Asphalt is an important part of the infrastructure of any state, and Florida is no exception. Approximately 99 percent of Florida’s highways are asphalt, and the pavement needs to be durable. While The Sunshine State doesn’t have to worry so much about the freeze-thaw cycle like states to the north, there are factors in Florida like strong UV rays, an intense rainy season, and heavy traffic to contend with. Tucker Paving has been laying asphalt in Florida for almost three decades, and we know the importance of installing durable asphalt. There are many different factors that can affect the durability of asphalt.

Factors That Affect Asphalt Durability

The following factors all affect the durability of asphalt:

  1. Installation Quality. This is the most important factor in how long asphalt will last. If asphalt paving was installed incorrectly, then it will not last long at all. In a short amount of time, you’ll start to see cracks, standing water, unevenness, potholes, and other signs of asphalt degradation. It is of the utmost importance to hire a paving company that has a lot of experience, the necessary expertise, and a reputation for doing quality work if you want asphalt pavement to last.
  2. The Thickness of the Pavement. Asphalt is made up of a base and multiple layers; the number of layers necessary will depend on the load-bearing needs of the asphalt pavement. If asphalt is too thin, then it will not hold up under heavy loads and stress from the environment. Again, a seasoned asphalt paving company will know how to assess the needs of the pavement and build the asphalt pavement to meet and exceed those needs.
  3. Adequate Drainage. Water is one of the enemies of asphalt; it will degrade asphalt quickly if there is improper drainage. There should be no standing water, nor water that undercuts the asphalt pavement as it runs off. Hiring an asphalt pavement company that also installs utility and sewage lines is important, as they will best know how to install both components—asphalt pavement and drainage features—so that the asphalt has a long life.
  4. Weather and Climate. The weather and climate that asphalt is subjected to will also affect the durability of the pavement. In Florida, strong UV rays oxidize and degrade asphalt faster than in areas with weaker UV rays, and Florida’s wet, humid climate can also affect how long asphalt pavement will last. Regular maintenance, such as sealcoating, will ensure that the asphalt pavement lasts.
  5. Traffic Load. Heavy traffic loads—both a high volume of vehicles and traffic made up of heavy vehicles—can cause wear and tear stress on asphalt pavement. Asphalt pavement that will see heavy loads will require a thicker pavement and more maintenance.

Tucker Paving has nearly three decades’ worth of experience in the concrete and asphalt paving construction industry. We provide earthworks, site clearing, site grading, stabilized subgrade, base work, asphalt paving, underground utilities, and concrete curbs, sidewalks, slabs, and tie-beams. Call us at (863) 299-2262, or contact us online, for your next project!