How Marana Arizona Developed a Pavement Preservation Plan with HA5
For the small town of Marana, Arizona, asphalt issues are no longer a common occurrence. After seeing many seal products fail over the years, Scott Leska, the town’s former Engineering Division Manager, decided to take action and try a High Density Mineral Bond. The effectiveness of this High Density Mineral Bond was apparent right away, and HA5 soon became the standard for pavement preservation in Marana. Nearly a decade later, the town still proudly uses HA5 on its roads.
The Problem
Asphalt in Marana was failing, especially in older subdivisions. Despite various attempts to manage this issue, town managers couldn’t find a product that worked for the scorching climate of Southern Arizona.
The Solution
Scott Leska found HA5 and saw proof of its performance in person. After discovering the lifespan of this product, he decided to use it as the cornerstone of Marana’s pavement preservation program. In fact, the longevity of HA5 is so impressive that residents of Marana often think their road has been repaved.
The Desert Pavement Preservation Problem
Towns like Marana, with a hot desert climate, often struggle with pavement preservation. This is because UV exposure weakens the bonds in asphalt, causing it to become brittle over time. With nearly 300 days of sunshine per year, Marana roads are exposed to almost constant sunlight.
Asphalt is composed of a mixture of aggregates (small stones, sand, or gravel) and binder (a petroleum-based product that contains vital oils). The binder allows roads to flex with vehicle traffic. But the more it is exposed to UV rays, the faster oxidation occurs. As oxygen interacts with the molecules in the asphalt, the binder loses oils and becomes less flexible, which leads to cracking and more severe problems.
In Marana, city managers found that keeping up with this constant state of oxidation was extremely difficult.
“We used a variety of products,” said Leska. “Rubberized chip seal, scrub seal, micro seal — we found that [they] don’t work. We are [undergoing] full reconstruction of these suburban neighborhoods because we didn’t have a pavement preservation program.”
Rather than continuing to reseal roads every 18 to 24 months, the town of Marana knew they needed to shift their focus to protect and extend the life of one of the city’s most expensive assets. Creating a program for the town hinged on giving HA5 High Density Mineral Bond a try.
“I was skeptical at first,” said Leska. “They said they had the best product since sliced bread, but as an engineer, I’m skeptical until I [see proof].”
After visiting sites in person where HA5 had been applied, Leska and his team from Marana were convinced of its performance. “We found that HA5 is the best product because it lasts…even up to 10 years without having to do anything.” With such solid evidence, the town began applying HA5 to all its roads.
How HA5 Changed Marana Roads
After implementing HA5, the town of Marana saw immediate results. In addition to applying the product to older roads that were still in good condition, city officials also began sealing freshly constructed roads with HA5 High Density Mineral Bond.
“We put it on brand new roads because we know the other products won’t work,” Leska said.
This strategy of sealing roads with a high-performing product right away became pivotal to the town’s preservation program. Rather than waiting for problems to arise, Marana roads are set up for success from the beginning. HA5 has become a cornerstone of Marana’s pavement preservation strategy.
“Now, we’re using HA5 as a requirement for developers for town acceptance,” said Leska. “We love the product and believe in it that much.”
Leska also said that HA5 is the best application the town has ever used.
“I’ve been in this industry since 1990. I will stake my reputation on it, that HA5 is one of the best products. There is no other product that I can put my name on.”
Marana’s initial project took place almost a decade ago, and the town of Marana is still proudly using HA5 as its primary tool for pavement preservation.
Marana found that the benefits of a product that won’t budge for years are completely worth it in the long run. “It’s a little bit more expensive but less maintenance over time.”
Unlike other products, HA5 uses a unique, non-ionic emulsion combined with super-fine aggregates. The specific polymers used in HA5 deflect UV rays, keep moisture out, and keep vital oils sealed inside the asphalt.
Leska, like so many other city managers, found this special composition of High Density Mineral Bond made it the perfect foundation for the town of Marana’s pavement preservation program.
His advice to city officials looking into pavement preservation is to see HA5 in action for themselves. “Go and look at their roads. You’ll be convinced right there.”
Contact us today to find out more about HA5, and be sure to check out our other case studies below.
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