How Does Asphalt Oxidation Affect Florida Parking Lots?
One of the biggest perks of living on the Florida coast is that you can enjoy bright sunshine and warm temps throughout the majority of the year. While you might enjoy soaking up the sun on the beach, there can be a few drawbacks to all of the warm weather. Parking lots tend to bear the brunt of the heat as the sun beats down on the pavement. Understanding how asphalt oxidation affects parking lots makes it easier to see why you’ll need to plan for seal coating services.
Why Does Asphalt Oxidation Happen?
Oxidation occurs when the sun’s UV rays begin to create a chemical reaction within the asphalt that causes it to deteriorate. Most people have seen a similar process take place in the fading of car or exterior house paint. Unfortuantely, a parking lot gets no reprieve from the constant exposure to UV rays, since you can’t just put it in the garage. Once the oxidative process begins to break down the oils in the asphalt, it becomes more prone to wear and tear that affects its life span.
What Are the Signs of Asphalt Oxidation
Exposure to harsh heat and UV rays affects the entire surface of the parking lot, and one of the first areas where you might see this is in the color. Fading occurs as the materials begin to break down, and you may notice that the deep black shade of your lot is now taking on a gray hue. Parking lot striping also suffers from oxidation, and faded lines and markers are a sure sign that deeper damage is occurring below the surface. Continuing to ignore the problem leads to cracks that eventually develop into potholes.
How Can You Extend the Life of Florida Parking Lots?
The oxidative process typically starts off slowly, and arranging for asphalt sealcoating on a regular basis helps to further reduce how fast deterioration begins. Asphalt parking lot sealcoating places a protective layer over the surface of the pavement that reduces how much UV light can get through. A seal coat also helps to prevent water, oil and other fluids from penetrating through the surface where they can begin to cause more damage as they heat and cool. Most parking lots require sealcoating every two years, but you’ll want to consult with an asphalt contractor to find the right schedule for this essential maintenance service. Parking lots with a high rate of sun exposure, such as those lacking shade, may need care sooner.
Our team at Asphalt Care Services is ready to provide quality Treasure Coast asphalt sealcoating to reduce the effects of oxidation on pavement. Give us a call at 772-888-2840 for all of your asphalt repair and paving needs that include patching, sealcoating, thermoplastic line striping, speed bump installation, concrete bumpers and general maintenance. We also respond quickly when you email us at [email protected] or request a quote using our live chat option, so you don’t have to wait too long to restore your lot’s condition.
