When it comes to asphalt paving, timing isn’t just a minor detail—it’s a critical factor for success. Among the seasons, summer stands out as the ideal time for laying down new asphalt or repairing existing pavements.
Here’s why summer is the best season for you to contact an experienced asphalt paving contractor:
Optimal Temperature Conditions
Firstly, asphalt needs the right temperature to properly settle and cure. Summer provides these optimal conditions. Asphalt mix is hot when applied, typically around 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
For effective compaction and settling, the outdoor temperature plays a pivotal role. Summer weather, with its warm days, ensures that the asphalt remains pliable longer. This extra time is crucial for workers to spread and level the material before it cools and hardens.
Longer Daylight Hours
More daylight means more work hours. Summer days are longer, providing additional daylight for crews to work with. This is not just about the number of hours in a day; it’s about the quality of visibility during these hours. Better light improves safety for workers, which is a top priority on any construction site.
Moreover, longer daylight hours allow for larger areas to be paved in one go, reducing the number of seams in the pavement. This results in a smoother finish and a structurally sound pavement.
Consistent Weather Patterns
Summer is famous for its predictability in weather conditions, especially in temperate regions. Rainfall is typically less frequent and less intense during the summer months, which is ideal for paving.
Water can severely disrupt the paving process. It cools the asphalt too quickly and can undermine the newly laid layers, leading to weakened pavements. Clear, dry summer days provide the stability needed to plan and execute paving projects without unexpected delays.
Faster Curing Time
The heat of summer not only facilitates the laying of asphalt but also accelerates its curing time. Curing is essential for asphalt to achieve its full strength and durability. In colder conditions, asphalt takes longer to cure, which can delay the subsequent stages of construction and the overall project timeline.
Hence, summer temperatures help asphalt to cure faster, ensuring that roads and pavements are ready for use sooner, reducing overall traffic disruption and inconvenience.
Better For The Environment
Asphalt paving in summer can be more environmentally friendly. The quick curing time reduces the period during which harmful VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) are emitted into the atmosphere. Since the asphalt sets faster due to higher temperatures, the overall impact on air quality is reduced. Also, with better compaction and fewer repairs needed over time, the total amount of materials used and waste generated can decrease, contributing to sustainability in construction practices.
Better Long-term Results
Paving in the summer can lead to better long-term results. Asphalt laid during warm weather tends to have fewer surface cracks and less susceptibility to early damage.
This is because the asphalt mixture is able to achieve denser and more uniform compaction when the air and ground temperatures are higher. A well-compacted pavement lasts longer and is more resistant to the stresses of traffic and environmental factors.
Cost Efficiency
Scheduling asphalt paving projects in the summer can also be more cost-effective. With fewer weather-related interruptions, projects are more likely to be completed on time and within budget.
Delays are costly in construction, not only due to extended labour and equipment rental but also because of the potential penalties associated with missed deadlines. Efficient use of resources in summer reduces these risks significantly.
Overall Impact
To sum up, summer offers the perfect blend of conditions for asphalt paving. From the ideal temperatures that ensure proper handling and curing of asphalt to the longer daylight hours which enhance productivity, summer stands unmatched.
The consistent weather patterns characteristic of the season further support the smooth execution of paving projects. This combination not only improves the quality of the paving work but also makes the process more cost-effective and less prone to delays.
About Us
Planning an asphalt paving project this summer? At Kingsway Paving, we’re your Canadian asphalt paving experts, offering top-notch paving solutions for residential, commercial, and municipal clients for over 40 years.
Summer is the ideal time for asphalt paving, and our experienced team can ensure a smooth, long-lasting driveway or parking lot for your property. We leverage the warm summer weather to deliver exceptional paving results.
Contact us today to learn more about our asphalt paving services and schedule a free consultation with our team!
