Phoenix’s scorching heat isn’t just tough on people—it’s brutal on asphalt, too.
With triple-digit temperatures, intense UV rays, and monsoon season downpours, asphalt surfaces in the Valley take a beating year-round. Between relentless sun exposure, rapid temperature shifts, and heavy rains, even well-maintained surfaces can deteriorate quickly.
If your driveway, parking lot, or road in Phoenix is showing signs of wear, now is the time to act—before summer’s extreme heat makes problems worse.
Here are five asphalt issues that can escalate quickly in the desert climate and how to fix them before they become major headaches.
Key Takeaways
- Extreme heat in Phoenix causes asphalt to expand and contract, leading to cracks that worsen with time.
- UV exposure breaks down asphalt binders, causing oxidation, fading, and increased brittleness that leads to surface damage.
- Monsoon rains erode weak spots in asphalt, creating potholes that grow rapidly in high-traffic areas.
- Poor drainage leads to soft spots and raveling, especially in areas with uneven terrain or frequent water pooling.
- Hot pavement causes tire marks and indentations, which can turn into lasting damage if not properly managed.
5 Asphalt Problems That Worsen in Phoenix’s Heat (and How to Fix Them)
To help you stay ahead of repairs, here are five asphalt issues that worsen in extreme heat and proactive solutions to fix them before they spiral out of control.
1. Cracking from Extreme Heat
Phoenix experiences some of the highest pavement temperatures in the country, often exceeding 160°F in summer. This intense heat causes asphalt to expand, and when it cools at night, it contracts—leading to cracks over time.
Why It Gets Worse Fast
Once cracks form, they allow water, dirt, and debris to seep in, weakening the asphalt’s foundation. During monsoon season, sudden heavy rains can penetrate these cracks, leading to larger fissures and potholes.
Fix It Now
Crack sealing is the best way to stop the damage early. A high-quality sealant fills the cracks, preventing further expansion and keeping out moisture. If cracks are left untreated, they can spread and require more expensive repairs like patching or resurfacing.
2. Oxidation & Fading from UV Exposure
Ever noticed how parking lots in Phoenix fade from jet black to dull gray? That’s oxidation—a process where UV rays break down the binders in asphalt, making it brittle and prone to cracks.
Why It Gets Worse Fast
Once asphalt oxidizes, it loses flexibility, meaning it can’t expand and contract with temperature changes. This leads to cracking, raveling, and surface deterioration—especially in areas with heavy traffic, like shopping centers along Camelback Road or driveways in Ahwatukee.
Fix It Now
Sealcoating acts like sunscreen for asphalt. It adds a protective layer that blocks UV rays and slows oxidation. If it’s been more than two to three years since your last sealcoat, your asphalt is at risk of premature aging.
3. Potholes from Monsoon Rains
Phoenix’s dry heat dominates most of the year, but the monsoon season (June–September) brings intense rainstorms. When water seeps into cracks and weak spots, it erodes the base, causing potholes.
Why It Gets Worse Fast
Once a pothole forms, vehicles driving over it make it worse by chipping away at the edges. In high-traffic areas, like near Downtown Phoenix or Grand Avenue, potholes can double in size within weeks.
Fix It Now
Infrared patching or hot asphalt patching fills potholes before they become dangerous. Addressing potholes early prevents them from spreading and causing vehicle damage or liability issues for businesses.
4. Soft Spots & Raveling from Poor Drainage
Even though Phoenix is a desert, drainage is still a major concern—especially in areas with uneven terrain, like North Mountain Village or foothill neighborhoods in South Mountain. When water pools on asphalt, it weakens the surface and leads to raveling (loose gravel and surface deterioration).
Why It Gets Worse Fast
With Phoenix’s constant cycle of heat and occasional heavy rain, the combination of water and pressure from vehicles erodes the asphalt, making soft spots worse. Once raveling begins, the surface loses its integrity, making repairs more costly.
Fix It Now
A professional asphalt contractor can assess drainage issues and install proper grading or French drains to prevent water damage. If raveling has already started, resurfacing or sealcoating can extend the life of the asphalt.
5. Tire Marks & Scuffing from Hot Pavement
Phoenix’s asphalt softens in extreme heat, especially right after new paving. This can cause tire marks, scuffing, and even small indentations—common in freshly paved parking lots near high-traffic areas like Biltmore Fashion Park or Desert Ridge Marketplace.
Why It Gets Worse Fast
While minor tire marks aren’t a structural issue, they can become deep depressions if heavy vehicles or extreme temperatures persist. Over time, these indentations can turn into low spots where water collects, leading to further damage.
Fix It Now
Avoid parking heavy vehicles on freshly paved asphalt for at least 24-48 hours. If scuffing becomes a bigger issue, a professional asphalt contractor can re-roll or sealcoat the surface to restore its smooth finish.
Don’t Wait—Fix Asphalt Issues Before Summer Hits
Addressing cracks, potholes, and fading now can save you thousands in future repairs.
At Marrs Construction Paving, we specialize in asphalt repair, sealcoating, pothole patching, and resurfacing throughout Phoenix and the surrounding areas. Whether you need a quick fix for a parking lot in Scottsdale or a complete resurfacing job in Glendale, we’ve got you covered.
Don’t wait until the summer heat makes things worse — call us today to schedule an inspection!
