What You Should Know About Asphalt Paving
Asphalt paving is composed of aggregates of crushed rocks, sand, and gravel glued together by bitumen. It is an excellent solution for creating pathways, driveways, parking lots, roads, and spaces supporting vehicular traffic. Different types of asphalt are made from mixing asphalt aggregates, including rock dust, crushed stones, and sand. They include porous cold mix, hot mix, warm mix, and coarse graded asphalt. Asphalt paving accounts for over 94% of roads in the USA and offers several benefits to consumers and the environment.
Benefits of Asphalt Paving
1. Asphalt is Recyclable
Asphalt is one of the most recycled products. Reclaimed asphalt is processed and used to create new asphalt, which works perfectly like virgin asphalt. Recycled asphalt has a string rut resistance, is stronger, and is long-lasting. It is also environmentally friendly since the smooth asphalt roads have incredible friction with car tires leading to better fuel economy and low carbon emission.
2. Durable and long-lasting
Asphalt paving lasts longer compared to other types of pavements. It can last for approximately 15 to 30 years and is prolonged through proper maintenance. For instance, it should be seal coated within the first two years and every three to four years after to ensure longevity. The seal coat helps in reducing color fading from water damage and replenishes the bitumen binding. It should also be cleaned and inspected regularly for cracks.
3. Enhances safety
Asphalt has a water managing ability which helps in skid resistance during the wet seasons. Its dark color gives road users good visibility in all weather conditions. The dark color of the asphalt helps melt ice faster than other types of pavements by absorbing heat. Open-graded asphalt reduces splashing and spraying during the rainy season, reducing highway accidents. It is also long-lasting and reduces the risks of pavement blowups.
4. It comes in many forms.
Asphalt comes in many forms depending on its application. Perpetual asphalt is best for high-traffic roads since only the top layer requires replacement. Quiet asphalt is best for suburban roads as it minimizes road-noise, while porous asphalt solves poor drainage problems. It is important to contact an asphalt contractor to help decide on the right asphalt to use.
Conclusion
Asphalt paving comes with so many advantages compared to other types of pavements. It is durable, cost-friendly, recyclable, and offers a variety of options from which to choose. It is best to contact an asphalt contractor to help decide the type and grade of asphalt required. They will also guide you on laying the asphalt professionally for optimum durability.
To learn more information about asphalt paving, contact a company like Phend & Brown.