IREM Certified Property Manager (CPM) Practice Test 2025 – All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

Temperature fluctuations can lead to significant degradation of pavement over time. When temperatures rise, materials like asphalt expand, and when they drop, they contract. This continuous cycle of expansion and contraction can create stress within the pavement material, eventually leading to cracks, buckling, and other forms of breakdown. Extreme heat can soften the pavement, while cold temperatures can make it brittle, increasing the risk of damage under the pressure of traffic or weight.

In contrast, regular cleaning and maintenance contribute to the longevity and durability of pavement, as they help remove debris and prevent damage from vegetation or water accumulation. Minimal traffic loads typically do not exert enough pressure to cause significant wear on the surface, reducing the risk of breakdown. Consistent moisture levels might contribute to deterioration if they lead to pooling or persistent saturation, but they wouldn't directly cause the same type of cyclical damage as temperature fluctuations would. Thus, understanding the impact of temporal changes is crucial in pavement management.