How do Weather Conditions Affect the Paving Process?
Often, mother nature can be unpredictable, which can make it challenging to schedule a paving project with an exact start and completion date. When planning any paving project, it’s important that your contractor is mindful of the weather on the days the work is taking place. Whether it’s concrete paving repair, asphalt paving or having a parking lot striped, certain weather conditions can negatively impact the final result of the project.
Can Paving be Done When it’s Raining?
The short answer is “No.” Rain is one of the most destructive weather conditions to the paving process. Even if the rain has ceased it is important to wait until the ground has dried since any standing water or moisture left behind will interfere with the paving materials. One of the main components in asphalt is oil and you know what they say about mixing oil and water. The water interrupts the bonding process that must take place for the asphalt to adhere and compact properly for a strong and stable finished project. The same is true for concrete as it requires a curing process, which can be compromised by rainy weather.
Paving in Extreme Temperatures
The preferred temperature range for paving is between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. When temperatures fall below 50 degrees it can cause the asphalt to cool down faster than it should, which affects the quality of the compaction process ultimately leading to early failure of the pavement. On the flip side, paving in extreme heat can over-soften and weaken the asphalt, which leaves the end product more susceptible to damage.
Paving in Colorado
Depending on the region, the best time for paving in Colorado is typically during the late spring, summer and early autumn months. Some areas have shorter windows for optimal paving weather. For the greater Denver metro area, M5 Paving is the leader in precision paving, whether it’s asphalt paving Arvada or parking lot striping Denver the team at M5 is experienced and extremely knowledgeable at creating the best possible outcome for any paving project. Reach out today for more information!
