Asphalt can easily get very hot, it’s important to be aware of when you’re playing sports or spending a ton of time outside. In any case, the best way to ensure your children, pets, and any friends are safe is to be aware of how hot asphalt can get.
What causes asphalt to get hotter?
Asphalt can run hot because of how easily it absorbs heat from the sun, especially on an already warm day. In some situations, asphalt will get to be up to 50 degrees hotter than outside temperature.
How is asphalt commonly used?
Driveways and paved surfaces for schools often have asphalt, in addition to streets. Hosting activities on these kind of surfaces of bringing your children out on them should be something you test beforehand. To do this, simply put your palm to the surface. Then if you are not able to leave your palm there comfortably, the surface is too hot to be used.
Now, since your children already wear shoes, they should be fine. However, it’s also a good idea to equip your pets with boots or shoes to limit how hot their paws will get. They can sustain health threatening, long-term injuries from hot pavement, so be sure to apply this test every hot day.