California’s diverse climate is known for its extremes, ranging from scorching heat in the desert to cool, damp conditions along the coast.
These weather patterns have a significant impact on the durability and longevity of asphalt surfaces throughout the state.
Let’s explore the effects of California weather on asphalt and discuss how property owners and municipalities can mitigate these effects to ensure the longevity of their asphalt infrastructure.
How Does California Weather Affect Asphalt?
Southern California weather is bad news for asphalt.
Heat and ultraviolet rays from the sun can cause various types of damage to asphalt surfaces.
High Temperatures and Heat
California experiences hot summers, particularly in inland areas and desert regions. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures and intense sunlight can lead to several detrimental effects on asphalt. This can cause the top layer of asphalt to heat up faster than the lower layers, increasing the risk of cracks, potholes, soft spots, depressions, and stress fractures.
UV Rays
Asphalt pavement in Southern California is exposed to an average of 284 days of sunshine every year, which includes harmful UV rays. Heat and UV radiation causes the binder in asphalt to oxidize and become brittle, leading to cracking and surface degradation.
Rutting
A combination of heavy traffic and high temperatures can soften the asphalt, causing it to deform under the weight of vehicles, resulting in ruts and depressions.
Winter Moisture
In contrast to the hot summers, California experiences wet winters, especially along the coast. Winter rainfall and freezing temperatures can infiltrate cracks, causing minor imperfections to expand.
Measures to Prevent Asphalt Damage and Erosion in California
To extend the life of your pavement, regular preventive maintenance is essential.
As a premium paving contractor in Jurupa Valley, CA, Navarro Paving in offers a variety of preventive and repair services to increase the strength of your pavement and keep it looking as good as new.
Our services include:
Crack Sealing
This service prevents the spread of existing cracks in your pavement. By sealing small hairline cracks, we can increase the lifespan of your pavement and prevent water and debris from exacerbating small cracks in your asphalt surface.
Sealcoating
Sealcoating provides a jet-black finish to your asphalt pavement and protects it against the damaging effects of UV rays. Not only does this make your surface look brand new, but it makes it last longer, too.
Lot Marking
Lot Marking is the process of re-striping your parking lot with new markings to ensure clear and organized traffic flow. This service replaces faded, cracked parking stripes and helps to restore the visual aesthetic of your parking lot. It is recommended to re-stripe every two years to maintain the clarity and safety of your parking lot.
Protect Your Asphalt from California Weather with Navarro Paving
The diverse weather patterns in California pose unique challenges to asphalt surfaces. The intense heat, UV radiation, heavy traffic, rainfall, and seismic activity can all impact the durability and longevity of asphalt.
To mitigate these effects, prioritize proactive maintenance, including regular seal coating, crack sealing, proper drainage, and prompt Southern California asphalt repairs.
As a local company, we understand and address the effects of California weather on asphalt. Our services ensure safer, more durable, and longer-lasting asphalt surfaces throughout Southern California.
