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Mitigating Heat on the Asphalt: The Role of Tree Planting

There are lots of people who are looking for ways to mitigate the impacts of solar heat on the pavement. Black asphalt absorbs sunlight. That is why it is significantly hotter than other surfaces that are nearby. Particularly during the summer months, it is important to find ways to mitigate the impacts of the heat on asphalt. Excess heat on asphalt can damage shoes, harm pets, and even have an impact on vehicles. One potential solution could be to plant more trees. What could be the impact of trees on commercial asphalt?

Many Cities Are Built To Retain Heat

One reason why many people are concerned about the impact of commercial asphalt and heat retention is that many other structures in urban areas have been designed to retain heat. For example, a lot of cities that have tall skyscrapers are built using a variety of other materials that absorb light. In addition to asphalt, many other structures are built with concrete, steel, and iron. These are all materials that capture and retain heat for a significant amount of time, even after the sun goes down in the evenings. In the past, there might have been vegetation in the area that could mitigate some of the impacts of solar heat. Now, these structures have been replaced by tall buildings and parking lots.

The Urban Landscape Will Only Continue to Spread

As more people continue to move to urban areas and the suburbs, the urban footprint is likely to expand. This means that many commercial landscaping and commercial construction companies are probably going to continue to build more streets, sidewalks, and parking lots. These hardscape structures are only going to increase the impacts of asphalt and solar heat issues. What can be done to address the heating issues?

Bringing Back Nature to Urban Areas

One solution could be to bring back nature. Because vegetation did a great job of mitigating the impacts of asphalt in the past, many people believed that planting trees could be a way to address this concern. For example, a lot of cities have already started to plant more trees in urban areas. Some locations have even put tax policies in place that reward commercial companies for installing gardens and trees. The entire purpose of planting more trees is to increase the amount of shade in asphalt areas.

At the same time, it is important to think carefully about where these trees are planted. Trees have to be placed in an area that is healthy for root growth. In contrast, companies in cities that are planting trees also need to make sure the root system does not damage roads and sidewalks. Trees also need to be able to survive a wide range of temperatures. Some cities that heat up during the summer can cool off significantly during the winter. That is why it is important to work with a commercial company that has experienced planting trees around asphalt locations.

Partner With a Commercial Asphalt Company

If you would like to mitigate the effects of commercial asphalt, then you should work with a company that has experience in this area. Commercial contractors spend a lot of time figuring out how to lay out roads and sidewalks. Then, they can also work with individuals and businesses to install vegetation, making the landscape look beautiful. Reach out to a commercial landscape company today to learn more about how trees might be able to keep your asphalt cool.

By admin Asphalt Paving • • • • 0 Comments

The Impact of Wildfires on Asphalt Pavement Roads

Unfortunately, it seems like wildfires have become more common during the past few years. Even though wildfires have traditionally been an issue on the west coast, wildfires in Colorado have also become a major concern. Wildfires can burn vegetation, burned down neighborhoods, and release dangerous chemicals into the air. Even though asphalt does not typically burn during a wildfire, there are other significant issues that could rise to the surface. What is the impact of wildfires on asphalt surfaces? Take a look at a few important points below, and make sure you rely on a commercial asphalt company that can help you manage this issue.

Why Doesn’t Asphalt Burn During a Wildfire?

Anyone who has touched an asphalt surface in the middle of the summer understands that asphalt can heat up very quickly. Because of its dark color, it absorbs a significant amount of light. At the same time, asphalt usually does not catch fire during a wildfire. Many of the ingredients used to make up asphalt are not combustible. The vast majority of asphalt is made up of sand and small stones. These are not items that catch fire very easily. Furthermore, asphalt burns at a temperature that is lower than its ignition temperature. This means that asphalt is far more likely to melt and evaporate before it catches fire.

Items On Top of the Asphalt Might Catch Fire

Even though asphalt itself is unlikely to catch fire, substances on top of the surface might catch fire instead. If you see an asphalt surface on fire, this could be due to oils that are on top of the road. For example, cars that drive down the road may leak motor oil. Oil can catch fire, and it is not unusual to see it while burning on top of an asphalt pavement. Furthermore, vehicles can catch fire on top of the road. The fuel inside of cars and trucks is combustible, causing them to catch fire on the surface.

There Are Other Impacts from Wildfires on Asphalt

Even if the asphalt does not catch fire, there are other adverse impacts. For example, firefighting vehicles that travel the roads can cause damage. Particularly in rural areas, many of these roads are not built for heavy traffic. As the pavement heats up, it becomes more pliable. Therefore, it is not strong enough to resist a lot of these stresses. In some cases, the pavement can melt or crack, leading to significant problems. When the asphalt begins to crack, water can infiltrate underneath the road, leading to potholes. Finally, there are also a lot of risks related to chemicals being released into the air as the asphalt degrades. This can lead to serious health problems down the road. For all of these reasons, it is important to work with a company that has experience dealing with commercial asphalt.

Work with a Commercial Asphalt Company

Asphalt pavement is not impervious to damage during a wildfire. That is why it is important to work with concrete contractors who have experience in this area. You need to make sure that your asphalt surfaces are able to withstand the impact of a wildfire. If you partner with a professional who has experience in this area, you can ensure the integrity of your asphalt pavement for years to come. Even if there is a wildfire, your asphalt pavement may be able to stand up to the stress.