How Do the Las Vegas Seasons Affect Your Asphalt Pavement?

When most people think about severe weather causing damage to asphalt pavement, they envision a winter scene that features a roadway covered by several inches of ice and with snow piled up on both shoulders. Although Las Vegas once received 12 inches of snow, that was in 1909, and since then, measurable accumulations have been much more modest and notably rare. However, you might be surprised that the winters in Vegas can still inflict damage on your asphalt parking lot. You might also be surprised to learn that winter is not the only season that can heavy toll on your pavement. Fortunately, most of the seasonal damage can be mitigated with professional parking lot maintenance.

How Can Las Vegas Winters Harm Your Pavement?

When contractors in Las Vegas mention that water is a major contributor to the early demise of asphalt pavement, their customers often look puzzled. In a city that averages less than an inch of precipitation during the rainiest month of the year, how could rain possibly be a problem for a pavement that has the waterproofing qualities of asphalt? The answer lies in what happens to water when it freezes, an event that happens an average of 16 times each winter. As you probably know, water expands when it freezes. As long as the water stays on the surface of the pavement, the thin layer of ice that Las Vegas receives periodically will not do much damage. However, if there are cracks in the pavement that allow water to penetrate to the foundation, the water can destabilize it. If the water freezes while it is trapped, its expansion can cause additional damage to the foundation. Furthermore, the pressure of the ice can cause the pavement to crack. It does not take a lot of water to set the wheels of destruction in motion.

How Can Las Vegas Summers Harm Your Pavement?

Although winter is the riskiest season for asphalt pavement in many cities, summer is typically the riskiest for asphalt pavement in Las Vegas. On average, the temperature reaches 100 degrees Fahrenheit on 74 days and more than 90 degrees on an additional 60 days during a typical Las Vegas summer. On these days, the temperature of the pavement can range between 135 and 160 degrees Fahrenheit. For comparison, at 131 degrees, the pavement is hot enough to fry an egg or inflict a second-degree or even a third-degree burn on a human. Those temperatures are also sufficient to create soft spots in asphalt pavement. Tires driving across these areas can remove chunks of asphalt.

The numerous days of bright sunlight can also take a toll on asphalt pavement. Asphalt pavement is held together by a binder that can be dried out by the sun’s rays. Once the binder is robbed of its moisture, the pavement becomes brittle, substantially accelerating the deterioration of the pavement. The UV rays will also turn the rich, dark, lustrous color of new asphalt pavement into a dingy, dirty gray.

How Can Las Vegas Property Owners Protect Their Asphalt Pavements?

If you want to protect your asphalt pavement from the weather and extend the life of your asset, you need to ensure that it receives the maintenance that is required.

1. Professional asphalt sealcoating is a surprisingly economical procedure that gives asphalt paving an extra layer of protection. Sealcoating Las Vegas pavements is a wise move because sealants block damaging UV rays and provide protection against damage from vehicles. Sealants also enhance the pavement’s appearance by restoring its beautiful color. However, asphalt sealing is a procedure that needs to be repeated periodically, so be sure to ask your contractor to recommend an appropriate schedule.

2. Crack repairs are also necessary if you want to protect your pavement. It is a good idea to have a credible contractor inspect your pavement twice a year and repair any cracks. The best times to schedule crack repairs are the spring and the fall.

If you need help to maintain your asphalt pavement, Affordable Striping & Sealing is ready to help. We offer a variety of services, including sealcoating, parking lot striping and pavement marking, crack repairs, parking lot design and layout, traffic signs, road markings and bumper blocks. We are known for our dedication to customer service, our superior work, and our affordable prices. For a free quote, submit our form online or call us at 702-222-9009.

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