Asphalt paving is the affordable concrete alternative in every state, including here in Arizona. The Grand Canyon State’s population has grown by a whopping 12 percent in the last 10 years — a figure that helps Arizona hold its place as one of the fastest-growing states in the country. More development and construction projects continue to break ground from Tucson to Flagstaff. This fast growth and rising demand mean finding the right asphalt contractors in Arizona is more critical than ever.
Morgan Pavement has over 30 years of experience in asphalt paving and repair and knows the asphalt paving and repair challenges unique to Arizona. Below, we’re sharing what makes Arizona asphalt paving different from other states, thanks to our state’s arid climate, unparalleled sun, and rainy monsoon seasons.
How Arizona’s Climate Impacts Asphalt Paving and Maintenance
The Negative Effects of Sunshine on Asphalt
Did you know that Arizona is the sunniest state in America? Arizona has claimed its title as the sunniest state for over 30 years, according to the Washington Post. Every single county in Arizona clocks in over 18.7 hours of sunshine, on average, every day. All that sun is great for Arizonans’ Vitamin D levels and golf plans, but it is also the leading cause of deterioration for asphalt.
The harsh UV rays of our unparalleled sunshine can quickly erode the surface of asphalt. Day after day, UV rays combine with oxygen in the air to create a chemical effect — or “oxidation” — on asphalt. Oxidation steadily breaks down the asphalt’s binders (or the refined petroleum product that gives asphalt its spreadable, watertight features), which leads to disintegration.
To counteract this, The asphalt mix used here is designed for higher temperatures. It’s designed with more asphalt emulsion in it.
The Positive Effects of Sunshine
While the sun is — on the whole — damaging to asphalt, Arizona’s sunny climate does have its benefits. In other climates that experience longer, colder winters, a continuous “freeze-thaw” temperature cycle can seriously damage asphalt. When temperatures regularly dip below freezing and rise again, ice and warm, expanding air can cause deep cracks in asphalt’s surface. Luckily for us, much of Arizona avoids this cycle which is good news for asphalt’s lifespan.
Also, because of Arizona’s sunshine and legendary hot summers, asphalt services in the summer months (June through August) are completed more often in the evening, when our arid climate cools down. Thanks to our dry, warm environment, asphalt can be laid any time of year.
Planning Ahead for Monsoon Season
Starting in mid-June and running through the end of September, Arizona’s monsoon season can bring heavy downpours. Because of Arizona’s dry, rocky, and clay-like soil, sudden rainfall cannot be quickly absorbed by the ground. As a result, arroyos surge with water, and flash floods cause standing water in our otherwise dry, desert environment.
This situation can cause serious water erosion for asphalt if your asphalt contractor doesn’t properly excavate, grade, and prep your new asphalt pavement. When the sub-base of asphalt is exposed, water can quickly seep in and cause deterioration from all sides of the pavement.
How to Protect and Prolong Asphalt in Arizona
While these environmental issues can be problematic for asphalt in Arizona, they can also be mitigated with proper planning and precise paving. That’s why choosing an experienced Arizona asphalt contractor is so important.
Seal coating is an asphalt maintenance service that acts as a form of sunscreen for asphalt. We recommend Arizona asphalt be seal coated every three to five years — a rate slightly higher than in other parts of the country. New seal coats protect the surface of your asphalt, give it a refreshed look, and cover unsightly cracks, sun damage, and other blemishes.
To prepare for monsoon season, our Arizona teams take extra care during the earthwork grading process. We make sure that our projects have superior water drainage that removes and eliminates standing water whenever possible to prevent water erosion and improve safety.
Choose Morgan Pavement for Your Arizona Asphalt Project
With over 200 team members and eight specialty asphalt divisions, Morgan Pavement is one of the largest private asphalt paving companies in the Intermountain West. Since 2011, we have operated in the greater Phoenix area to serve the entire state of Arizona. Our team does it all when it comes to asphalt. For new asphalt paving projects, including grading and excavating, crack sealing repair, patching, or striping and marking, we can give you the peace of mind that your asphalt is ready for whatever the Arizona climate brings. Our methods proactively plan for the harsh sun and high temperatures Arizona is guaranteed to offer. To get a quote, or to learn more about how we can help you with an upcoming project, contact our Southwest Division office in Tempe.
