Protect Your Driveway or Parking Lot During Tennessee’s Hottest Months

If you’ve ever walked across a freshly paved driveway in July, you know how brutal Tennessee summers can be on asphalt. Prolonged heat and heavy use can lead to serious surface issues—like soft spots, ruts, or even permanent deformation.

At R&R Paving, we’ve seen what heat and humidity can do to improperly maintained or poorly installed asphalt. Whether you’re a homeowner in Hendersonville or a business owner in Madison, here’s what you need to know to protect your investment during the hottest time of the year.

🔥 Why Does Asphalt Soften in Summer?

Asphalt is a petroleum-based material that becomes pliable in high temperatures. While it’s designed to flex and expand slightly with weather changes, extreme heat combined with pressure—from parked vehicles, turning tires, or foot traffic—can cause it to soften excessively and develop indentations or ruts.

Common signs of heat damage include:

• Soft or sticky patches

• Ruts where car tires sit regularly

• Indentations under heavy parked vehicles or equipment

• Shiny or oily surface film in high sun areas

🛠️ How to Prevent Asphalt Rutting & Deformation

Thankfully, there are proactive steps you can take to minimize damage and keep your asphalt looking and performing its best through the summer.

✅ 1. Sealcoat Regularly

Sealcoating provides a protective layer that blocks UV rays and helps your surface resist softening. If it’s been 2–3 years since your last coat, summer is the perfect time to get it done.

✅ 2. Limit Heavy Parking in One Spot

Try to rotate where cars, trailers, or equipment are parked. Prolonged weight in one area creates weak points in the asphalt.

✅ 3. Address Drainage Issues

Standing water combined with sun exposure can speed up softening. Make sure your grading directs water away from the asphalt.

✅ 4. Repair Small Cracks Before They Grow

Heat expands existing cracks. Sealing them early helps avoid moisture infiltration and larger surface failures.

✅ 5. Consider Tar & Chip for Heat-Resistant Alternatives

If you’re paving a rural driveway or farm road, tar & chip may be a better long-term solution in extreme heat. It reflects more sun and resists rutting better in some applications.

🏗️ When to Call the Pros

If your surface is already showing signs of rutting or softening, a professional assessment can help you avoid further damage. Depending on the severity, we may recommend:

• Surface patching

• Resurfacing or overlay

• Full-depth replacement in severe cases

• New sealcoating or re-grading for long-term durability

🛣️ Local, Experienced Asphalt Professionals Since 1989

R&R Paving has served homeowners, business owners, and property managers across Nashville, Gallatin, Hendersonville, and surrounding areas for over 30 years. We understand how Middle Tennessee summers affect different asphalt surfaces—and we know how to protect them.