Asphalt is an excellent material for all sorts of paving needs on Long Island. Asphalt pavements can adjust to seasonal variations in temperature, and they are economically priced, attractive, and rapid to construct. However, people often wonder why a Long Island paving company might be reluctant to work in cold weather.
Why Might a Long Island Paving Company Refuse to Work in Cold Weather?
To understand why a paving company might be unable to work in cold weather, it might be helpful to explain a few facts about asphalt paving.
1. For an asphalt paving company to deliver a long-lasting, attractive pavement, the compaction of the asphalt must be thorough.
2. The asphalt company cannot achieve thorough compaction if the temperature of the asphalt mix falls below a certain point. That point is usually around 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. A street or parking lot paving company receives truckloads of asphalt that are typically between 275 degrees and 300 degrees.
4. If the ground is cold, it will absorb the asphalt’s heat, lowering the temperature of the asphalt mix rapidly.
5. At the lower temperature, the paving company’s workers will not have enough time to place, rake, and compact the asphalt.
If a Long Island Paving Company Cannot Achieve Sufficient Compaction in Cold Weather, What Happens?
Insufficient compaction can result in any or all of the following issues with your new asphalt pavement.
1. The asphalt paving company may not be able to ensure a smooth, level surface. The surface may be lumpy, bumpy, and unattractive.
2. The pavement will not have the structural strength that it should. Compaction knits the components in the asphalt paving mix together to make the pavement stronger and more stable.
3. The pavement will be more prone to raveling, rutting, and other serious issues. Although it might be possible to correct these issues, it could be costly. It is also possible that a premature pavement reconstruction could become necessary.
What Factors Determine How Cold Is Too Cold for a Long Island Asphalt Company to Perform Paving Services?
The surface temperature is the primary factor that contractors use to determine whether paving is feasible. However, they must also consider how the temperature can affect the different paving services.
1. The lift thickness plays a vital role in how quickly the asphalt will cool. As a rule, the thinner the lift, the faster it will become too cool to compact. Therefore, at the same temperature, an asphalt company might be more hesitant to install an asphalt overlay than a new pavement.
2. The larger the area, the more important the temperature can become. Thus, even when it is too cold for larger jobs, most paving companies could find a way to patch a pothole or two.
3. As a rule, a Long Island asphalt company will not install asphalt while it is raining. However, if a heavy rain fell shortly before the contractor planned to begin paving, it might be necessary to postpone the job. The saturated ground could present insurmountable challenges to compaction, including cooling the asphalt from below.
4. The available sunlight and the wind speed are also factors. If the day is clear and sunny, the sun’s rays will slow the asphalt’s heat loss. If the day is windy, however, the wind will exacerbate the asphalt’s heat loss.
Royal Pavement Solutions is a Long Island asphalt contractor and has the technical expertise as well as the knowledge of local weather patterns to deliver high-quality paving services. In addition to asphalt paving, we offer asphalt repair, building maintenance, asphalt milling, lot striping, site work, asphalt crack sealing, sealcoating, sweeping and portering, and concrete work. We have an exceptional reputation for workmanship, service, professionalism, and integrity. If you would like to request a free quote, you can complete the online form, call 844-777-7924, or email Kenny@RoyalPavementSolutions.com.
