G.P.E. Asphalt Paving & Sealcoating
Local roots, professional crews, and a reputation for clean, long-lasting work.
If you live or manage property in the Beaufort, Burton, or Lady’s Island area, you already know that our Lowcountry weather is a force of nature — hot, humid summers, heavy downpours, salty coastal air, and occasional cold snaps all take their toll on pavement. While asphalt is known for its strength and flexibility, it’s still vulnerable to the elements over time. Understanding how local weather affects asphalt can help you prevent damage, plan maintenance, and extend the life of your driveway or parking lot.
South Carolina’s coastal summers often push temperatures into the 90s, and that heat radiating off dark pavement can be 30–40 degrees hotter. When asphalt absorbs that level of heat, it expands slightly. Repeated expansion and contraction cause stress within the surface, leading to small cracks that worsen with age.
But the biggest issue isn’t just temperature — it’s UV exposure. Prolonged sunlight causes oxidation, which dries out the asphalt’s binding oils. This process turns your once-rich blacktop gray and brittle, making it more likely to crack and crumble under pressure.
Preventive Tip: Routine sealcoating acts as sunscreen for your asphalt, blocking UV rays and restoring flexibility. It’s one of the most effective ways to combat heat-related aging in Beaufort’s climate.
Rain is one of asphalt’s biggest enemies, and the Lowcountry sees plenty of it. When rainwater seeps into unsealed cracks or along the edges of a driveway or parking lot, it begins to erode the base layer underneath. Over time, this creates soft spots that eventually collapse into potholes or cause alligator cracking patterns across the surface.
Standing water is another major concern — areas that don’t drain properly can trap moisture and accelerate surface breakdown. That’s why professional paving contractors pay close attention to grading and drainage design during installation.
Preventive Tip: If you notice pooling water or areas that stay damp long after a storm, call in a professional like G.P.E. Asphalt Paving & Sealcoating to inspect the grade and make adjustments before major damage occurs.
Living near the water comes with plenty of perks, but salt-laden air isn’t one of them for asphalt. Salt particles carried in coastal winds can slowly penetrate the surface, breaking down the asphalt’s binder and causing premature wear. This is especially noticeable on driveways and parking lots near marshy areas or waterfront properties in Lady’s Island and Port Royal.
Preventive Tip: Regular sealcoating provides a barrier against salt intrusion and should be done every 2–3 years in coastal regions like Beaufort County.
Although winters are relatively mild here, occasional cold snaps and overnight freezes can cause asphalt to contract. Any moisture that has entered small surface cracks can freeze, expand, and widen those cracks further. Over several seasons, this freeze-thaw cycle can cause significant surface deterioration, even in a climate as temperate as South Carolina’s.
Preventive Tip: Filling cracks promptly before winter and sealing the surface regularly helps block moisture from penetrating and freezing beneath the surface.
Humidity plays a subtler role, but it can still impact asphalt integrity. When moisture constantly lingers in the air and surface stays damp, it softens the asphalt binder over time. This can make the surface more prone to scuffing, raveling, and early wear — especially in shaded areas where drying is slower.
Preventive Tip: Proper slope, good drainage, and avoiding heavy stationary loads (like parked trailers or dumpsters) on damp asphalt can help prevent deformation.
Every weather factor — heat, rain, salt, humidity, or cold — works together to wear asphalt down slowly. But consistent maintenance can stop minor issues before they become major repairs.
Regular care from G.P.E. Asphalt Paving & Sealcoating can include:
Sealcoating to protect against UV rays, water, and salt.
Crack filling to prevent moisture infiltration.
Drainage evaluation to avoid standing water and erosion.
Periodic inspections to catch small problems early.
These simple steps can add years to your pavement’s life, saving you money and keeping your property looking its best.
Beaufort’s weather may be tough on pavement, but with the right maintenance, your asphalt can stay strong, smooth, and attractive for decades. Whether it’s your home driveway or your business parking lot, the key is proactive care — not waiting until the cracks appear.
Contact G.P.E. Asphalt Paving & Sealcoating today to schedule an inspection or maintenance service anywhere within 75–90 miles of Beaufort. From new paving and sealcoating to repair and drainage solutions, their team knows how to keep Lowcountry asphalt ready for whatever the weather brings.