Summer heat is challenging for people, animals, and even concrete parking lots. Prolonged exposure to sunlight and high temperatures can cause concrete and asphalt to crack, which, in turn, creates perfect conditions for water to seep in and worsen the problem even further.
A heated parking lot is simply more vulnerable to deterioration, which usually translates to hefty repair costs for truck parking lot owners.
In this article, we will discuss how summer heat affects concrete parking lots and what you can do to mitigate this problem. Let’s begin!
How Heat Affects Asphalt and Concrete Parking Lots?
Let’s start by making an important distinction between concrete and asphalt since both of these materials will be impacted by the heat in slightly different ways.
Concrete
Concrete is moderately heat resistant, usually faring better in the summer heat than asphalt. Still, it is susceptible to damage caused by high temperatures. Here’s how it can happen:
- Dehydration: Extreme heat acts like a sponge, drawing moisture out of concrete. This dehydration makes the concrete brittle and more susceptible to cracking, leading to potholes and uneven surfaces.
- Expansion and Contraction: Concrete, like most materials, expands slightly when hot and contracts when cold. Summer’s rapid temperature swings exacerbate these movements, putting stress on the material and potentially causing cracks to form along weakened points.
- Water Infiltration: Cracks and a more porous surface allow water to seep into the underlying layers of the pavement. This water can freeze and expand in colder months, expanding cracks and potentially causing underlying base material failure.
- Bleaching and Fading: Sunlight can also lead to concrete bleaching, which is a process that results in concrete losing its natural gray color and getting lighter. The same fate can happen to any ground markings, such as yellow lines that separate parking spots or lanes of traffic.
- Reduced Durability: The combined effects of dehydration and thermal stress can weaken concrete over time. This, naturally, reduces its overall lifespan and increases maintenance needs down the road.
Asphalt
Asphalt parking lots can withstand heat but only to a certain degree. Some common problems that may occur as a result of summer heat include:
- Softening: The bitumen binder in asphalt acts like glue, holding the aggregate particles together. Heat loosens the binding properties of bitumen, causing the asphalt to soften and become more pliable. This process can lead to:
- Tire Impressions: Softer asphalt is more prone to tire marks becoming embedded in the surface, creating unevenness.
- Rutting: Heavy traffic on softened asphalt can create wheel ruts, further compromising the surface integrity.
- Increased Cracking: Similar to concrete, asphalt can also experience cracks due to thermal stress during the summer heat. Rapid temperature fluctuations cause the asphalt to expand and contract, putting pressure on existing weaknesses and potentially creating new cracks.
If you own a concrete or asphalt truck parking lot, you might be interested in exploring some of the following strategies to protect them from the effects of extreme heat.
How To Protect Your Concrete Parking Lot From Heat
Investing some time and resources in pavement maintenance and protection can pay off in the long run. But what can you do to minimize the adverse effects of heat on your concrete lot?
Sealcoating
A high-quality sealer applied every few years forms a protective barrier, preventing water infiltration, cracks, potholes, and (most importantly, in this context) blocking the sun’s drying effect.
There are other good reasons to perform sealcoating every couple of years, for example, to prevent or minimize the damage that some auto fluids, such as oil and gas, can have on the pavement.
Prompt Repair
Cracks are like small tears in your clothes; they’ll only get bigger if left unattended. If you can, address cracks promptly to prevent them from growing larger and causing further damage. This will save you money on extensive repairs later and maintain a smooth, safe surface for those who utilize the lot.
Proper Drainage
Even though it might keep the pavement cooler in some spots, standing water is not your friend. Ensure your parking lot has a proper drainage system to prevent water from pooling on the surface and penetrating the concrete.
Shade for Cars
Providing shade for parked cars can significantly reduce the amount of direct sunlight hitting the concrete surface. This lowers overall temperatures and lessens the heat’s impact. Planting trees strategically or installing shade structures are excellent options for creating a cooler parking environment.
Not to mention, it’s something your truck-driving clients will appreciate greatly!
Conclusion
High temperatures in the summer are not surprising, but it is good to be aware of the potential damage heat can cause to your concrete parking lot. By being mindful of how heat affects pavement, you can, as an owner, ensure your parking lot stays in good shape all year round!
Many truck drivers look for well-kept, convenient parking spaces during their time on the road. At Truck Parking Club, we make searching and booking a desired parking space a breeze. Find out how you can join our base and become a property manager on our website.
The information published herein is for general informational purposes only. Truck Parking Club does not make any representations or warranties about the completeness, reliability, legality, and accuracy of this information. Any reliance placed on such material is strictly at the user’s own risk. Truck Parking Club shall not be responsible for any losses or damages incurred in connection with the information published herein.
