Asphalt Pavement Maintenance Tips for Summer

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The heat and humidity of summer in the Carolinas can really do a number on your asphalt pavement. Heat can soften, warp or expand unsealed asphalt pavement. Expansion can cause cracking that allows water infiltration to occur. To keep everything looking and performing well, here are your asphalt pavement maintenance tips for summer.

1. Address cracks right away –

Cracks can grow and expand in the heat. Water can infiltrate your pavement through the cracks and cause further damage or even mold and mildew growth due to humidity. Seal wide cracks with asphalt mastic and seal small cracks with a high quality, durable sealcoat like Pitch Black®.

2. Check for oil and gas leaks –

Oil and gas can be damaging to pavement surfaces, especially when exposed to harmful UV radiation. The worst offender is diesel fuel, which not only corrodes asphalt but is also highly flammable.

3. Watch for pooling water –

After it rains, check the pavement for areas where water pools. These are depressed or indented areas, usually caused by consistent, repeated pressure (like parking a car in the exact same spot all day every day). Depressed areas can worsen in the heat and eventually crack, allowing water to infiltrate so it’s important to remedy them.

4. Check for loose gravel –

Loose gravel can indicate a structural failure and crumbling asphalt. As with the other items on this list, summer heat, humidity and rains can make this issue worse. Address any crumbling quickly before the summer conditions can worsen it.

5. Look for discoloration –

Discolored asphalt is asphalt that is in need of protection. When asphalt fades to light grey or even white, it has aged and is more prone to cracking, crumbling, indentation, water infiltration and structural failure. It also loses the fresh black look it had when it was new.

6. Seal against heat damage –

Applying a high-quality sealcoat like Pitch Black not only renews the look of your asphalt pavement, it also protects against damaging UV rays, extreme heat, humidity and heavy rains. Sealcoating is one of the top preventative maintenance things you can do to protect your asphalt pavement.

Summer weather conditions are hard on asphalt pavement. The key to keeping your asphalt performing and looking good is a good prevention strategy. Regular checks for the issues in this list, fast repairs, cleaning and sealcoating are your best defense against the intense summer weather. Keep these asphalt pavement maintenance tips for summer handy and if you need anything to maintain, repair or sealcoat your pavement, EcoShield Asphalt Products has you covered.