Asphalt is designed to be tough! It can last for decades, making for an effective, reliable, and low-cost driveway. But this does not mean it is immune to the woes of wear and tear. Especially in the drastically different seasonal climates we experience here in Toronto. You know how to protect your driveway in the Winter, but what happens in the Summer? Where blue skies, dry air, and hot weather make their mark.
Hot Weather Can Lead To Drier, Weaker Pavement
Asphalt binding agents begin to break down and dry out when exposed to UV light and high heat. This is known as oxidation, and leaves the remaining surface brittle and more susceptible to breakage. Since the material also becomes less flexible, it is more likely to crack under pressure. This accelerates overall wear and tear, inviting the opportunity for serious water infiltration when it rains or when it snows! Luckily, sealing your asphalt driveway every 2 to 3 years will form a protective barrier. Keeping the true asphalt surface below strong, fresh, and flexible.
Asphalt Experiences Heat Expansion
When it’s cold, asphalt contracts. And when it gets warm out, it begins to expand. Too much expansion, however, can cause the edges of the pavement to curl, cause cracks to be pulled further apart, or even lead to new cracks due to the shifting surface. Unfortunately, this heat affect is not as easy to prevent as the other issues. So any damages that were caused from the summer should be repaired as soon as possible when the Fall rolls around. Just be sure to address any damages before the freezing temperatures come in.
High Heat Can Lead To Tracking
Though it’s designed to withstand high temperatures, an extremely hot day can soften the surface to the point where small flecks of asphalt adhere to shoes, tires, and anything else moving across the surface. Tracking may also occur when the curing of a new surface is delayed by hot and humid conditions. Luckily, searing temperatures are quite rare in our neck of the woods!
Don’t Get The Summer Blues!
No matter the season, asphalt wear and tear is perfectly normal. It is also easily solved with the proper maintenance schedule and attention. Epic Paving provides exceptional asphalt paving and installation, repair services, and more. Don’t hesitate to contact our qualified team of professionals today at 416-701-1881 or info@epicpaving.ca.
