Commercial Property Maintenance: How Summer Weather Affects Your Pavement
The temperature rises, the scents of barbecues and blooming flowers fill the air, and the signs are clear: Summer is officially here! You may not have considered it before, but much like us, your pavement reacts to the changing seasons. Just like how you shield yourself from the harsh summer sun with sunscreen, your pavement experiences its own version of sunburn. Unfortunately, there’s no such thing as sunscreen for your pavement.
Normal wear and tear coupled with extreme weather conditions can cause significant damage to your pavement and can cost you more in repairs in the long run. Understanding how summer weather affects your pavement is crucial, and E. Meier Contracting is here to help you maintain your commercial property throughout the season.
Summer Weather and Your Pavement
Summer weather, characterized by longer daylight hours and higher temperatures, presents challenges to commercial properties. Here are some ways summer weather can affect your pavement:
Heat
The summer heat can cause your pavement to expand and contract. This expansion can lead to buckling or cracking, especially in older or poorly constructed pavements. Heat can also soften the asphalt binder, making it more prone to deformation and rutting. The expansion and contraction cycles can weaken the pavement’s structural integrity over time.
UV Radiation
Sunlight contains ultraviolet (UV) radiation that can damage the pavement. UV rays can cause your pavement to fade and lose its original color, making it look dull. This not only affects the aesthetic appeal of your property but can also lead to structural damage over time. The sun’s rays can degrade the binder in asphalt pavement, causing it to become brittle and more susceptible to cracks and potholes.
Drying
Low humidity and high winds can dry out the moisture in your pavement, losing its flexibility. Drying can also affect the subgrade and base layers of your pavement, causing them to shrink and settle. This makes your pavement brittle and leads to the formation of cracks or widening of existing ones.
Traffic Load
Commercial properties often experience increased traffic during summer months due to vacationers, tourists, or seasonal businesses. Your pavement will have to handle the increased weight load and frequency of vehicles from higher traffic volumes, especially from heavy vehicles. This can exert additional stress on the pavement, accelerating wear and tear.
Water Damage
Summer thunderstorms and rain showers can also affect your pavement. Drainage issues can cause water to seep into your pavement and weaken its base layers. If the pavement has existing cracks or potholes, water can cause them to widen. This can lead to further pavement deterioration, including pothole formation and structural damage.
Oil and Chemical Spills
During summer, there is often an increase in vehicle maintenance and activity, which can result in oil and chemical spills on the pavement. Oil, gasoline, antifreeze, and other chemicals can stain and damage your pavement surface, causing it to deteriorate more quickly. Oil and chemical spills can also create slippery and hazardous conditions.
Maintaining your Pavement in Summer
Now that we’ve discussed how summer heat can be brutal on your pavement, let’s dive into some tips to ease your pavement maintenance worries.
Regular maintenance can help minimize the impact of summer weather on your pavement and extend its lifespan. A professional contractor like E. Meier can help assess your pavement’s current condition, provide recommendations for maintenance, and perform necessary repairs.
Here are some preventive measures to mitigate the effects of summer weather on your commercial property pavements:
Inspections
Conduct thorough inspections of the pavement to identify any damage or areas of concern. Look for cracks, potholes, surface deterioration, or signs of water damage. Regular inspections help catch issues early before they worsen.
E. Meier’s team of experts can come to your property to inspect the current pavement and provide recommendations for maintenance.
Sealcoating
Apply a sealcoat to your pavement every few years, or as recommended by professionals. This protective layer will shield your pavement from harmful elements like water, UV rays, and chemicals, prolonging its life and enhancing its appearance.
Sealcoating also restores the color and appearance of your pavement, making it look new and attractive. E. Meier Contracting coats your paved surface with a high-quality sealant to help extend the lifespan of your pavement.
Crack Sealing
Make crack sealing a priority. Crack sealing helps maintain the integrity of the pavement and prevents the cracks from widening. Fill and seal pavement cracks to stop water infiltration and further damage, maintaining your pavement’s structural integrity. Ensure you use the correct sealants for your pavement type and consult professionals for proper application.
E. Meier Contracting’s crack sealing services can help prevent further damage and keep your pavement looking its best. Our crack and seal crew fills cracks to prevent water from penetrating and prevent minor cracks from becoming major problems.
Drainage Maintenance
Regularly inspect and clean your drainage systems, including gutters, downspouts, storm drains, and catch basins. Clearing these systems of debris ensures effective water flow. Be vigilant for signs of poor drainage or grading issues, such as standing water on your pavement.
E. Meier Contracting can help you with drainage maintenance and improvement solutions that can enhance the performance and longevity of your pavement. Our team can ensure your drainage systems are functioning properly.
Surface Cleaning
Carry out regular surface cleaning to prevent oil and chemical spills from causing permanent damage. Use sweeping or pressure washing methods to remove debris, dirt, and contaminants. For stubborn stains or contaminants, consider using specialized cleaning equipment or techniques.
Regular Maintenance Schedule
Establish a regular maintenance schedule for your pavement. This should include periodic inspections, cleaning, sealcoating, and necessary repairs. A routine maintenance schedule helps identify and resolve issues early, extending the lifespan of your pavement and saving you money in the long run.
E. Meier Contracting can help you create a customized maintenance schedule that suits your needs and budget. We cover all aspects of your pavement care, from inspections to sealcoating to repairs.
Pavement Maintenance Isn’t as Daunting as You Think
Commercial property maintenance is crucial in ensuring your pavement can stand up to the heat while retaining its top-notch condition. This creates a safe and welcoming environment for employees, customers, and visitors.
Taking proactive steps in pavement maintenance can help lessen the impact of potential issues caused by harsh weather conditions. Partnering with a professional pavement maintenance company like E. Meier can offer you expert advice and customized solutions suited to your specific commercial property’s needs.
Both asphalt and concrete can last for many years, but only with the right care. Regular checks, applying protective layers, filling cracks, cleaning often, and ensuring good drainage are all key steps. Following these can help keep your pavement in good shape and save you from expensive repairs.
Reliable Paving Services for Summer and Beyond
At E. Meier Contracting, we understand the unique challenges that summer weather presents to your pavement. As a paving maintenance provider, we mend damaged curbs, potholes, asphalt maintenance, concrete work, and more. From repairing and replacing damaged drains to surface patches, our maintenance crew can make long-lasting repairs to your surfaces quickly and efficiently.
We’re here to help you navigate these challenges and keep your commercial property looking its best. We will come to your property to inspect the current pavement and provide recommendations with a detailed estimate.
With any paving, maintenance, and repair, connect with E. Meier to maintain your commercial property this summer and beyond.