Summer in Akron and the surrounding Northeast Ohio region can be hard on your parking lot. Between rising temperatures, intense sun exposure, and frequent thunderstorms, your pavement faces serious seasonal stress. Add in the heavy vehicle traffic that comes with summer events, construction detours, and local commerce, and the wear adds up fast.
At S&K Asphalt & Concrete, we’ve been helping property owners and managers across the Akron metro area protect their pavement for more than 35 years. Here’s how summer weather impacts your lot, and what proactive steps you can take to extend its lifespan and avoid costly repairs.
How Akron’s Summer Weather Impacts Pavement Health
1. High Heat and UV Degradation
Summer highs in the Akron-Canton area often climb into the 80s and 90s, and pavement temperatures can soar well above 120°F. Prolonged sun exposure leads to oxidation, a process where the oils in asphalt dry out, making the surface brittle, faded, and more prone to cracking.
2. Frequent Rain and Sudden Storms
Akron summers are known for short but intense thunderstorms, which can drop significant rainfall in just minutes. If cracks or potholes already exist, rainwater can infiltrate and erode the base layer, leading to uneven surfaces and accelerated deterioration.
3. High Humidity and Moisture Retention
Northeast Ohio’s high humidity levels in July and August contribute to surface softening and moisture buildup, both of which can weaken asphalt and concrete over time, especially in shaded areas that stay damp longer.
4. Heavy Use from Summer Traffic and Service Vehicles
Whether you manage a lot near downtown Akron, in a suburban shopping center, or along a trucking route, increased summer activity from delivery trucks, garbage collection, and local traffic puts added strain on your pavement, especially when it’s softened by heat.
Summer Maintenance Tips for Akron Parking Lots
1. Apply a Fresh Sealcoat
Sealcoating is one of the best ways to prevent UV and moisture damage. It helps preserve flexibility, prevents oxidation, and improves appearance. In Akron, the sealcoating season runs from late spring through early fall, making summer the ideal time to protect your lot.
2. Seal Cracks Before Rainwater Gets In
Cracks left open in the summer can turn into major structural issues by fall. S&K Asphalt & Concrete uses professional-grade crack sealing to prevent water intrusion and keep your pavement stable even during Ohio’s heaviest downpours.
3. Check and Improve Drainage Systems
Many lots across Northeast Ohio were not built to handle today’s frequent high-volume storms. Make sure your storm drains, gutters, and curbs are clear and in good shape. Poor drainage is one of the leading causes of potholes and sub-base erosion.
4. Refresh Line Striping and Pavement Markings
UV exposure fades striping and signage faster than most property managers realize. Re-striping in the summer ensures your lot is safe, compliant, and clearly marked; this is especially important for ADA spots and traffic flow.
5. Reinforce Heavy Load Areas
If your lot regularly sees large trucks, dumpsters, or equipment deliveries, consider reinforcing those areas or installing concrete pads to handle the extra weight. Heat-softened asphalt is especially vulnerable to rutting in high-load zones.
Trust S&K Asphalt & Concrete to Keep Your Lot in Top Shape
Don’t wait until fall or winter to address pavement issues; by then, small problems can turn into major liabilities. With Northeast Ohio’s frequent summer storms, fluctuating temperatures, and heavy traffic, a proactive maintenance plan is essential for long-term durability and safety.
From downtown Akron to Medina, Canton, and throughout Summit and Stark Counties, S&K Asphalt & Concrete provides expert asphalt and concrete services tailored to Ohio’s unique climate. We specialize in:
- Sealcoating
- Crack filling
- Concrete repair
- Catch basin and drainage solutions
- Pavement striping
- Lot resurfacing and reconstruction
Contact us today to schedule a free estimate or summer maintenance evaluation. Let’s make sure your lot is protected, this summer and in the months that follow.