Can Asphalt Repair Be Done in Rainy Weather?

As any experienced paving contractor can tell you, neglecting an asphalt repair typically means that you will be in for a much more expensive procedure in the future. A small pothole can turn into a crater, a few alligator cracks can spread to a much larger area, and water infiltration can erode the foundation on which your pavement rests. The sooner you repair a pavement break, the less likely you are to need to increase your budget for repairing your asphalt pavement. Because contractors stress the importance of timely repairs, many people are not sure why they do not want to make a repair in rainy weather.

Is There a Problem Performing an Asphalt Repair in the Rain?

Potentially, there is a major problem making a parking lot repair or street repair in the rain. Although a light mist is unlikely to have serious repercussions on the quality of Orange County paving, a heavy rainfall can completely ruin the repair. Most commercial paving contractors use hot mix asphalt to make permanent repairs. Raindrops can leave their marks on hot asphalt that has not yet cured, or the rain can cool the hot asphalt too quickly for workers to place and compact it properly. Asphalt is highly resistant to water, which is primarily due to the oils contained in the mix. A pounding rain can exert enough pressure to force those oils to the pavement’s surface. The result is typically the development of holes, cracks, or even potholes. Although unsightly, the real problem is that a damaged repair is a short-lived repair.

What Is Considered an Asphalt Repair?

A paving contractor Orange County businesses use may define asphalt repairs differently from a paving contractor in Maine, Florida, or Texas. Typically, a parking lot repair will involve the use of some type of asphalt patching, and hot mix asphalt is the preferred option for a patching material. Asphalt sealcoating, crack repairs, pavement cleaning, and similar procedures are usually classified as maintenance services. Overlays are often considered asphalt paving services, but some contractors may classify them as repairs.

Do Asphalt Repairs Require Maintenance?

An asphalt patch should receive the same care as the rest of the pavement. You should apply asphalt sealcoating, remove automotive fluids, and promptly repair any cracks that might develop. If the patch is a parking lot repair, you can apply pavement markings and stripes as needed. You should avoid placing heavy, stationary loads on the patch, and the repair, just like the rest of your pavement, should not be subjected to heavier vehicles than the pavement was engineered to support.

To Whom Should I Turn for an Asphalt Parking Lot Repair?

Peterson Paving & Grading is the paving contractor Orange County businesses trust for exceptional results at affordable prices. We serve clients in many different industries, including facility managers, hotels, homeowner associations, educational facilities, condominiums, churches, and property management firms. Our asphalt paving services include repairs, new installations, sealcoating, milling, asphalt overlays, and crack repairs. We also install concrete sidewalks, curbs, ramps, and parking lots. In addition, we offer ADA compliance, warehouse striping, line removal, shot blasting, bollard installation, marking removal, parking lot signage, and parking lot striping. When you need the best, contact us for a free quote. You can call our office at 949-402-6979, submit our request form online, or send an email to Ryan@GradePave.com.