When it comes to your asphalt or concrete pavement, where you live matters. A lot. In San Antonio, our weather isn’t just a talking point—it’s a real factor that influences how long your pavement lasts, how it performs, and how much maintenance you’ll need to keep it in good shape.

At Asphalt Services and Construction, we’ve worked with homeowners, business owners, and municipalities throughout the San Antonio area for decades. And we’ve seen firsthand how our unique climate—from blazing heat to flash floods—affects driveways, parking lots, and roads. In this post, we’ll explore the key climate-related challenges pavement faces in San Antonio and share proven strategies to protect your investment.

Understanding San Antonio’s Climate

Before we dive into the technical details of pavement performance, let’s take a look at what makes San Antonio’s climate distinctive:

• Hot summers: Temperatures regularly reach triple digits in July and August. Prolonged exposure to heat can bake pavement and accelerate wear.
• Flash floods: Rainfall is often infrequent but intense. Heavy storms can overwhelm drainage systems and compromise the structural integrity of pavement.
• Clay-heavy soil: Many areas in and around San Antonio sit on expansive clay soil, which swells when wet and shrinks when dry. This movement can lead to cracks and surface instability.
• Occasional winter freezes: While rare, freezes do occur in winter months. These freeze-thaw cycles can accelerate cracking in both asphalt and concrete.
• UV exposure: Year-round sunshine can degrade pavement binders, especially in asphalt, leading to fading and surface brittleness.

Each of these factors presents challenges—but the good news is that the right materials, installation methods, and maintenance routines can keep your pavement in top condition for years.

The Heat Is On: Summer Temperatures and Pavement Degradation

The Problem:

San Antonio’s summers are brutally hot. Asphalt pavement can reach surface temperatures of 140°F or higher on a sunny day. These high temps can soften the asphalt binder, especially in driveways or parking lots with heavy vehicles. This leads to rutting, tire marks, surface depressions, and accelerated oxidation. In concrete, extreme heat can cause expansion, increasing the risk of cracks, especially if expansion joints aren’t properly installed.

What to Do About It:

• Sealcoat regularly: For asphalt surfaces, sealcoating every 2 to 4 years protects the surface from heat and UV degradation, extending the lifespan of your pavement.
• Use high-quality mix designs: Reputable contractors like Asphalt Services and Construction use heat-resistant asphalt binders that stand up to San Antonio’s extreme conditions.
• Ensure proper curing: For concrete, hot weather can cause rapid water loss during curing, leading to surface cracking. Using curing blankets or water sprays during installation helps prevent early damage.
• Choose reflective finishes: In areas like parking lots or entryways where temperature build-up is a concern, consider lighter-colored concrete or solar-reflective coatings to reduce heat absorption.

Flash Floods and Drainage: Managing Water Runoff

The Problem:

San Antonio gets most of its rain in short, intense bursts. When storms hit, water can pool on improperly sloped surfaces or seep into pavement layers, weakening the base. Poor drainage is one of the leading causes of premature pavement failure—causing cracks, potholes, and even structural collapse if left unaddressed.

What to Do About It:

• Design for proper slope and drainage: Pavement should be graded to direct water away from structures and into appropriate stormwater systems. A minimum slope of 1-2% is generally recommended.
• Install curb and gutter systems: These help direct runoff to storm drains and reduce erosion at the pavement edges.
• Use permeable pavement options: In areas where stormwater control is a concern, porous asphalt or pervious concrete can help reduce runoff by allowing water to pass through.
• Inspect regularly for pooling: After a storm, take note of any standing water. If you see puddles forming, contact a contractor to evaluate and adjust the grading.

Soil Movement and Subgrade Issues

The Problem:

Expansive clay soils are common throughout South Texas. These soils swell significantly when they absorb water and contract during dry periods. This constant movement puts stress on pavement from below, causing cracks, shifting, and uneven surfaces—especially when the subgrade isn’t properly compacted.

What to Do About It:

• Stabilize the subgrade: During installation, subgrade material should be thoroughly compacted. In problem areas, chemical stabilization or the use of geotextile fabrics may be necessary.
• Add a thicker base layer: A strong, well-draining base (typically crushed stone or recycled concrete) helps distribute weight evenly and reduce the impact of soil movement.
• Use expansion joints: In concrete surfaces, these joints allow for movement without cracking and are essential in areas with shifting soils.
• Address drainage proactively: Moisture management is key. Ensure that downspouts, sprinklers, and landscape grading don’t allow water to collect near paved surfaces.

UV Radiation and Surface Deterioration

The Problem:

San Antonio boasts an average of over 220 sunny days per year. While that’s great for outdoor living, it’s hard on your pavement. UV rays break down the chemical bonds in asphalt, causing it to fade from black to gray and become brittle over time. This process—called oxidation—can lead to raveling, cracking, and potholes.

Concrete is less susceptible to UV damage but still suffers from surface erosion and discoloration over time, especially if it’s untreated.

What to Do About It:

• Sealcoating: This remains the best defense against UV damage in asphalt. It creates a protective layer that absorbs sunlight and prevents binder breakdown.
• Color sealers for concrete: Decorative concrete sealers not only enhance the appearance of your driveway or walkway but also protect against sun damage and stains.
• Routine inspection: Check your pavement for signs of surface wear and color fading. Early intervention can prevent bigger issues later.

Winter Freeze-Thaw Cycles

The Problem:

Though rare, San Antonio does experience freezes in winter. When water seeps into cracks in the pavement and then freezes, it expands—widening the crack and weakening the surrounding material. Over time, this can cause alligator cracking, surface delamination, or even major potholes.

What to Do About It:

• Crack sealing: This simple, affordable maintenance task prevents water infiltration. Seal cracks in both asphalt and concrete before winter to reduce freeze-thaw damage.
• Prompt snow and ice removal: If freezing rain or snow hits, clear it off quickly to prevent prolonged water exposure.
• Avoid de-icing chemicals: Rock salt and other de-icers can damage concrete surfaces and accelerate deterioration. Use sand or non-corrosive alternatives instead.
• Install flexible pavements: Asphalt is naturally more flexible than concrete, making it better suited to handling freeze-thaw movement without cracking.

Local Wildlife and Tree Roots

The Problem:

While not strictly climate-related, San Antonio’s lush tree canopy and active wildlife population can also contribute to pavement damage. Tree roots seeking moisture may grow under driveways and sidewalks, causing lifting and cracking. Burrowing animals can disturb the subgrade, particularly around rural properties.

What to Do About It:

• Plan your landscaping wisely: Don’t plant large trees too close to paved areas. When possible, choose slow-growing or shallow-root species.
• Install root barriers: These can be placed during construction to redirect roots away from the pavement structure.
• Monitor surface heaving: If you see areas rising or cracking, it may be time to have the soil evaluated for root intrusion or burrowing activity.

Material Choices Matter in San Antonio

The best way to protect your pavement from San Antonio’s unique climate? Choose the right material from the start.

Asphalt:

• Great for flexibility in areas with unstable soil
• Easy to repair and maintain
• Susceptible to softening in high heat without sealcoat
• Requires more frequent maintenance but costs less upfront

Concrete:

• Long-lasting and resistant to UV damage
• More rigid—can crack if subgrade shifts
• Reflects heat, keeping surrounding areas cooler
• Higher initial cost but fewer maintenance demands

At Asphalt Services and Construction, we help clients select the best material for their specific location, soil type, usage needs, and aesthetic goals.

Maintenance Tips for San Antonio Pavement Owners

No matter what material you choose, your pavement will need routine care to thrive in our Texas climate. Here’s a simple maintenance schedule to follow:

• Annually:
  • Inspect for cracks, drainage issues, and discoloration
  • Power wash concrete surfaces to remove buildup
  • Reseal decorative concrete if applicable
• Every 2–4 years:
  • Sealcoat asphalt surfaces
  • Re-stripe parking lots if lines are faded
• As needed:
  • Fill cracks with rubberized or epoxy filler
  • Patch potholes before they expand
  • Grade surrounding soil to improve water flow

Why Choose Asphalt Services and Construction?

We’re more than just a paving company. We’re your local experts in pavement performance under San Antonio conditions. We understand the region’s soil types, water patterns, drainage systems, and climate extremes—and we build pavement to match.

Whether you need a brand-new installation, a resurfacing project, or ongoing maintenance, our team is ready to deliver lasting results.

We offer:

• Free consultations and site evaluations
• Professional drainage planning and grading
• High-quality materials built for South Texas weather
• Transparent pricing with no surprises
• Dedicated customer support long after the project is complete

Final Thoughts

Your pavement isn’t just something you drive or walk on—it’s an investment in your property. In San Antonio, where the climate can be both beautiful and brutal, making smart decisions about materials, drainage, and maintenance is essential to preserving that investment.

By understanding how local conditions affect your pavement and working with a team that builds for long-term performance, you can avoid costly repairs and enjoy a smooth, attractive surface for years to come.

Ready to protect your pavement from San Antonio’s weather? Contact Asphalt Services and Construction today for a free consultation. We’ll help you build it right—and keep it that way.