Summer is the season when many homeowners typically undertake outdoor improvement projects. It is the season when people naturally want to spend more time outdoors to relax, exercise, or socialize. During this time, you can arrange picnics and barbecues with your family, friends, and neighbors or even set up a small playground for outdoor games and sporting activities. With various activities to look forward to, you might be inspired to start a project to improve your outdoor space.
Asphalt paving can create or rejuvenate outdoor spaces. It provides a smooth, durable, weather-resistant surface that can be installed or repaired relatively quickly. If you are looking to pave your outdoor patio, walkways, or driveway, summer is an ideal season to undertake your project. Here are five reasons why summer is the best season for asphalt paving:
1. Favourable Weather Conditions
The warm temperatures during summer are ideal for proper compaction and curing of asphalt paving. The warmer temperatures help the asphalt mix stay hot and malleable, making it easier for paving crews to achieve the desired compaction and smoothness of the pavement. In addition, summer tends to have more stable weather conditions, with less rainfall compared to other seasons. Rain can affect the compaction process and the quality of the pavement. Scheduling a paving project when there is drier weather, will reduce the risk of rain-related delays and will allow for better control over the paving conditions.
2. Efficient Material Handling
Asphalt paving involves the transportation and handling of hot asphalt mixtures from the plant to the project site. The warm temperatures during the summer will help keep the asphalt mix hot for a longer time, which can make transportation and handling easier. Moreover, as the asphalt stays hot and remains malleable for a longer period of time, paving crews are able to more effectively work with asphalt and achieve smooth and uniform surfaces.
3. Extended Curing Time
While asphalt paving is popular due to its durability and flexibility, asphalt requires a sufficient amount of time to cure and harden before the surface can handle heavy traffic or load. During the summer, the warmer temperatures and extended daylight can accelerate the asphalt’s curing process and can allow the pavement to be ready for use sooner compared to other seasons. Furthermore, the reduced rainfall and more predictable weather will allow for better planning, so that paving projects are scheduled on days when the asphalt can cure properly.
4. Longer Daylight Hours
In the summer, daylight hours are longer compared to other seasons. This will allow more visibility and additional working time for paving crews. With ample daylight during summer, paving crews can better assess the condition of the existing surface, accurately measure and mark the area to be paved, and ensure the quality of work being done. Extended daylight hours will provide more working hours for paving crews, allowing them to make significant progress and work on larger areas on the paving project each day. With more visibility and daylight hours, paving crews can complete asphalt paving projects in shorter timeframes.
5. Seasonal Demand and Planning
Summer is considered primary construction season in many regions due to the favourable weather conditions and extended daylight hours. Contractors tend to schedule and prioritize projects during this time to take advantage of optimal working conditions. Because of this, it is more likely to have access to experienced asphalt paving contractors to complete outdoor projects promptly in the summer.
Since the summer weather is optimal for outdoor projects and activities, consider asphalt paving during this season to improve the functionality, accessibility, and aesthetic of your outdoor space. Once the project is complete, you can enjoy and make the most out of your newly transformed outdoor space.
