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Knoxville summers aren’t just hot — they’re asphalt-melting hot.
Between intense UV exposure, humid weather, and long stretches of 90°+ days, East Tennessee’s climate creates the perfect conditions for asphalt to age prematurely. Homeowners often notice soft spots, new cracks, or tire impressions in their driveway and assume it’s normal wear and tear — but extreme heat is usually the real culprit.

Here’s what happens to asphalt during those scorching Tennessee summers, and what you can do to protect your driveway or parking lot.

Why Asphalt Softens in High Heat

Asphalt is a petroleum-based material, which means it reacts to temperature changes. When surface temperatures hit the 120°–160°F range — which is common on dark pavement in July and August — the asphalt binder becomes more flexible.

That heat-driven softness leads to:

• Surface impressions from parked vehicles

• Rutting in drive lanes

• Premature aging of the binder

• Increased scuffing and tire marks on newly paved areas

This is especially true for fresh asphalt. A brand-new driveway or lot can look great one day, then suddenly show marks after a heatwave.

UV Rays: The Silent Asphalt Destroyer

Heat alone isn’t the only issue — Knoxville’s high UV index accelerates oxidation.
As UV rays hit the pavement, they cause the binder to dry out and become brittle.

This leads to:

• Fading and discoloration

• More cracking in the first few years

• Faster breakdown of the surface layer

UV damage is one of the biggest reasons asphalt loses its rich black color so quickly in East Tennessee.

Heavy Vehicles and Hot Asphalt Don’t Mix

During the summer, asphalt becomes softer — especially in the afternoon.
Add heavy vehicles into the mix and the risk rises.

You may see:

• Dents, dips, or “wavy” areas where vehicles sit

• Tire depressions from delivery trucks

• Premature rutting on commercial properties

Homes with steep driveways are even more likely to develop slippage cracks when temperatures stay above 90° for long periods.

Humidity and Heat = Even Faster Breakdown

Knoxville’s humidity doesn’t help. Moisture and heat together:

• Trap water beneath the surface

• Weaken the base layer

• Expand existing cracks

• Increase the risk of potholes

This is one reason unsealed asphalt deteriorates faster in the Southeast than in drier regions.

Why Sealcoating Is Essential in the Knoxville Area

Sealcoating isn’t just cosmetic — it’s the #1 defense against summer heat damage.

A fresh sealcoat helps by:

• Blocking UV rays

• Preventing oxidation

• Reducing heat absorption

• Protecting the binder from softening

• Extending pavement lifespan by years

Without sealcoating, Knoxville’s climate can age asphalt 2–3 times faster than normal.

Smart Summer Tips to Protect Your Asphalt

Here’s how homeowners and businesses can prevent heat damage:

• Avoid parking heavy vehicles on very hot days

• Sealcoat every 2–3 years

• Keep the surface clean and free of chemicals

• Ensure proper drainage so heat + moisture doesn’t weaken the base

• Schedule paving during milder temperature windows when possible

A little prevention goes a long way — and repairs cost far less when issues are caught early.

Need Help Protecting Your Asphalt This Summer?

Payless Paving has decades of experience paving and protecting driveways and parking lots throughout Knoxville and East Tennessee. If your asphalt is softening, cracking, fading, or showing heat damage, the sooner you address it, the better.

We can assess the condition, recommend the right fix, and help extend the life of your pavement for years.