How Asphalt Performs in Different Climates—and Why It Matters

Asphalt is a construction material known for its versatility. It’s used to create a variety of essential infrastructure, including roads, kerbs, and footpaths. Since asphalted surfaces are exposed to constant use and the elements, they need to be constructed with both durability and adaptability in mind. Thus, professional asphalt services contractors like the people at Asphalt Services Ltd. consider a variety of factors that can influence the performance and integrity of the surface, one of which is the climate.

Aside from bearing the weight of vehicles and pedestrians, asphalt surfaces are also subject to environmental stresses such as rainfall, sunlight, and seasonal temperature variations. These conditions can accelerate wear and compromise structural integrity, thus affecting the lifespan of the surface. With that in mind, understanding how asphalt performs in different climates is crucial for creating surfaces that remain reliable, safe, and cost-effective over time. Here’s a briefer for anyone who intends to invest in various asphalt services:

How Asphalt Performs in Hot Climates

High temperatures can have a significant impact on asphalt performance. In hot climates, the binder within the asphalt can soften, making the surface more susceptible to deformation. This can lead to rutting, where grooves form in areas of frequent vehicle movement, and in extreme cases, the surface may even become sticky or slightly malleable during heatwaves. Prolonged exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) radiation can further degrade the asphalt, causing it to become brittle and develop cracks over time.

How Asphalt Performs in Cold Climates

In colder climates, asphalt faces a different set of challenges. Low temperatures can make the binder within the asphalt more brittle, increasing the likelihood of cracking, particularly when combined with the freeze-thaw cycles typical of winter months. Water that seeps into existing cracks can freeze and expand, worsening the damage and potentially leading to potholes. Snow, ice, and the frequent use of de-icing chemicals can also accelerate wear, affecting both the surface texture and overall durability of the asphalt.

Why Knowing Matters

The ubiquitous asphalt surface has become a normal part of everyday life. People drive on it, cycle on it, and walk on it. However, even though these surfaces are commonplace, knowledge of how the climate can affect their performance is essential to how they’re used and maintained. Depending on the person’s point of view, the implications of this knowledge can differ.

For Professional Asphalters

For professional asphalters, understanding how climate affects asphalt is critical to achieving durable and reliable surfaces. Climate conditions determine which materials and techniques are most suitable for a given project, ensuring that surfaces can withstand local environmental stresses.

In hot regions, for instance, professionals typically formulate their asphalt mixtures with high-temperature binders and specific aggregates that can withstand the scorching heat. This prevents rutting and deformation and strengthens the stability of the surface. Additionally, professional asphalters sealcoat the asphalt regularly to protect the surface from the effects of heat and UV exposure.

In colder areas, on the other hand, asphalters use cold-mix asphalt to reduce any cracking caused by freeze-thaw cycles. These types of asphalt can better withstand harsh freezing temperatures, minimising structural damage over time.

The installation of proper drainage systems is also critical to prevent water accumulation and subsequent frost-related damage. Furthermore, timely maintenance, such as crack sealing, can prevent minor damage from developing into more significant issues. All of these strategies help ensure that asphalt surfaces remain functional and safe, even under harsh winter conditions.

Beyond material selection, climate knowledge guides professionals in planning and scheduling. Construction may need to be timed in order to avoid extreme temperatures or heavy rainfall, which can compromise compaction and bonding. Professional asphalters who integrate climate considerations into every stage of their work are the ones who are best equipped to ensure that pavements remain safe, long-lasting, and cost-effective.

For Drives and Pedestrians

In addition, climate conditions can directly influence the stability and condition of the asphalted surfaces that drivers and pedestrians rely on. As such, knowing how climate affects asphalt helps them make smarter decisions about how to navigate these surfaces safely.

For example, asphalt surfaces in hot climates can soften and create uneven surfaces, particularly in areas of heavy traffic. Being aware of these conditions may help a driver adjust their speed and approach. Softened asphalt can also become sticky or uneven during heatwaves, and pedestrians who know this can take extra care when walking on surfaces.

In colder regions, the effects of freeze-thaw cycles can result in cracks, potholes, and icy patches. Drivers benefit from being vigilant and maintaining safe distances to avoid potential hazards. Pedestrians, on the other hand, must be mindful of slippery surfaces to prevent slips and falls. Awareness of these climate-related changes also encourages reporting damage promptly, which allows authorities to prioritise repairs and maintain safer conditions for all users.

Asphalt may appear to be a simple, everyday material, but its performance is closely tied to the surrounding climate. High and low temperatures, seasonal changes, and environmental stresses all influence how asphalt behaves over time, thus affecting its durability, safety, and maintenance requirements.

Proper knowledge of how asphalt performs in different climates benefits everyone, from those responsible for creating and maintaining it to the people who rely on it daily. With this knowledge, everyone can play a part in preserving the integrity of the community’s roadways and pathways.

Want to know more about the asphalt services we offer? Contact the Asphalt Services Ltd. team and schedule your free site assessment now!