G.P.E. Asphalt Paving & Sealcoating
Local roots, professional crews, and a reputation for clean, long-lasting work.
When the Lowcountry sun is beating down and temperatures climb, it might feel like the perfect time to patch a crack or fill a pothole yourself. The asphalt looks soft, the materials seem easy to apply, and DIY kits at hardware stores promise fast results.
But coastal South Carolina’s extreme heat, humidity, and salt-rich air create conditions that make DIY asphalt repairs more risky — and more expensive — than most property owners realize.
Here are the biggest dangers of tackling asphalt repairs yourself during our intense summer heat.
In the Lowcountry, pavement temperatures can hit 140–160°F, even when the air temperature is only in the 90s.
This causes major problems:
DIY fillers soften and spread too thin
Patch material can fail to bond with hot asphalt
Sealants cure unevenly or not at all
Cracks reopen as the pavement expands
The result?
Repairs that look fine today but fail within days or weeks.
Store-bought patching mixes and crack fillers are not commercial-grade, and many are formulated for mild climates — not Beaufort or Bluffton summers.
In coastal heat, these products can:
Melt
Crack
Shrink
Lose adhesion
Wash out during surprise storms
This leaves the pavement more vulnerable than before the repair.
With humidity this high, moisture hides in tiny openings in the pavement.
If you seal over damp asphalt:
Water becomes trapped
The base layer weakens
Cracks spread under the surface
Potholes form from the inside out
This moisture problem is one of the major reasons DIY repairs fail in coastal regions.
Professional asphalt repair isn’t just about filling holes — it’s about preserving the pavement structure.
DIY mistakes often include:
Using too much or too little material
Overheating cold-patch products
Leaving edges unsealed
Creating bumps or depressions
Blocking drainage flow
A poorly applied patch can redirect water where it shouldn’t go — accelerating cracking, base erosion, and premature failure.
The Lowcountry sun is no joke.
Strong UV rays rapidly oxidize asphalt, making it:
Brittle
Gray
More prone to cracking
DIY repairs rarely include UV protection, meaning the patched area breaks down faster than the rest of the pavement — and may even draw more heat.
If you’re close to Beaufort’s waterfront, Lady’s Island, Port Royal, or any salt-influenced area, your asphalt is constantly exposed to:
Salt air
Marine moisture
Corrosive particles from coastal winds
DIY repair materials typically don’t stand up to salt-accelerated wear, leading to premature crumbling and peeling.
Some commercial properties, HOAs, and managed communities have:
Asphalt warranties
Maintenance clauses
Insurance policies covering pavement damage
DIY repairs can void these protections, leaving property owners 100% responsible for future costs.
The biggest hidden danger?
A DIY patch covers up the symptom —
but doesn’t identify the cause.
Professionals look for:
Drainage problems
Base failures
Root intrusion
Heat damage
Early-stage alligator cracking
Structural soft spots
Catching these issues early can save thousands.
In the Lowcountry, professional asphalt repair isn’t just more reliable — it’s engineered for the climate.
With GPE Paving & Sealcoating, you get:
Heat-resistant patching materials
Proper compaction methods
Coastal-grade sealants
Drainage evaluation
Long-term durability
No melted or uneven DIY patches
Professionals also complete repairs quickly, safely, and without disrupting your business or home.
DIY asphalt repairs might look like a cost-saving shortcut, but in coastal heat, they often lead to:
premature failures
weakened pavement
drainage problems
higher long-term repair costs
A proper, professionally done repair extends pavement life, improves appearance, and saves money over time.