Asphalt paving jobs take care of many miles of roadways, parking lots, and driveways. They deal with routine crack repairs, pothole filling, resurfacing, sealcoating, and actual installations. In asphalt paving, the weather plays an enormous role in the work’s success. Learn more about the relationship between weather and asphalt paving, and see how Reliable Contracting serves central Maryland’s transportation needs.
Temperature
In traditional asphalt paving, asphalt contractors need to apply hot mix asphalt when the weather is at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature drops below this point, the contractors may need to use warm mix or cold patch asphalt instead or preheat the project site before applying hot mix asphalt. Otherwise, summer is the most popular season for asphalt paving.
Humidity
Maryland summers can get very humid; the outdoor air feels like a warm bath. If the humidity is above 80%, it is best to avoid asphalt paving work. The high humidity will significantly delay the pavement’s drying time and potentially interfere with its proper curing process. If the project must occur during humid weather, the team can use appropriate fans to cool and dry the area.
Rainfall
Another reason that asphalt work is best kept until drier weather is that it often rains directly after extremely humid weather occurs. Rain and moisture can ruin asphalt paving work, as the water will affect the drying pavement’s composition negatively. There is no way to really work around it; it is necessary to wait until a few days of forecasted clear weather to perform asphalt paving.
Wind
Windy weather can have the opposite effect of humid weather on asphalt paving. Constant wind gusts can accelerate the cooling and drying of asphalt, which is not necessarily positive. Wind gusts over 15 mph can cause the surface temperature to drop by 25 degrees Fahrenheit in an hour, not to mention create a dusty, low-visibility working environment. Mist sprays can reduce dust, while windbreakers can protect the job site.
Adjusting to the Seasons and Weather
Asphalt companies like Reliable Contracting must evaluate weather forecasts well in advance before beginning an asphalt paving project, predicting all the weather elements described above. With the right weather conditions, new pavement can perform as it should for years to come.
ABOUT RELIABLE CONTRACTING
Reliable is dedicated to delivering quality products, displaying professionalism within the firm, seeking new opportunities for expansion and profitability, and providing an environment for individual success. If you have a commercial or residential construction project that you need taken care of, please contact Anne Arundel County’s largest site-work contractor today by calling 410-987-0313 or visiting our website. You can also follow Reliable Contracting on Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Twitter!
Reliable Contracting Company serves the following and surrounding counties and areas: Annapolis, Queen Anne’s, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Baltimore City, Calvert, Caroline, Charles, Howard, Prince George’s, St. Mary’s, Talbot, and Washington D.C.