Severe weather can happen at any point during the year, but the fall months often see a higher frequency of storms.
The horrific destruction from Hurricane Helene along the coast and as far inland as southern Appalachia reminds all Americans that natural disasters have little mercy.
Business owners anywhere in the U.S. must consider severe weather concerns and prepare their property as best they can.
Let’s look at how property owners can protect their paved surfaces during severe weather.
Extreme Heat
If you’ve ever touched asphalt on a hot summer day, you know that asphalt paved surfaces can become extremely hot.
Heat-related cracking occurs when temperatures rise, as the intensity of the air temperature raises the asphalt’s temperature, which can cause it to expand and crack. You may also notice that your pavement dries out over time after periods of extreme heat.
While extreme heat cannot be prevented, property owners can mitigate the effects of the heat on their asphalt by adding shade to their parking lots and paved surfaces.
If you have places along the lot’s perimeter to plant trees or consider adding carports, you may be able to keep certain parts of the paved surface cooler in the shade.
Extreme Cold
Extreme cold can be just as harsh on asphalt as extreme heat.
Potholes can form when moisture that has worked its way into the asphalt freezes, causing it to expand and crack. Ice, in general, is also dangerous to paved surfaces. Thin layers of ice on asphalt (often called “black ice”) create hazards for pedestrians and vehicles.
If you suspect frigid weather, a blizzard, or an ice storm, keep a close eye on your paved surfaces.
Consider treating your asphalt with salt, but first, ensure that the surface is clear of snow and check with an asphalt professional to ensure that you use a surface-safe brand.
Heavy Precipitation
Proper drainage systems on your paved surfaces are the best defense against heavy precipitation, particularly rain.
Trench gates and storm drains are standard in asphalt-paved parking lots. Both can capture large amounts of water and reduce the risk of pooling and flooding.
Commercial property owners should ensure that grates and storm drains are maintained and cleaned regularly to provide the best drainage possible during severe weather.
High Winds
High winds are tricky in severe weather because they usually precede storms or happen concurrently.
While adding landscaping to your parking lot can help mitigate heat, trees and shrubbery can be hazardous during high winds.
The best practice is to ensure any landscaping is taken care of regularly throughout the year to avoid dead branches or other potential mishaps.
If your parking lot has other fixtures, such as signs, cart corrals, or roadblocks, check them frequently and ensure they are stabilized and steady.
Barriers and Landscaping
Barriers and landscaping pose a challenge, as anything that sits on or near your asphalt-paved surface can become a hazard in severe weather.
That said, landscaping can provide shade during high temperatures and improve curb appeal. Other fixtures and barriers help the parking lot run smoothly, directing traffic flow.
The best option for property owners is to weigh the cost and benefits of each fixture when designing or reviewing their paved surfaces. Which fixtures enhance curb appeal? Which fixtures could be a liability during severe weather?
It’s not a straightforward process; each property will have its own needs and solutions.
Overall Preparation Tips
The American Meteorological Society (AMS) recommends that business owners have a severe weather plan for employees and customers. This plan should include a refuge area or at least identify safe places nearby.
When the 2011 Joplin tornado hit in Joplin, Missouri, a store manager saved lives by insisting customers rush into a walk-in cooler while the tornado ravaged the parking lot and the building.
While we hope never to have these situations happen to our businesses and communities, quick thinking and planning can make a difference in saved or lost lives.
Check out the National Weather Service StormReady® program, which includes resources for property and business owners.
Work With Leritz Busy Bee
Our Leritz Busy Bee Paving team is here to help with your commercial, municipal, and community asphalt needs (please note that we do not do residential driveways).
When you trust Leritz Busy Bee Paving with your commercial asphalt projects, you can trust that you will get the best materials and service.
Schedule a consultation with our team of pavement experts today to get started.