April is known for its rain showers. But you may not realize the effect that the constant lashing of rain may have on the pavement on your commercial property.
Your pavement might be freshly poured, in good shape, or beginning to wear. But in any stage, water can damage asphalt and alter its structure and appearance. Cooper Paving, a team of pavement professionals serving customers in Annapolis, MD, further illustrates the impact that water can have on pavement.
What Does Rainwater Do to Pavement?
You might not worry much about rain falling on asphalt pavement, as it may dry quickly as soon as the weather clears. But water may accumulate in puddles or seep into the pavement. This could lead to structural problems in your road, parking lot, or other paved areas.
Heavy rainfall and puddle formation can weigh on the asphalt, creating cracks, potholes, and other disturbances in the pavement. Even if the damage seems minor, these cracks can deepen and become safety hazards.
If you have new asphalt on your premises, the pavement may be especially vulnerable to cracking under the pressure of the rainfall. Experts recommend laying asphalt at a time where you can expect at least 24 hours before the pavement is exposed to rain.
Does Rain Impact Stone and Gravel Pavement Too?
Asphalt pavement is at risk of structural harm under harsh weather conditions like storms and heavy rain. But other types of pavement, like stone and gravel, can be negatively impacted by rainfall too.
Gravel will absorb moisture from rain and become soft. The pavement is, therefore, more vulnerable to impressions from passing vehicles, depressions on its surface, and other disruptions. If you have not prepared adequate drainage systems to counter water accumulation for this type of pavement, it can become unstable and dangerous.
How Can I Prevent Water Damage to Pavement?
Stone and gravel paved areas usually have drainage systems installed subsequently to prevent damage when it rains. They also have a crown layer to make sure water will not seep into the material and disrupt the pavement.
When it comes to asphalt pavement, paving contractors will seal coat the paved area to protect the material from moisture that may want to penetrate into the pavement. This preventative measure can preserve the structure of the pavement, though it will not repair existing cracks or damage.
As with pavement installation, seal coats will need to dry adequately before exposure to rain. This process should take at least 12 hours. With proper care, seal coating lasts for three to five years before it will need another application.
Talk to Pavement Professionals in Annapolis, MD
Cooper Paving provides installation, repair, and seal coating services for the pavement of commercial clients in the greater Annapolis, MD area. We can work with asphalt, tar and chip, and gravel pavement types. To get an estimate for your paving job at no cost to you, talk to a representative by reaching our office by phone at 410.773.9244 or contact a member of our staff online.