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Daniel Gabbott

How the Weather and Climate in New Zealand Can Affect Your Driveway


Professionally installed asphalt paving can last an incredibly long time on your driveway. That said, the operative word here is “professionally installed,” because while asphalt is generally regarded as a tough surface, you need knowledgeable professionals like the team at Asphalt Services Ltd. to guarantee that it stays free from cracks and potholes for a long time.


Aside from simply knowing the basic procedures for applying the asphalt, professional asphalters must understand local conditions and the adjustments that must be made to ensure the project's longevity. In particular, New Zealand’s diverse climate presents several challenges to asphalt driveways that necessitate a slightly different approach to installation and maintenance than would be typical elsewhere.


Most people don’t often think of asphalt unless they drive over potholes, which they typically attribute to heavy traffic conditions or shoddy workmanship. While these can indeed play a part, the weather is the most present risk to asphalt, particularly when discussing private driveways. Let’s look at how New Zealand’s weather affects asphalt driveways, particularly in Dunedin.



asphalt driveway in a freezing environment


1. Frost and Freezing Conditions


Settlements on South Island periodically experience frost and subzero temperatures, particularly in the early morning. When water trapped beneath the asphalt freezes, it expands, pushing against the surface, and when the weather warms up, the ice under the surface can melt and dissipate. Over time this freeze and melt cycle can cause cracks and collapse the surface, creating potholes in the process. Asphalt contractors familiar with South Island’s climate will typically install mixtures that are resistant to these freeze-thaw cycles, ensuring that your driveway lasts indefinitely.



water puddles on an asphalt driveway


2. Rainfall and Water Damage


New Zealand’s high rainfall can lead to water pooling under asphalt in the way that was described earlier. This can be a problem even in areas that don’t experience freeze-thaw cycles since water can change the structure of the subgrade (the soil under the paved surface), turning it into mud or creating cavities that cause the asphalt or its supporting structures to sink.


Asphalt contractors must, therefore, prepare the subgrade so that water can drain efficiently. There is a science and an art to doing this properly, which is why you should only hire experienced professionals who know the local climate to prepare your driveway.



person running on an asphalt road


3. UV and Sun Exposure


Given that virtually all asphalt is used outdoors, you might be surprised to learn that UV light degrades asphalt over time. UV radiation is an especially key issue in asphalt installations in New Zealand, given the high doses it receives, even when compared to other countries in similar latitudes. Northern regions with strong sunlight are particularly at risk, but UV degradation can happen anywhere.


UV-related asphalt damage doesn’t happen all at once, and it takes time for the effects to manifest. Though it may last a few years, improperly selected or poorly installed asphalt will dry out prematurely, causing surfaces to become brittle and increasingly unable to support heavy loads. When resurfacing your driveway, professional contractors may apply a combination of special asphalt formulations and UV-resistant coatings to mitigate the effects of sun exposure, extending the life of your driveway.



damaged asphalt vehicle crossing


4. Wind Erosion


Though you might think that wind erosion happens on a geological timescale, it can, in fact, degrade the edges of an unprepared driveway within just a few short years. In time, the continuous onslaught of small, wind-driven particles can erode and destabilise the driveway’s foundation, leading to cracks and water infiltration. As mentioned earlier, pooled water can be especially damaging to asphalt because of freeze-thaw cycles and subgrade damage. In places where wind erosion might be an issue, professional asphalt paving contractors can reinforce driveways with stable subgrades to ensure long-lasting durability.



5. Temperature Fluctuations


Most of New Zealand is characterised by wide climate variations throughout the year. In particular, autumn and spring have warm days and cool nights that can cause asphalt surfaces to expand and contract. Poorly installed asphalt can be prone to cracks and damage from these temperature cycles, necessitating expert contractors even in areas that don’t experience extreme temperatures. Paving professionals will be able to recommend and source an asphalt mix with the flexibility to withstand these shifts, keeping your driveway intact throughout the year.



Asphalt Services Ltd. Helps Your Driveway Meet These Unique Challenges


It takes more than just the right asphalt mix or top-of-the-line equipment to build a long-lasting driveway. It also demands an intimate knowledge of the conditions that the driveway is expected to face over the years.


With over 20 years of experience in asphalt paving, kerbing, and vehicle crossings, Dunedin’s Asphalt Services Ltd. has become a trusted name in driveway construction. Asphalt Services Ltd.’s team of professionals is well-equipped with the know-how to address any weather-related challenge your driveway might face. With these professionals by your side, you can safeguard your driveway against the country’s singularly challenging climate, ensuring a safe driving surface for many years to come.

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