The Sunshine State is well-known for its high temperatures, and those high temps can really do a number on your pavement. Thankfully, we don’t need to really worry about the destructive forces of cold temperatures and ice affecting our pavement in Florida, but heat can do a fair amount of damage as well. The Tucker Paving team has extensive knowledge of both asphalt and concrete pavement installation and maintenance in Florida, and we have some recommendations about mitigating how Florida’s high temperatures affect your pavement.
The Effects of Heat on Your Pavement
Like all things, temperature changes cause pavement to expand and contract, and the stress of that repeated movement in the pavement can eventually lead to cracks. Additionally, extreme temperature changes—when the temperatures rise or drop much more quickly than usual—are what cause the most damage. Very high and very low temperatures affect just about all construction materials in this way.
Another way temperature changes can cause problems with pavement is when there is a significant difference in temperature between two parts of the same pavement. This can occur when one portion of the pavement is shaded by trees or a structure, and another part of the pavement receives full sun.
The cracks that are caused by temperature changes are to be expected; the real problem is that those cracks allow water to get into pavement and break it down from inside and underneath the pavement.
Solutions for High Temperatures and Pavement
With Florida’s high temperatures in the summer months, there are no cost-effective ways to keep extreme heat from affecting your pavement. There is, however, maintenance that can be done to mitigate the effects of Florida’s high temperatures.
First, have your pavement installed correctly by a seasoned pavement company like Tucker Pavement. Pavement that is incorrectly installed will eventually have problems.
Secondly, it’s important to periodically inspect your pavement for issues like cracking, heaving, crumbling, and more. An expert pavement company can advise you on the best solutions for any issues your pavement has.
Lastly, performing regular maintenance, like sealcoating, will seal up cracks and keep water from getting inside the pavement. Sealcoating every two to five years is the best way to improve the longevity and curb appeal of your pavement.
Tucker Paving has over 25 years of experience in the concrete and asphalt paving construction industry, and we offer sealcoating, pavement resurfacing, and asphalt repair and replacement. Call us at (863) 299-2262, or contact us online, for your next project!
