Wildfires and brush fires can occur often across the West Coast of the United States. Fires have a large impact on the landscape, lodging, roadways, and more. While fires create effects that last for years, they can also impact the driving conditions on asphalt roads. The damage that is inflicted by a fire can damage asphalt with its high heat, and the resources used to fight it.

Damaged asphalt can make driving more dangerous, harm the environment, or cause damage to vehicles. Improving roadways after a wildfire will provide the city with fewer legal problems and safer driving conditions for residents and visitors. Let’s look at how fire can damage or change the asphalt in your state. 

The Impact Of High Heat On Asphalt

Since asphalt is made of petroleum-based materials with bitumen and aggregate components, it can begin to deform during the extreme heat of a wildfire. While hot summer days will not change the composition of an asphalt road, wildfires can reach temperatures of up to 1,400 degrees Fahrenheit, which can cause the binding agents to deform or melt. These high temperatures can cause pieces of the asphalt to dislodge or shift, creating cracks or potholes. 

Cracking And Long-Term Damage

During a wildfire, emergency vehicles will be dispatched to the area to help rescue victims and control the fire. The high temperatures with heavy vehicle traffic can lead to extra stress on asphalt, causing it to crack. When asphalt experiences more weight than it can handle, it cracks in multiple directions, known as alligator cracks. Crosshatch cracks can be repaired, but if a wildfire continues to rage, the asphalt may need to be replaced entirely. 

Water Erosion

Firefighters will need to use water to contain the flames from spreading to other areas. This large amount of water can erode the surrounding vegetation and the asphalt. Without proper surrounding vegetation that was either burned or eroded, over the coming months, rain and snow could cause asphalt to crumble at the edges. In climates that experience snow, moisture in the cracks is subject to expansion and contraction, which could further the damage. Cold temperatures can expand the existing cracks, making the road more susceptible to crumbling. 

Increased Heat Absorption

Asphalt that has been burned will absorb more of the external heat and retain it. While asphalt can absorb heat from the sun normally, once it is burned during a wildfire, it will hold on to more sun rays and raise the temperature of the surrounding area. Heat islands are often a concern for urban areas and make homes and businesses much warmer. Fire-scorched regions due to wildfires will create more heat islands that contribute to climate change and damage fragile ecosystems.

Harmful Pollutants

Once asphalt is heated, it can emit hazardous vapors that pollute the air. Heated asphalt will contribute to air pollution concerns in addition to ash and smoke that is prevalent during a wildfire. The number of pollutants during a wildfire will be significantly increased when it crosses over an asphalt road or parking lot. A wildfire that sweeps through the area will have lasting effects on the environment, roadways, and homes for many years. 

How To Prevent Asphalt Damage From Wildfires

While some cities may not be able to prevent wildfires or the damage that comes after, there are some methods that can reduce the impact they have on asphalt and other natural elements. One preventative measure is to implement fire-resistant road design with heat resistant binding agents. For places that experience frequent wildfires, implementing the heat-resistant asphalt will keep your roads operable for longer. 

Protective sealants can also create an additional layer of defense against weather, fire, and pests. These sealants can help reflect sunlight and heat, making the area cooler and less susceptible to cracking. 

Other ways to protect your asphalt include:

• Regular inspections
• Frequent maintenance and repairs
• Vegetation management
• Sealants and protective layers

Asphalt Repair From Precision Asphalt Maintenance

Our team specializes in all things asphalt, including repairs and protective sealants. We know that wildfires can result in long-lasting damage that will be impossible to repair in one day. Precision Asphalt offers repaving and repair that can be essential after the effects of a wildfire. Our maintenance team serves Utah and Wyoming to help drivers stay safe, reduce extreme heat, and keep your customers safe in an asphalt parking lot. Reach out to us to schedule your asphalt or concrete service today!

If you own a commercial property, refreshing your parking lot striping may not be at the top of your to-do list. With so many tasks on your plate, it can be easy to let years go by without repainting, allowing the lines to fade over time until drivers aren’t sure where to park anymore. 

However, parking lot striping is an important aspect of maintaining your property — not only does repainting improve aesthetics, but it also ensures everyone’s safety and helps you comply with ADA regulations. When you let the lines slowly disappear as the asphalt experiences wear and tear, your customers can be frustrated or confused. 

At Precision Asphalt Maintenance, we want you to know why it’s important to seek professional line striping services and understand how often you should repaint your parking lot. If you’re a property owner, keep reading to get into the details of this issue and learn how this simple improvement can make a big difference. 

Why Parking Lot Striping Matters

You don’t realize how important parking lot striping is until it’s gone. Without clearly visible markings telling you where to park, which direction to go, and where to cross, your parking loss can become a chaotic, frustrating mess. 

Here’s just a few of the reasons why parking lot striping matters: 

• Improves safety: Clearly defined lines help reduce accidents and confusion.
• Enhances curb appeal: Fresh paint looks professional and inviting. It shows customers that you care about their experience. 
• Regulates traffic flow: Directional arrows and space markers guide drivers effectively, helping you avoid traffic jams and frustration. 
• Ensures ADA compliance: Handicap spaces and access markings must be visible and up to code in order to comply with ADA regulations and protect your business from fines. 

General Timeline for Repainting

Now that you know why repainting your parking lot shouldn’t fall to the bottom of your to-do list, let’s discuss the general timeline for repainting. In general, you should expect to need to refresh your commercial parking lot every year or two. However, high-traffic areas may need repainting every six to 12 months, and low-traffic areas can sometimes go for longer than two years if the lines are still visible. 

Regular inspections are necessary to assess the paint’s visibility and wear. Walk through the parking lot every month or two and check whether the lines are fading. If you notice they’re looking a little worse for wear, it’s time for repainting. 

Factors That Affect How Often You Should Repaint

No two parking lots are the same, and there are several factors that will affect how often you should repaint them, including:

• Traffic: The more traffic your parking lot sees, the more wear and tear it will experience and faster the paint will fade. 
• Weather conditions: Sun exposure, rainfall, and snow can all contribute to paint deterioration. 
• Quality of previous striping job: High-quality paint products and proper application methods mean your painted lines will last longer.
• Asphalt condition: Cracks and potholes in the asphalt can affect the paint’s longevity and visibility. 
• Local regulations: Some municipalities require periodic repainting in order to comply with regulations. Check with your local government to determine if this applies to you. 

Signs It’s Time to Repaint

If you’re wondering whether it’s time to repaint your parking lot, be on the lookout for these signs:

• Faded or barely visible lines
• Confusing or unclear traffic flow
• Increased customer complaints or near-misses
• Worn or missing ADA markings

Additionally, re-striping is required after certain asphalt maintenance procedures, including sealcoating and resurfacing. You may also need to touch up some areas affected by repairs.

What to Expect During the Repainting Process

Repainting is typically a pretty quick process. Of course, larger parking lots will take longer. However, the paint usually only takes about an hour to dry, so you don’t have to wait very long before driving on it again. 

Before applying the paint, you’ll have to clean the area, block it off, and add signage. To minimize business disruptions, schedule repainting during off hours or work on one section at a time. 

Reliable Line Striping by Precision Asphalt Maintenance

If you’ve been putting off repainting your parking lot, it’s time to do something about it. At Precision Asphalt Maintenance, we’re dedicated to providing you with the reliable line striping service you need to ensure your parking lot is safe, accessible, and appealing. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help or to inquire about a free estimate. 

Potholes are the bane of any driver’s existence, suddenly turning a smooth cruise into a bumpy ride. Whether they occur due to freeze-thaw cycles, heavy traffic, or water infiltration, potholes need to be repaired as soon as possible to prevent vehicle damage and further asphalt deterioration. 

Potholes on public roads are the city’s problem, but what are you supposed to do about potholes on private property? Should you call a professional, or is DIY pothole repair sufficient? If you’ve found yourself in this situation, keep reading to learn more about the pros and cons of both professional and DIY pothole repair so you can make an informed decision about maintaining your asphalt surfaces. 

Understanding Pothole Repair Basics

Most potholes are formed due to expansion and contraction due to temperature fluctuations. When water infiltrates the pavement and temperatures drop, the water expands as it freezes, putting stress on the asphalt. When the ice melts, it leaves gaps and cracks beneath the asphalt surface, causing it to break apart with heavy traffic and form a pothole.

There are a few different ways to fix potholes, including:

• Cold patch repair: This method is a temporary fix that involves applying pre-mixed asphalt directly to the pothole. While relatively easy, it lacks durability.
• Hot mix asphalt repair: This permanent solution requires heating asphalt to a high temperature before using it to fill in the pothole. It’s durable, but requires professional equipment.
• Infrared asphalt repair: This high-tech, professional method heats existing asphalt, allowing it to be reworked and combined with fresh materials for a seamless repair. 
• Full-depth patching: This comprehensive process involves removing the damaged asphalt, repairing the underlying base, and replacing the surface layer with fresh asphalt. 

Whether you choose professional or DIY pothole repair, the best method for your pavement depends on the pothole’s size, the extent of the damage, and your long-term goals. Although some DIY pothole repair methods may work for quick fixes, professional maintenance is far superior in terms of longevity and performance.

DIY Pothole Repair

Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of DIY pothole repair. One of the most significant reasons many property owners opt for DIY pothole repair is because it has a lower initial cost. This makes it attractive for those on a budget. Additionally, products like cold patch asphalt are easy to apply. Plus, you can take immediate action as soon as a pothole appears — no need to wait for a contractor. 

However, despite its convenience, DIY pothole repair also comes with some disadvantages, the biggest of which is limited durability. Cold patch repairs often don’t last long, which means you’ll have to redo it sooner rather than later. Plus, without access to high-quality materials and specialized equipment, you can’t achieve proper compaction, leading to future deterioration. There’s also the risk of improper installation, leading to wasted time and money.

DIY pothole repair is best for small, shallow potholes in low-traffic areas. They’re also appropriate for temporary fixes until a professional repair company can provide long-term repairs. 

Professional Pothole Repair

Professional pothole repair is the best choice for deep, large, or recurring potholes, especially those in high-traffic areas where durability is vital. With the use of high-quality materials, specialized equipment, and proper compaction, you’re guaranteed long-lasting, efficient, and effective repairs. Plus, professionals have expertise in identifying and addressing underlying issues, effectively preventing future problems. 

Many people are put off from professional pothole repair because of the higher upfront cost. However, opting for professional repairs can save you money in the long run. With durable results, your asphalt will stand the test of time, meaning you won’t have to spend as much on maintenance. 

When to Call a Professional

If you’re dealing with a pothole, it’s important to know when to call a professional. Large potholes, deep cracks, and repeated failures require professional attention. Additionally, potholes on commercial lots and public roads are best left to the experts, ensuring the surface is safe for use. 

Excellent Pothole Repair by Precision Asphalt Maintenance

If you want durable and cost-effective pothole repairs, look no further than Precision Asphalt Maintenance. Our team of experienced professionals is prepared to make potholes a thing of the past, restoring your asphalt surface to pristine condition. Contact us today to get started.