Answers to Common Paving Questions

It depends on what is underneath. If your base is still solid and the damage is limited to the top layer, surface cracks, worn texture, faded appearance, resurfacing is usually the right call. It costs less and gets the job done. If the base has shifted, you have deep potholes, or water is getting underneath and causing damage, a full repave is the better long-term investment. We assess this during your free estimate and give you a straight answer.

Arizona's heat is the main culprit. When ground temperatures exceed 150°F in summer, low-quality asphalt softens, loses its binder, and starts to ravel or crack. UV exposure breaks down the surface oils even faster. That is why the mix specification matters so much here. ADOT certified mixes are formulated specifically for desert conditions and hold up where standard mixes fail. Not all contractors use them. We do, on every job.

A few things to look for: the quote should specify the thickness of the asphalt being laid, the type of mix being used, and whether base preparation is included. Vague quotes that just list a price per square foot with no details are a red flag. Also check that the contractor is licensed, bonded, and insured. Anyone cutting corners on paperwork is usually cutting corners on the job too. We are happy to walk you through exactly what is included in our estimate line by line.

Sealcoating is a protective layer applied over existing asphalt that shields it from UV rays, fuel spills, and water penetration. In Arizona, UV degradation is the number one cause of premature asphalt failure, so sealcoating is not optional maintenance. It is how you protect your investment. We recommend sealing new asphalt about six months after installation, then every two to three years after that. It is far cheaper than resurfacing and dramatically extends the life of your pavement.

Sometimes, but not always. Minor surface cracking can often be overlaid once cracks are cleaned and filled. However, if the cracks are wide, deep, or show signs of base failure such as alligator cracking or areas that move underfoot, paving over them will not fix the problem. The new layer will reflect the same cracks within a season or two. We will tell you honestly whether an overlay makes sense for your surface or whether it would be a waste of your money.

For a residential driveway, a minimum of two inches of compacted asphalt over a properly prepared aggregate base is standard. For driveways that see heavier vehicles such as trucks, RVs, or commercial equipment, we recommend three inches or more. The base preparation underneath matters just as much as the asphalt thickness. A well-prepared base with proper compaction and drainage is what keeps the surface from shifting or cracking prematurely, especially in Arizona's expansive soil conditions.

Clear the area of vehicles, equipment, and any items stored on the surface. Make sure we have access to the site without obstructions. If you have sprinklers near the work area, let us know and we will mark anything that needs to be avoided. On the day of the job, plan to keep the area clear until we advise it is safe to use. We will handle everything else and walk you through what to expect before we start.

Heat actually helps asphalt lay and compact correctly. It is monsoon moisture and soil saturation that create scheduling issues. We work through Arizona summers and plan jobs around weather conditions that could affect the base or the cure. If a storm rolls through and saturates the ground before a job, we may need to reschedule to ensure proper compaction. We monitor conditions closely and communicate with you in advance if timing needs to shift.

Both. We work on residential driveways, HOA roads, commercial parking lots, industrial yards, and everything in between. Commercial work requires heavier-duty mix specs and thicker pavement sections to handle sustained vehicle loads and we spec every commercial job accordingly. Whether it is a single driveway or a multi-acre lot, our crew does the work directly. We do not broker jobs out.

We are a third generation paving company and our reputation is built entirely on the quality of our work. When you hire Road Tech Paving, the owner shows up with the crew. There is no middleman, no subcontractor, and no one passing your job off down the line. We use ADOT certified materials, follow proper base preparation on every project, and do a final walkthrough before we leave. The work speaks for itself, and so do our customers.