How Does Arizona’s Sunshine Affect Asphalt Paving?

Florida may be known as the “Sunshine State”, but did you know that Arizona is actually the sunniest state in America? The Grand Canyon State has claimed its title as the sunniest state for the past few decades, according to World Population Review. All that sun is great news for Arizonans’ Vitamin D levels, but not so spectacular for their pavement surfaces.

Asphalt is the most popular paving material used for roads and parking lots in Arizona. While concrete is used in some cases, asphalt is most commonly preferred due to its cost-effectiveness, durability, and ease of maintenance. Compared to other regions’ climates, Arizona does offer some benefits for pavement. But for the most part, parking lots, roadways, sidewalks, driveways— really any pavement surfaces in Arizona are up against mean old Mother Nature when it comes to longevity.

The intense sunlight, coupled with the harsh UV rays of Arizona’s unrivaled sunshine, can weaken the surface of asphalt much quicker than other parts of the country. The sun’s ultraviolet rays combine with oxygen and result in oxidation on asphalt. Oxidation breaks down the bonds between asphalt’s components and binders, which leads to disintegration, worsening cracks, and a faded appearance.

To combat these harsh conditions, the asphalt mix used in AZ is specifically designed for higher temperatures, containing more asphalt emulsion.

Believe it or not, the pavement-damaging sun of Arizona does indeed have some benefits. In other climates, like at our Headquarters Office in Illinois, the cold, long winters are generally considered more destructive to asphalt pavement due to the “freeze-thaw” weather cycles. The severe temperature fluctuations cause moisture and air to repeatedly expand and contract, worsening existing cracks in the asphalt surface and creating new ones as well. However, most of Arizona will never have to worry about freeze-thaw weather cycles.

What’s more, asphalt can be laid in Arizona any time of the year due to the consistently dry/warm environment. During the summer months, asphalt services are often executed in the evening, when temperatures cool down. This allows minimal disruptions for AZ business owners in need of asphalt paving, maintenance, and repairs.

Arizona’s environmental conditions can cause problems for asphalt pavement surfaces, but resolution is possible with proper planning for paving, maintenance, and repairs. Sealcoating every 2 – 3 years is ideal for asphalt pavement in the southwestern United States. Routine seal coat application protects your asphalt from harmful UV rays, covers smaller cracks, and makes it look brand new!

You need an experienced asphalt contractor on your side to maximize the life of your asphalt parking lot, driveway, and/or roadway in Arizona. Get in touch with the pavement professionals at Pavement Solutions, who have won awards for asphalt paving work since 2001. We operate out of Illinois and Arizona and are very well-versed in the nuances that come with paving in different climates.

Our team will create a detailed and customized pavement plan, complete with phased installations and maintenance for your specific property’s needs. Request your free estimate today.

Our Pavement Solutions West Office proudly offers concrete and asphalt paving, maintenance, and repair services for commercial and industrial properties all over Arizona; including Apache Junction, Avondale, Buckeye, Casa Grande, Cave Creek, Chandler, Coolidge, El Mirage, Florence, Fountain Hills, Gilbert, Glendale, Gold Canyon, Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Mesa, Paradise Valley, Peoria, Phoenix, Queen Creek, San Tan Valley, Scottsdale, Sun City, Sun City West, Sun Lakes, Surprise, Tempe, Tolleson, and Youngtown.