Here in East Tennessee, summer sun isn’t just hot — it’s harsh. And while most homeowners think rain, ice, or heavy vehicles are the biggest threats to their asphalt, one silent culprit does more long-term damage than almost anything else:
☀️ UV radiation from the sun.
UV exposure breaks down the very structure of asphalt, causing fading, brittleness, surface wear, and ultimately premature failure. Whether it’s your driveway or a commercial parking lot, understanding how the sun affects pavement can save you thousands in repairs over the life of your asphalt.
Let’s break down how UV rays age asphalt — and why sealcoating is your best defense.
1. UV Rays Break Down Asphalt’s Binding Oils
Asphalt isn’t just rock and sand — it’s held together by a binder made of specialized oils. UV light slowly “bakes” these oils out of the surface.
When that happens:
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The asphalt dries out
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Flexibility disappears
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Small cracks begin forming
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Surface becomes rough and brittle
This process is called oxidation, and it accelerates dramatically under long periods of intense sunlight.
In Knoxville and East Tennessee — where sunny, high-UV days are common — oxidation happens faster than homeowners realize.
2. Fading Is More Than Just Cosmetic
You’ve probably noticed asphalt go from deep black → gray → light gray over the years.
This isn’t just aging — it’s damage.
Faded asphalt means:
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Binding oils are nearly gone
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Surface strength is weakened
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Cracks will form more easily
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Water can now penetrate deeper
Unprotected asphalt can lose up to 50% of its flexibility within a few years of UV abuse.
3. Heat + Sun = Faster Structural Breakdown
UV rays and heat work together to soften and weaken asphalt.
In Tennessee summers, asphalt surface temperatures often hit:
🔥 140°–160°F on hot days
This extreme heat:
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Expands the pavement surface
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Softens the binder
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Increases rutting in driveways and parking lots
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Makes fresh cracks spread wider
Over time, this leads to sinking, warping, and widespread weakening.
4. Once Cracks Form, UV Damage Speeds Up
Cracks are not just surface issues — they’re gateways for bigger problems.
Once UV rays create small cracks, sunlight and heat penetrate deeper into the pavement structure. This accelerates:
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Drying
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Weakening
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Splintering
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Water intrusion
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Base erosion
Left alone long enough, even a strong driveway can crumble.
5. Why Sealcoating Is Essential in High-Sun Areas
Sealcoating acts like sunscreen for your driveway or parking lot — but much stronger.
A high-quality sealcoat:
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Blocks UV rays
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Prevents oxidation
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Restores flexibility
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Protects binding oils
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Reduces heat absorption
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Makes asphalt last 2–3x longer
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Keeps the surface dark, smooth, and healthy
Think of it as a protective shield that stops the sun from cooking your pavement.
6. The Ideal Sealcoating Schedule for East Tennessee
Because of the region’s UV exposure and summer heat, Payless Paving recommends:
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Every 2–3 years for driveways
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Every 1–2 years for commercial lots
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Annually for high-traffic or south-facing lots
Skipping sealcoating even once can leave your asphalt vulnerable to rapid degradation in Tennessee’s climate.
7. How Sealcoating Saves Money Long-Term
Without UV protection, asphalt can fail early — sometimes 5–10 years sooner.
Sealcoating prevents:
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Costly resurfacing
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Major crack repair
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Pothole formation
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Base layer damage
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Premature replacement
It’s one of the lowest-cost, highest-return maintenance steps any property owner can invest in.
Protect Your Asphalt Before the Sun Breaks It Down
UV rays silently damage asphalt every single day — long before cracks or potholes appear. But with proper sealcoating, you can slow aging dramatically and keep your pavement looking great for years.
Whether you need driveway sealcoating or full commercial maintenance, Payless Paving offers fast, affordable, and reliable service across the Knoxville area.