We've had scorching temperatures this summer. Have you been protecting your asphalt parking lot from excessive heat and UV rays?
As your local asphalt contractor, we provide a range of services to help maintain the condition of your parking lot.
Here’s how high temperatures affect your .
Faded Line Striping
Parking lot striping is important because it shows drivers where to park their vehicles. Likewise, it's just as important for pedestrian crossings, fire lanes, and handicap spaces to be clearly marked. The problem is that UV rays from the sun can quickly fade asphalt and pavement markings.
Asphalt sealcoating protects your parking lot from UV rays, precipitation, and automobile fluids. That way, you can protect the surface of your parking lot year-round.
Once we sealcoat a parking lot, the faded gray asphalt will take on a rich black color. But keep in mind that the sealcoat layer will also cover any pre-existing pavement markings.
For this reason, you’ll need to invest in new line striping after our crew applies a fresh layer of asphalt sealer. The crisp lines will stand out from the black asphalt, which will help improve parking lot safety and curb appeal.
Weakened Pavement
If pavement is allowed to weaken from UV rays, water can seep into the foundation to cause permanent damage. The best way to protect your parking lot is to invest in asphalt sealcoating every 2 to 3 years.
The forms a protective layer against the elements so you can avoid premature parking lot replacement. UV rays can be just as harmful as snow and ice when underestimated.
More Cracks and Potholes
Asphalt contracts and expands with fluctuating temperatures. Since asphalt expands in high temperatures, you might notice more cracks and potholes in your parking lot. Rigid pavement has been known to buckle under high temperatures. Fortunately, we offer asphalt repair so you can protect the property value and curb appeal of your commercial building.
We highly recommend you repair cracks and potholes before the autumn chill. Otherwise, your asphalt parking lot will contract with cold temperatures and cause even more damage to the surface of your pavement.
Once we start getting closer to fall, we start to see more damage from harsh freeze-thaw cycles. Make sure you're prepared by repairing cracks and potholes now.
Related: How to Prepare Asphalt Parking Lots for Winter
Water Infiltration
Depending on larger weather patterns, we may get more rain during the summer. If you don't have proper drainage, you may notice standing water in the middle of your parking lot. The longer you ignore persistent puddles, the more likely you could risk water infiltration and permanent damage to your parking lot's foundation.
If you have water sitting in your parking lot days after it rains, call A-1 Asphalt as soon as possible. We can slope the surface of your asphalt parking lot so water drains away. We'll also be able to repair parking lot cracks caused by the summer heat. That way, water won't be able to seep into these cracks the next time it rains.
Request a Free Estimate With Us
As your local asphalt contractor in Grand Rapids, MI, we work hard to earn your business. We provide a full range of services to help you maintain the look and function of your asphalt parking lot. To request a free estimate for asphalt repair, call A-1 Asphalt, Inc. at (800) 871-4401.
This blog post has been updated.