Were you aware that both concrete and asphalt are the main contributors to the phenomenon known as the urban heat island effect?
What is the urban heat island effect? Quite simply, it is when a metropolitan area is significantly warmer than the surrounding rural area. The cause of this is almost obvious: Urban development uses materials which effectively retain heat. Try going into a Las Vegas parking lot late at night in the middle of the summer, and you will feel what I mean: The earlier day’s sun is still trapped in the concrete, relentlessly releasing it’s fiery heat, still burning, hours later. It’s normal.
The maximum nightly urban heat island in effect is an increase of between 50 degrees Fahrenheit -55 degrees Fahrenheit in comparison to the surrounding rural desert, according to this study done by Arizona State University! Amazing!
Both studies and common sense show that there will be increases in death rates during heat waves. The urban heat island (UHI) effect also decreases air quality by increasing the production of pollutants such as ozone.
What can be done about the urban heat island effect? Concrete companies can use light-colored concrete, because it is effective in reflecting up to 50% more light than asphalt. Asphalt will absorb, then slowly release the heat; reflective concrete will reflect the heat, thus absorbing and releasing much less. Atlanta did try to mitigate the UHI effect by using this type of concrete, and were successful in reducing the average city temperature by 6 degrees Fahrenheit. So do we know that this method is effective.
J & J Enterprises are experts in all facets of concrete use in construction. We have plenty of light-colored concrete on hand. We have been doing our part to mitigate the UHI effect since 1979. If you’re looking for one of the premier concrete companies for a job in Las Vegas, J & J Enterprises is your best bet!