ASPHALT DURABILITY FOR EXTREME CLIMATE CHANGES

ASPHALT DURABILITY FOR EXTREME CLIMATE CHANGES

7/12/2024

As Colorado experiences these extreme swings from scorching hot weather to icy snow in winter, you might be wondering how infrastructure holds up. Bradley Asphalt has been protecting road and driveway surfaces with our many years of expertise and care since the 1980’s. We want to assure you that asphalt is a surprisingly tough and adaptable material, able to withstand a wide range of temperature changes.

Built to Withstand the Heat

Summer’s scorching temperatures have recently been brutal on roads and driveways. Rest assured, asphalt mixes have been formulated to handle the heat. Here’s what makes it durable:

  • Binder Flexibility: Asphalt binders, the glue that holds everything together, are formulated with flexibility in mind. In hot weather, the binders soften slightly to accommodate expansion, preventing cracks.
  • Oxidation Resistance: Oxidation occurs when asphalt reacts with oxygen, making it stiff and brittle. Modern asphalt mixes include additives that slow this process, ensuring your roads stay flexible even during extended heat waves.

Tough Enough for the Cold

Extreme cold can also wreak havoc on roads. Asphalt is formulated to handle this too:

  • Crack Resistance: Cold temperatures cause asphalt to contract. Carefully designed asphalt mixes maintain flexibility to resist cracking under pressure.
  • Freeze-Thaw Resilience: During freeze-thaw cycles, water can seep into cracks, expand when it freezes, and cause further damage. Modern asphalt mixes are designed to be water-resistant, minimizing this risk.

Beyond Durability

Asphalt offers other advantages in extreme weather:

  • Fast Drainage: Asphalt is naturally good at draining water, which helps prevent pooling and ice patches during cold snaps and reduces flooding risks during heavy rains.
  • Cost-Effective: Asphalt is a cost-effective paving solution, important for infrastructure projects facing tight budgets.
  • Long Lasting: One of the most affordable driving surfaces that, with the proper maintenance, can give you 25-20 years of good, solid value.

Asphalt innovation is happening all the time. New technologies such as permeable pavements and cool pavements can offer even greater benefits in extreme weather.

At Bradley Asphalt, we use the latest asphalt technologies to ensure our work is durable and long-lasting. Contact us today to discuss your asphalt paving needs. We’re confident we can provide a solution that performs well, whatever the weather throws your way.

Call us for free advise and a free estimate: Duane’s Cell (303) 947-7484