How Seasonal Weather Affects Your Vermont Asphalt

Asphalt is a sticky, black, highly viscous liquid or semi-solid form of petroleum. Asphalt is primarily used for the construction of roads and pavements, where it's used as a glue mixed with construction aggregate particles to create asphalt concrete. For residential purposes, asphalt is common for paving driveways. Although asphalt seems very strong on the surface, it does have its Achilles heel. Asphalt is sensitive to both cold and hot temperatures. Extreme temperatures and continuous change in temperatures are the primary cause of surface cracks. 

Here are a few ways in which the seasonal weather can affect asphalt:

Affect Of Cold Temperatures On Vermont Asphalt

Did you know that when the temperature drops outside, the temperature inside the asphalt stays relatively warm?  The changes in temperature of the surface lead to subsequent expansion and contraction of the asphalt concrete, resulting in the formation of cracks. Furthermore, when water seeps through these cracks and freezes inside them, it expands the cracks resulting in the creation of small potholes on the surface.

Affect Of Hot Temperatures On Vermont Asphalt

If you live in a tropical area, you have evaded the problem of water freezing inside the cracks. However, excessive heat can cause cracks, as well. The water does not freeze inside but seeps through these cracks and starts eroding the subsurface layers of the asphalt. The process of water flowing through small gaps gradually creates significant gaps and fills them with air. If the pavement above these gaps experiences any pressure, such as the weight of a vehicle passing over it,  the asphalt might sag and collapse, which forms a pothole.

Affect Of Rain On Vermont Asphalt

In areas of heavy rain, the asphalt slowly erodes off the surface of the roads, pavements, and driveways, leaving behind bare rocks and cracks on the surface. If the rainwater seeps through the cracks, it erodes the subsurface layers with its continuous flow. With time, the water flowing through the cracks increases the gaps between the layers, and with the smallest pressure, the surface can collapse.

Whether it is hot, cold, or raining, the weather damages the asphalt. Thus, with the changes in the weather, proper care must be ensured of the road. Seal the asphalt on your driveways every few years, which helps protect it from damage by adding extra protection to the surface layer. An additional layer of asphalt on the top stops the water from entering into the cracks and increases the durability of the roads, pavements, and driveways.

Any cracks or holes that emerge must be repaired on an urgent basis as they impose a threat on the pedestrians and the cars that are passing over them. Even the smallest of cracks must not be ignored and must be fixed at the quickest to stop the water from penetrating further into the cracks.

If you have cracks or holes in your Vermont asphalt that require immediate resurfacing services, contact our experts at Gray's Paving & Asphalt Plant today.