seal coat guarantees asphalt does not crack, and Patterson Paving, a knowledgeable asphalt contractor in Phoenix, Arizona, will assist you in adequately applying and maintaining the seal coat.

Avoid too long of heavy vehicle parking in the same location during peak summer months. This can result in pavement indentations from the weight of the vehicle due to the softened asphalt beneath. Make sure you fill small cracks immediately if they appear, as this can delay their expansion. Difficult as this may seem, placing asphalt in proper condition for the summer requires little effort.

Fall: Preparing for Cooler Weather

How Fall Affects Asphalt

The drop in temperature during the day in Phoenix is a welcome relief for asphalt after enduring summer and fall heat. In addition, it can also provide an increase in temperature during the night. This drastic change is not good for the asphalt as it can cause the material to expand and condense, resulting in movement in the material. If not taken care of properly, these movements can lead to small gaps on the surface. Aside from this, fall also means that debris that can hold moisture will accumulate. 

Fall Maintenance Tips

What makes this season great is the ability to repair and inspect asphalt easily. Remove debris such as dirt and leaves to eliminate potential moisture accumulation. Also, look for cracks and potholes and make sure to use reliable asphalt, patch, or crack filler for these gaps. The cooler fall weather makes doing the repairs much more pleasant and decreases the risk of bigger issues for the winter season.

The greatest times are for scheduling a professional inspection with Patterson Paving, a reputable asphalt company in Phoenix, Arizona. They also perform maintenance audits for asphalt pavements. It is advised to schedule an inspection as early as possible. During the fall, they can recommend preparatory services such as seal coating to improve the longevity of the asphalt. A proactive approach can mitigate costly repairs in the future during the peak-beat summer months.

Winter: Managing Rain and Cold

The Impact of Winter Weather

Even though winter in Phoenix is better than in most places, asphalt materials are still put under severe stress. Water-penetrating surface cracks can wreak havoc on asphalt. Although not too common, lower temperatures can make asphalt more brittle and break apart. An asphalt surface can also trap water temporarily, which will freeze and expand during the colder nights, resulting in ice potholes.

Winter Maintenance Tips

From a pothole problem, water needs to be drained away. Downspouts and drains should help prevent the water from collecting around the asphalt surface. If you have past experience where water has been stagnating around the surface, it can help vegetation grow, so the surface may need regrading to detach the surface from being too flat. Another point of action that needs to be taken is to ensure that surface seams are water-tight before expecting rain.

Should your asphalt exhibit signs of aging, it would be wise to reach out to Patterson Paving for professional repairs. We can also tackle potholes, seal cracks, and prepare your asphalt for winter. Regular winter maintenance will make sure your asphalt remains strong and robust. 

Spring: Refreshing Your Asphalt

Spring Weather Challenges

Spring in Phoenix comes with a rise in temperatures and one or two showers. Those can exacerbate issues such as cracks or potholes caused by winter. This season is also the one when vegetation reemerges. Therefore, roots can rise through soft spots in the asphalt and exacerbate the damage. 

Spring Maintenance Tips  

Kick off the spring season by giving your asphalt a thorough clean-up. A broom or pressure washer can be used to clear dirt, pollen, and any other debris. Clean the surface for any possible cracks, potholes, or root damage. If the issue is minor, DIY fix-it products will suffice. For more substantial issues, it is advisable to ask a professional.

If your asphalt hasn’t been sealed in a couple of years, spring is a good time to apply a fresh seal coat. Sealcoating is important because it protects against UV rays, water, and wear. It also helps maintain the appearance of the asphalt. Patterson Paving helps clients renew their asphalt with expert seal coating and repair services. This will prepare the asphalt for the hot summer months that are just around the corner.

Why Choose Patterson Paving?

Patterson Paving is a trusted asphalt company and professional in Phoenix, AZ, for homeowners and businesses because of the many years of experience it has in this field. As a leading asphalt company in Phoenix, AZ, Patterson Paving maintains maximum care for its customers and ensures their satisfaction. We are committed to providing long-lasting services and Operations using quality materials and effective methods.

Our team will assist you with any of your requirements, like seal coating, crack filling, or complete asphalt replacement. Visit our website, Patterson Paving, for further details of the services offered and consultation booking. Giving like adequate maintenance will help in preserving the asphalt in enduring the climate of Phoenix while looking elegant for years to come.

Final Thoughts

An appropriate maintenance schedule enables one to withstand the elements and helps preserve the driveway, parking lot, or road. Also, seasonal maintenance is provided, and working with asphalt experts like Patterson Paving shields one from the need for significant renovations down the road. Applying such saves costs and mess in the future. Start with a physical inspection of the asphalt today.