Prepare Your Parking Lot for East Texas’s Hot Summers

In East Texas, summer brings relentless heat, with temperatures in Tyler and Longview often soaring above 90°F. For business owners, this intense heat can wreak havoc on your asphalt parking lot, causing cracks, fading, and costly damage. A well-maintained parking lot not only enhances your business’s curb appeal but also ensures safety and accessibility for customers. At DC Paving & Sealcoating, a family-owned business with over 20 years of experience in Murchison, Texas, we specialize in helping East Texas businesses keep their parking lots in top shape. Here’s how you can prepare your parking lot for the hot summer months with expert heat-proofing tips—and how DC Paving can make it happen.

Why East Texas Summers Are Tough on Asphalt

Asphalt parking lots in Tyler and Longview face unique challenges during summer:

• UV Radiation: Prolonged sun exposure breaks down asphalt’s binders, causing fading and brittleness.
• Thermal Expansion: Heat causes asphalt to expand and contract, leading to cracks and surface damage.
• Heavy Traffic: High customer traffic in commercial areas like Tyler’s Broadway Avenue or Longview’s Loop 281 accelerates wear, especially on weakened pavement.
• Clay Soils: East Texas’s clay-heavy soils shift with heat and drought, stressing asphalt foundations.

Without proactive maintenance, these factors can lead to alligator cracks, potholes, or a worn-out appearance that deters customers. Fortunately, strategic heat-proofing can protect your investment and keep your parking lot looking sharp.

Heat-Proofing Tips for Your Tyler or Longview Parking Lot

Here’s how to safeguard your parking lot against East Texas’s scorching summers, with practical tips from DC Paving & Sealcoating:

1. Sealcoat Early to Shield Against UV Damage
   Sealcoating is your parking lot’s first line of defense against summer heat. This protective layer acts like sunscreen, blocking UV rays and preventing oxidation that fades asphalt’s rich black finish. It also repels water, reducing damage from occasional summer storms. For best results, apply sealcoating in spring or early summer, when temperatures are mild (50–85°F) and humidity is low, ensuring proper curing. DC Paving uses high-quality sealants, applied every 2–3 years, to extend your pavement’s life by up to 30%. Our team ensures a smooth, durable finish that enhances your business’s appeal in Tyler or Longview.
2. Fill Cracks Promptly to Prevent Expansion
   Cracks from thermal expansion or heavy traffic can widen in summer heat, allowing water to seep into the subbase and cause potholes. Regular crack filling seals these gaps, maintaining structural integrity. Use hot-pour rubberized crack filler for cracks wider than ¼ inch, applied before temperatures exceed 90°F for optimal adhesion. DC Paving’s crack filling services address everything from hairline cracks to alligator patterns, preventing costly repairs for businesses like restaurants or retail centers in Longview’s bustling downtown or Tyler’s South Broadway.
3. Repair Damaged Areas Before Heat Worsens Them
   Small potholes or worn patches can grow rapidly in summer heat, posing safety risks and detracting from your business’s image. Infrared asphalt repair, a specialty at DC Paving, seamlessly blends new asphalt with existing pavement, creating a durable fix without visible seams. Schedule repairs in late spring to ensure your parking lot is ready for summer traffic, whether it’s a church lot in Tyler or a medical office in Longview.
4. Clean Regularly to Maintain Surface Integrity
   Debris like dirt, oil, or leaves can trap heat and degrade asphalt, especially in high-traffic areas. Sweep your parking lot weekly and use a pressure washer monthly to remove oil stains, which weaken asphalt in heat. DC Paving offers cleaning and maintenance services to keep your lot pristine, ensuring sealcoating and repairs perform at their best for East Texas businesses.
5. Refresh Line Striping for Safety and Aesthetics
   Faded parking lines, exacerbated by UV exposure, can confuse drivers and increase liability risks. Summer is an ideal time to restripe your lot, ensuring clear markings for parking spaces, ADA-compliant handicap zones, and traffic flow. DC Paving’s precision striping services use durable, reflective paint, enhancing safety and curb appeal for Tyler strip malls or Longview office complexes.

How DC Paving & Sealcoating Helps Your Business Shine

At DC Paving & Sealcoating, we understand the demands of East Texas’s climate and the importance of a welcoming parking lot for your business. Our comprehensive services are tailored to Tyler and Longview’s unique needs:

• Professional Sealcoating: We apply premium sealants with expert precision, protecting your asphalt from UV rays, heat, and wear.
• Crack Filling and Repairs: Our team tackles cracks and potholes with advanced techniques like infrared repair, minimizing disruption to your business.
• Parking Lot Striping: We ensure ADA compliance and clear navigation with high-quality striping, perfect for busy commercial areas.
• Custom Maintenance Plans: From routine cleaning to biennial sealcoating, we create schedules that fit your budget and traffic demands.
• Local Expertise: As a family-owned business based in Murchison, we know East Texas’s soils, weather, and business needs, delivering personalized solutions with a commitment to quality.

With over two decades of experience, DC Paving has transformed parking lots for East Texas businesses, from small retailers to large office parks, earning a reputation for reliability and customer satisfaction.

Act Now to Beat the Heat

Don’t let East Texas’s summer heat damage your parking lot or turn away customers. A well-maintained lot can boost your business’s value, improve safety, and create a lasting first impression. With DC Paving & Sealcoating’s heat-proofing solutions, you can protect your investment and keep your Tyler or Longview property looking its best.

Ready to prepare your parking lot for summer? Contact DC Paving & Sealcoating today for a free estimate or to schedule sealcoating, crack filling, or striping services. Let our family-owned team help your East Texas business thrive in any season.