After installation, you may be wondering how the summer heat can impact your asphalt driveway. The hot temperatures from the summer sun can modify the asphalt. Read on to learn how summer heat can impact your asphalt driveway. 

More Sun, More Asphalt Oxidation

Asphalt oxidation is when the sun’s UV rays provoke a chemical reaction within the asphalt. This will minimize the binding oils within the asphalt and weaken the asphalt’s structural sturdiness. Moreover, oxidation will cause your driveway to become less flexible. An inelastic driveway is prone to buckles, cracks, and failure.

So, as more UV radiation occurs, the oxidation becomes more severe. Then, it gradually progresses to deep potholes or cracks. As a result, it will destroy the asphalt construction. In addition, asphalt oxidation can happen because the asphalt is aging after 20 or 30 years. But the sun’s heat can accelerate your driveway’s deterioration.

Summer Heat Forms Asphalt Cracks

Cracking is also another way the summer heat can impact your asphalt driveway. However, cracking can form due to thermal changes within the asphalt. For instance, the asphalt in your driveway expands during the day’s heat and contracts when the temperature lowers at night. This expansion and contraction of the asphalt can produce cracks on your driveway and even buckle up.

Also, cracking can occur with old asphalt and newly installed asphalt if there wasn’t an accurate installation or regular maintenance. Unfortunately, asphalt cracking can produce additional issues, such as rainwater penetrating the crack openings. Additionally, frequent water penetration will damage the subbase of your asphalt driveway.

Excess Moisture Entering Cracks

Furthermore, excessive water penetrating the cracks can damage the asphalt mixture. The asphalt will ravel with the aggregate and soil and damage the driveway. In addition, raveling can happen due to improper compaction or aggregate separation. Note that the asphalt will weaken as more cracks develop. Plus, you may discover settling or base failure from water penetration within the gaps.

Ready For Professional Help with Your Asphalt Driveway?

Call Tristate Paving. We’re a seasoned hardscaping company based in Maryland and have the experience and knowledge to help you turn your backyard into the perfect retreat quickly and affordably. Our experts will work with you to find a design and layout for the outdoor kitchen and dining area that you’re sure to love for years and years to come.

Our area numbers are:

West Chester: 610.563.9456

Oxford: 610.932.3566

Delaware: 302.757.4100

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Tags: asphalt driveway, asphalt paving in Maryland, residential asphalt paving

This entry was posted on Thursday, May 19th, 2022 at 2:40 pm and is filed under Asphalt Paving. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.