Can Your Pavement Handle The Heat?
Most people understand that pavement takes a lot of abuse. Just the sheer size of vehicles and semi-trucks put a lot of weight on a surface, sometimes as much as several tons. Then there is the constant assault from chemicals such as oils and gasoline. While most people understand that weather impacts the durability of pavement, you might not know just how large that impact can be.
At NVM Paving & Concrete, our technicians know that heat and cold as well as moisture, are tough on parking lots. For this reason, we employ talented professionals that strive to lay down the best asphalt and concrete surfaces to give your pavement the best possible chance.
The Impact of Temperature Swings
Basic physics says that pavement expands when heated and contracts when cooled. This has serious implications for a parking lot or other paved surfaces. In the DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia areas, temperatures approach the 90s or higher in the summer and dip below freezing in the winter. Just as importantly, thanks to micro temperatures across a parking surface due to shade and other factors, different sections of pavement heat and cool at different times.
All of this can lead to imperfections in the pavement. Uneven heating and cooling allow a variety of blemishes to develop:
- Cracking
- Warping
- Expanding segments
- Potholing
Over time if not addressed, these imperfections worsen. As water gets into small cracks, freezes, and then expands, minor issues become large problems.
The Solution to Bad Weather
Getting the most out of a paving job depends upon several factors. The first is making sure the job is done professionally from the start. The second step is performing routine inspections on the property to detect problems, especially in the middle of summer and winter. The third step is to make sure professional routine maintenance is used on all minor cracks.
At NVM Paving & Concrete, we do superior work throughout the lifespan of the pavement. Call 703-423-0471 or email us today to learn more!