The southern states experience no shortage of sunshine, and while this is great for nature lovers who enjoy outdoor activities, it can wreak havoc on the asphalt in your parking lot. This is unfortunate since you’re probably also dealing with the wear and tear of traffic on this busy parking patch.
It’s not like it’s a roadway, where you have to keep it in ship shape to account for high-speed travel, but when you start to get uneven wear, cracks, chips, and other damage, your patrons are sure to notice, and it could impact public opinion about the overall integrity of your location. How does the sun contribute to this damage, and what can you do to prevent it? Here’s what business owners need to know to protect their investment in paving.
Unfortunately, asphalt can swell and shrink as temperatures change, and this could contribute to issues like chips and cracks. In addition, your asphalt can take a beating from the sun’s UV rays, in particular. Over time, UV rays can break down the chemical bonds that hold asphalt together, causing cracking that can quickly turn catastrophic if left untreated. What are concerned business owners to do?
If, on the other hand, your asphalt is in good condition but aging, you might want to preempt potential harm by seal coating your pavement before damage can set in. The first sealant should be applied about a year after pavement is laid, when it’s 100% cured. From there, you should plan on resealing your asphalt every 2-3 years, depending on the level of usage. This is the best way to stave off the damage of UV rays and whatever other elements you have to deal with.
It’s not like it’s a roadway, where you have to keep it in ship shape to account for high-speed travel, but when you start to get uneven wear, cracks, chips, and other damage, your patrons are sure to notice, and it could impact public opinion about the overall integrity of your location. How does the sun contribute to this damage, and what can you do to prevent it? Here’s what business owners need to know to protect their investment in paving.
In the Hot Seat
Asphalt is beloved because of the marriage of flexible and durable features. It can last nearly as long as concrete without the same cost and hassle. It also helps to dampen noise and it’s easy to maintain and repair, whereas concrete must be replaced when major damage occurs.Unfortunately, asphalt can swell and shrink as temperatures change, and this could contribute to issues like chips and cracks. In addition, your asphalt can take a beating from the sun’s UV rays, in particular. Over time, UV rays can break down the chemical bonds that hold asphalt together, causing cracking that can quickly turn catastrophic if left untreated. What are concerned business owners to do?
Preventive Maintenance
Whether you’re starting to experience the effects of sun damage on your parking lot or you’re trying to stave off potentially expensive repairs and extend the life of your pavement, you’ll be happy to hear that there are options for keeping your asphalt pristine. If you’re already dealing with damage like cracks and chips, they can easily be repaired with crack sealing services, although extensive damage that has long gone untreated may call for more serious measures, such as resurfacing the asphalt.If, on the other hand, your asphalt is in good condition but aging, you might want to preempt potential harm by seal coating your pavement before damage can set in. The first sealant should be applied about a year after pavement is laid, when it’s 100% cured. From there, you should plan on resealing your asphalt every 2-3 years, depending on the level of usage. This is the best way to stave off the damage of UV rays and whatever other elements you have to deal with.
