Asphalt is a durable, long-lasting paving option, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not affected by the weather. Florida’s extreme heat, intense UV rays, and high rainfall all pose a triple threat for asphalt. While Floridians don’t need to worry about the damage extreme cold can do to asphalt, they do need to make sure to mitigate the effects of Florida’s heat, intense sunshine, and high rainfall on asphalt pavement.

Florida’s Climate and Asphalt
Florida’s extreme weather poses damage risks to asphalt pavement. The Sunshine State’s high temperatures and intense UV rays can cause a number of issues with asphalt. Common issues include:

  • Oxidation. Intense UV rays can break down asphalt’s surface on a chemical level, causing it to become brittle. This can lead to other problems, like cracking and raveling.
  • Cracking. High heat can cause asphalt to form cracks, especially pavements that see a lot of heavy traffic, such as parking lots.
  • Raveling. Raveling is the disintegration of the asphalt’s structure as the aggregates—the stones, gravel, and sand—are dislodged. This compromises the structure and the integrity of asphalt as a driving surface.
  • Tracking. This is when asphalt gets so hot that parts of it essentially turn back into a liquid-like state and can be “tracked” around by shoes, tires, and more.

Florida’s high rainfall in the summer months can also cause damage to asphalt. It can form pools in low spots, which can weaken the asphalt from repeated exposure to the water. It can also get down into cracks and at pavement edges and have an erosive effect on the asphalt.

Protecting Asphalt From Florida’s Climate
Protecting your asphalt from the wear and tear of Florida’s wet season, heat, and UV rays is as easy as having sealcoat applied to your asphalt pavement every few years. As an added bonus, regular sealcoating also protects your asphalt from damage from dust and debris and liquids like fluids from a vehicle. Having a reputable paving company perform sealcoating and other basic maintenance is a good idea as it can be a messy job!

Tucker Paving has over 25 years of experience in?the asphalt and concrete paving industry, and we offer sealcoating services as well.?Contact us online, or call us at?(863) 299-2262, for?assistance with?your next asphalt or concrete paving project!?