Why Summer is the Best Season for Asphalt Paving

Summer is here and the temperatures keep getting warmer, so now is the time complete commercial paving projects. Maybe you need a parking lot seal coated, maybe repairs are needed on a roadway in your shopping center, or perhaps you want to expand your business and now need more sidewalk and parking lot space. Whatever the reason for your yearly paving project, summer is definitely the best season to get it done. Let’s take a closer look at some reasons why summer is the ideal time for asphalt paving.

Longer Setting Times

Summer is a great time to lay asphalt because it gives pavement contractors more daylight to work with to allow asphalt to set properly. The heat in summer months keeps asphalt from hardening too quickly which can be a huge problem during winter months. When the asphalt is allowed longer times to set and cure paving crews get a longer time to flatten and smooth out the asphalt whether it’s with a steam roller or by hand with a rake or hand-controlled compactor. Longer summer daylight hours also mean there is more time to work safely, easily, and cost effectively. Many pavement contractors will charge higher costs for working in the dark or at night due to the increased risk.

Faster Drying Times

After laying asphalt, especially for parking lots and driveways, sealant is applied by the paving crew. Sealant does exactly what its name implies: it coats the pavement in a breathable, durable, protective shell. This shell enables the asphalt to be used for longer by essentially weatherproofing it. The sealcoat plugs pores and tiny holes in the asphalt that would normally allow water and other solvents in. Asphalt absorbs sealant better in warmer temperatures versus cold asphalt and normally takes about one to three days to dry — depending on the humidity and temperature. Adding the sealcoat during the summer months will go quickly while providing long-term protection from damage that can occur from liquids and damage that tends to happen during the winter months.

Cost Effective

Perhaps you need several asphalt surfaces installed or resurfaced. For example, if you own a business and would like to put in a new asphalt parking lot, driveway and blacktop all at the same time. If you choose to start these projects in the summer when daylight hours are longer, the crew you hire may be able to group all the projects into a shorter number of days. Likewise, with just one project and longer days, multiple jobs can be worked on and even finished in less time. Summer is also one of the most reliable paving times when it comes to the weather. There are more steady days of no rain, and warm, and consistent weather which make it ideal for planning and executing paving and asphalt jobs. Less inclement weather is good for any construction project which helps to get work done within budget.

Contact us at (443) 304-2237 for a free estimate or if you have any questions about your summer commercial paving project.