Let's talk about asphalt. You might think it is just black stuff you drive on, and that is true. On the surface, it looks pretty simple. But here in Los Angeles, getting Asphalt Paving done right is more complicated. It is not just about laying down some hot mix. It is about knowing the ground under your feet, the sun that beats down from above, and the specific needs of our diverse city.
The Los Angeles Climate: Tougher Than You Think for Asphalt Paving
We all like the Southern California sunshine, but it is very hard on asphalt. That constant, strong UV radiation makes the asphalt binder oxidize. This makes the asphalt brittle and it cracks much faster than in cooler places. I have seen it many times. A job done by someone who does not understand our Los Angeles climate, and a year later, the Asphalt Paving is already fading and cracking. Then there is the heat itself. Temperatures here can make asphalt too soft when it is being installed. This means if it is not handled correctly, you will get ruts and deformation in the Asphalt Paving. When it cools, it shrinks, which causes stress fractures in the asphalt.
We also have our ---