How Apache Junction Weather Damages Asphalt and What to Do About It

Asphalt is tough, but it is not indifferent to weather. In Apache Junction the surface has to handle hot Sonoran Desert summers that push past 110 degrees, a monsoon season from July into September, and mild, dry winters, and each of those conditions attacks pavement in a different way. Knowing what to look for lets you catch damage while it is still cheap to fix.

Apache Junction Asphalt works from the older neighborhoods near the Superstition foothills out to newer subdivisions along the US 60 corridor, and the pattern is the same everywhere in the East Valley: the surfaces that last are the ones with a proper base and a sealcoat schedule that matches the weather.

Sun and heat

Ultraviolet light and heat oxidize the binder that holds asphalt together. The surface fades, hardens and becomes brittle, and small aggregate starts to loosen. In intense heat the pavement also softens, which is when heavy vehicles, sharp turns and point loads leave marks and ruts. Sealcoating is the main defense against sun; scheduling it well is the difference between a surface that ages gracefully and one that ravels.

Cold and freeze-thaw

When water in a crack freezes it expands, prying the crack wider; when it thaws, more water gets in. A few dozen cycles can turn a hairline into a pothole. Winters are mild, with only the occasional light frost, so crack sealing before the cold season is the cheapest insurance an owner can buy. It keeps the water out and stops the cycle before it starts.

Wind, dust and debris

Blown sand and grit act like sandpaper on a surface that has already started to dry out, and debris that collects along edges and in low spots holds moisture against the pavement. Sweeping, keeping edges clear of soil and vegetation, and promptly cleaning up oil or fuel spills all slow the wear that weather starts.

Water and drainage

Water is the most destructive thing that touches asphalt. It works into cracks, softens the base, and washes fines out from beneath the surface until the pavement loses support and sinks. Any place water ponds after rain is a future failure. Good crown, clear edges and working drains matter as much as the surface itself.

A seasonal checklist

Walk the surface twice a year. Before the hot season, look for fading, raveling and soft edges and plan sealcoating if it is due. Before the cold or wet season, find and seal every crack and clear drains and edges. Fix potholes as soon as they appear, whatever the season. Apache Junction Asphalt offers inspections for Apache Junction owners who would rather have a professional eye on it.

Key takeaways

• Sun oxidizes the surface; sealcoating is the defense.
• Ponding water is a map of future potholes; fix drainage early.
• Seal cracks before the cold season to stop freeze-thaw damage.

Frequently asked questions

Why did my driveway crack in its first winter?

New asphalt can crack early if the base was thin, if water was trapped under it, or if it was paved in poor conditions. Have it inspected; the cause determines the fix, and a good contractor will tell you honestly whether it is a workmanship issue.

Does sealcoating stop cracks?

It slows the surface aging that leads to cracking, but it does not fill existing cracks. Cracks are filled first, then the sealcoat protects the surface as a whole.