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How Does Weather Affect Your Pavement?

Asphalt and concrete are both tough and can be constructed to survive some rather harsh environmental conditions, but that doesn't make them invincible. If you are about to have part of your property paved, such as for a driveway, consider all of the weather phenomena that the paving will endure. That will help you both choose the right type of pavement material and watch out for risky conditions on those extreme days.

Rain, Moisture, Ice, and Frost Heave

Among the most basic issues are the effects of moisture and freezing temperatures on concrete and asphalt. Moisture can seep into both, freeze, expand, and create cracks, thus ruining your nice, smooth surface. Frost heave underneath the pavement can also cause the soil to move upward, taking some of that pavement with it.

Whichever paving material you use needs to be sealed and the base properly prepared. Without these two steps, your paved patio, driveway, walkway, or other area could soon be destroyed by just a little ice.

Extreme Heat, Tire Blowouts, and Asphalt Bleeding

Also of concern is the effect of extreme heat. Asphalt is available in forms that are rated to withstand extreme heat (witness the asphalt roads in places like Palm Springs and Phoenix that don't melt even when the temperatures top 120F), but if you get the wrong rating, you could have problems. Plus, even if you have the right rating, you need to be aware of how the heat and surface will interact with your car tires. 

First of all, very hot, sunny weather is going to make the asphalt and concrete very hot. If it gets hot enough, your tires could blow out, so this is a concern for paved driveways. It would be a good idea to install a carport (even a temporary tent) during hot weather to protect the surface on which your car will rest.

One other issue to watch out for is asphalt bleeding. This is when an oily substance seeps out of the asphalt during extreme heat. This doesn't hurt the asphalt but can make the surface slippery, which you should keep in mind when walking across it.

Local paving contractors should have the correct types of concrete and asphalt for your region, but still talk to them about what you need and what you'll use the paved surface for. This will help both of you choose the right material and make the paved surface safer.