Summer is peak paving season in Akron, Summit County, and Northeast Ohio, but the heat, humidity, and seasonal weather patterns here make asphalt work more complex than it may seem. High surface temperatures (often over 130 °F), combined with sweaty, humid afternoons and sudden thunderstorms pose real challenges for curing and compaction. Plus, local factors like proximity to the Ohio & Cuyahoga Rivers can lead to pooled water that undermines freshly laid surfaces. Bottom line: without the right experience, summer resurfacing risks cracking, ruts, and early failure. That’s why parking lot owners trust S & K Asphalt & Concrete, Akron’s go-to experts, for reliable, weather-smart solutions.
Heat, Humidity & UV: Hidden Threats to Curing Asphalt
Asphalt only reaches peak strength when it cools and hardens correctly, but Northeast Ohio summers can sabotage that process. Pavement temperatures regularly spike past 130 °F, and in some spots, they’re as much as 50 °F hotter than the air due to urban heat island effects. When asphalt cools too quickly under intense heat, crews can’t compact it properly, resulting in brittle pavement or tiny cracks. Conversely, high humidity slows the evaporation of asphalt binder, leaving surfaces sticky and prone to deformation. On top of that, UV rays break down binder oils, accelerating oxidation and aging, unless the lot is sealed soon after installation.
S & K tackles these issues head-on using custom hot-mix blends designed for summer durability, real-time surface-temperature monitoring, and carefully timed delivery and compaction schedules to stay within the ideal cooling window.
Urban Heat & Storm Risks: The Double Whammy
Akron’s cityscape, which includes blacktop, concrete, and rooftops, creates a localized heat-maximizing effect, making urban lots retain extreme temperature well into the evening. This sustained heat can soften the asphalt, causing wheel ruts or indentations. At the same time, Central Ohio’s summer thunderstorms often arrive without warning, bringing moisture that can disrupt binding and cause delamination. To counter these risks, S & K monitors weather actively, pauses work at the first sign of rain, and uses protective coverings to guard new asphalt from unexpected moisture.
Foundation & Drainage: Curing Starts Beneath the Surface
Effective curing isn’t just about the asphalt layer; it begins underneath. S & K prepares each parking lot with thorough crack repair, patching, milling, and laser-precise grading to ensure water drains away quickly. This is critical, especially in low-lying areas near rivers, where standing water can sabotage a resurfacing job before it even starts.
Precision Rolling & Grading in the Heat
Summer demands precision and speed. Asphalt must be compacted while it’s still workable, not too stiff or too soft. S & K’s crews use temperature-controlled rollers, nuclear density gauges, and laser-guided equipment to meet compaction specs and pitch standards on every project.
Safety in the Hot Zone
Working around 300 °F asphalt in 90 °F+ heat puts crews at risk for heat exhaustion or worse. That’s why S & K enforces strict safety protocols: full PPE, shaded breaks, hydration stations, rotating shifts, and supervisors trained in CPR and first aid. A safe crew means quality work, and peace of mind for property owners.
Scheduling Smart to Avoid Disruption
Akron summer is full of festivals, river events, and heavy commuter traffic. S & K works closely with property owners to schedule resurfacing during off-peak hours, evenings, or weekends, minimizing risks and keeping businesses accessible to customers.
Trust Akron’s Asphalt Season Experts
Summer paving in Northeast Ohio isn’t just painting black lines; it’s a science that balances heat, moisture, timing, materials, and safety. S&K Asphalt & Concrete, based in Akron, Ohio, specializes in asphalt maintenance and pothole repair. With over 35 years of local experience, S & K Asphalt & Concrete brings the expertise, tools, and judgement needed to deliver durable, smooth, and weather-resilient parking lots.
Whether you need crack sealing, patching, or full-depth resurfacing, our team can help extend the life of your parking lot and keep it safe for drivers and pedestrians. Call us at 331-320-2561 or use the contact form on this website – we’d love to hear from you!