Weather has pronounced effects on both concrete and asphalt. In general, these are wearing effects that will cause the pavement to fail early if they are not accounted for and mitigated. However, concrete expresses better weatherability (resistance to weather-related wear), compared to asphalt, but it is susceptible to certain types of weather.
With on-time preventative maintenance – and prompt repairs when damage does occur – your pavement can be protected from the worst that the elements have to offer. In some cases, this may extend the concrete or asphalt’s life by decades.
The Effects of Weather on Asphalt
Asphalt is a flexible pavement that tolerates cold weather stresses well. In extremely cold climates, asphalt may lose some of this flexibility, leading to crack formation. However, asphalt is a frontline pavement material in colder areas because it tends to bend but not break. Asphalt is not prone to heaving or severe fracturing due to weather-related soil expansion.
However, asphalt is potentially threatened by extremely hot or wet conditions. At around 140 degrees Fahrenheit, asphalt begins to soften, though this is dependent on several factors, including the asphalt’s exact composition. Regardless, once the asphalt softens, it is at risk of shedding surface texture and warping.
Water intrusion is asphalt’s greatest enemy, as water attacks the chemical bonds linking the asphalt’s binders together. With repeated water intrusion, these bonds will fail early, along with the asphalt’s material integrity. This is why you will see potholes emerge most often after a heavy storm. Water intrusion is causing the subsurface asphalt layers to subside and collapse. Water also infiltrates the soils around the pavement, and certain soils, like those rich in clays, are more likely to swell and shift as they take up moisture. It is always a good idea to know what kind of soil you are building on so you can plan your asphalt paving maintenance accordingly.
Intense sunny weather will also affect asphalt, as UV radiation will stress the binders in the pavement’s surface. While not as big of a threat as water intrusion, UV radiation can discolor asphalt and make it brittle it if not addressed.
The Effects of Weather on Concrete
Concrete is prized for its durability and longevity, and much of this has to do with the material’s impressive weather resistance. Concrete is affected by thermal expansion in high temperatures, but this is easily controlled with proper thermal jointing and curing. Concrete can also be waterproofed which can help it withstand extended water exposure. Concrete’s hydraulic efficiency and compressive strength means it is an ideal material for drainage structures.
However, concrete does have some weather-related vulnerabilities which can compromise the pavement if preventative steps are not taken.
Specifically, concrete is stressed by shifting soils, which may result from heavy bouts of rainfall. Concrete’s compressive strength is impressive, but it is susceptible to tensile focus, so stable soils are a must when installing concrete pavement.
Cold climates can be a challenge as freezing temperatures have significant effects on concrete. Heaving is the primary risk, which occurs when the soils under the concrete freeze. The resulting expansion will push soils upward and exert intense pressures on the concrete, which will eventually lead to severe fractures or uneven concrete slab.
De-icing salts are used extensively in cold climates and are also a concern as they can wear away at the concrete’s surface.
How to Protect Asphalt and Concrete from the Effects of Weather
Asphalt and concrete can provide decades of reliable performance if they are properly maintained. Here are some of the primary maintenance methods for protecting pavement against the elements:
- Asphalt sealcoating – Pavement contractors recommend sealcoating asphalt following installation, and every 18 months or so after that. Asphalt sealcoat acts like a layer of protection over the pavement, shielding it from water and UV radiation. Asphalt sealcoating also protects the pavement surface from minor cracking and aggregate losses.
- Crack repairs – Asphalt and concrete will both crack at times. Responding to cracks as soon as they emerge is how property owners prevent a minor problem from getting worse. Pavement contractors can recommend the right repair method for any crack, and many minor asphalt and concrete cracks can be addressed with a flexible crack filler. By resolving these cracks right away, property owners can prevent water intrusion.
- Thermal jointing – To prevent concrete from cracking while under thermal stresses, pavement crews should sawcut thermal joints at appropriate lengths to compensate for this expansion. Thermal joints must be filled with a flexible joint sealer to prevent water or incompressible materials from intruding into the joint.
- Overlaying – Once asphalt or concrete has sustained so much wear that the surface is potentially compromised, an overlay will be recommended. Overlaying is typically more successful with asphalt, but it can also work with concrete if the pavement is expertly prepared first.
Expert Pavement Maintenance Will Slow the Weather’s Effects on Concrete and Asphalt
Concrete and asphalt will provide 20 years or more of value-adding utility to your property, but rain, sun, snow and ice can ruin your pavement long before then, unless it is adequately protected.
This vital protection includes asphalt sealing, crack repairs, jointing and more involved maintenance processes like overlaying. If provided by an experienced pavement contractor, this maintenance will keep the effects of the elements at bay.
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