Asphalt is one of the most cost-effective road construction materials. It is also a durable and versatile material that can be easily maintained with regular repairs and inspections.
Safety is paramount in asphalt paving, which requires personal protective equipment like hard hats, safety vests and steel-toe boots. Proper grading and drainage are also important for keeping your asphalt pavement durable. Contact Asphalt Paving Summerville SC now!
Asphalt is a highly durable material that is very effective in preventing damage to roads, parking lots, and driveways. It is not only a cost-effective alternative to concrete, but it is also much easier to install and maintain.
In fact, a well-maintained asphalt surface can last for more than 20 years. The durability of asphalt comes from its unique composition and the fact that it can withstand a lot of pressure without cracking like concrete does. Its ability to flex with temperature changes is another reason why asphalt is such a popular choice. Asphalt is designed to withstand the rigors of heavy traffic and weather conditions. This is why asphalt has become a leading paving choice for commercial and residential uses.
The material is made up of a combination of materials that make it more resilient than concrete, including rubber and other flexible materials. These materials allow the asphalt to flex and adapt to changing temperatures, avoiding the stress that can cause cracking and deterioration of other types of pavement. Asphalt can be used in areas with a wide range of climates, from freezing to hot and humid.
Asphalt paving is a quick process that can be completed in less than a week. This is particularly useful for businesses that want to minimize downtime and get their doors open to customers as soon as possible. Asphalt is also one of the most environmentally friendly paving materials, as old asphalt can be recycled and reused for future projects.
In order to keep your asphalt surface as durable as possible, it is important to follow routine maintenance procedures. This includes regular inspections and prompt repair of any potholes or cracks that develop. Proper grading and drainage are also important to prevent water from pooling and damaging the surface. In addition, applying a seal coat every few years can help protect the asphalt from UV rays and water penetration, prolonging its lifespan and maintaining its attractive appearance.
It’s Affordable
Asphalt is a highly cost-effective material for road construction, driveways and commercial parking lots. When compared to other paving materials like concrete, asphalt is more affordable due to its durability and speed of installation. Its affordability extends far beyond initial costs, as maintenance and repair expenses are substantially less for asphalt than other types of pavement.
Asphalt’s versatility makes it an excellent option for a wide range of aesthetic preferences. It can be stamped and colored to mimic the appearance of other paving materials, such as brick or natural stone, allowing you to create an elegant and functional outdoor space without breaking the bank.
In addition to reducing construction costs, asphalt’s environmental sustainability helps it to be a smart choice for roadways and parking lots. Its thermal efficiency enables it to absorb and radiate heat, resulting in reduced energy consumption. Additionally, asphalt is highly recyclable, allowing old pavements to be reclaimed and reused in new projects. This cyclical use of materials reduces waste and is an excellent way to promote sustainability in modern construction.
The process of constructing an asphalt surface starts by creating a base with a crushed aggregate material, such as gravel or rock. This base acts as a strong foundation for the new asphalt layer. Once the rock or gravel has been spread and compacted, a layer of hot mix asphalt is applied to the top of the base. This layer is heated to over 300 degrees Fahrenheit and rolled across the surface at a specified thickness.
Because asphalt does not require a lengthy curing period, the construction process is much faster than other paving materials. This means that traffic can be rerouted and businesses and residents can return to normal operations quickly, with minimal disruptions. In fact, many paving companies can complete an entire highway project in one night, leaving lanes open for travelers to use the next day. The speedy construction also saves taxpayers thousands of dollars in user delay costs.
It’s Versatile
Asphalt paving is used to create roads, highways and parking lots, but it’s also used for many other applications. Residential driveways, for example, often use asphalt as a base because of its durability and low maintenance requirements. Additionally, asphalt is used as a track bed for train and truck tracks because it can withstand heavy loads. Airport runways are another place where you’ll find asphalt pavement because it is durable and able to withstand high levels of air traffic.
The asphalt you see every day is actually a mix of aggregate materials, such as crushed stone and sand, with liquid asphalt cement. The mixture is heated to high temperatures, spread on a prepared site, and compacted with specialized machinery to produce a smooth and sturdy surface. While the process may seem simple, it requires meticulous planning and skilled execution to achieve its final product.
Aside from enhancing the appearance of your property, asphalt can also help to increase its value and functionality. For example, a well-maintained asphalt surface can reduce the number of accidents and injuries caused by uneven or damaged surfaces. Additionally, it can also make your property more accessible for people with disabilities.
The asphalt paving process starts with site preparation, which involves removing any large rocks or debris and ensuring that the soil has an adequate level of drainage. Next, the grading and base installation process begins. This step is important because it determines how load-bearing the asphalt will be. Afterward, the asphalt mix is delivered to the construction site and layered over the base layer at a specified thickness.
Hot-Mix Asphalt (HMA) is the most common type of asphalt used. It is created by heating hard grade blown bitumen in a green cooker until it becomes a viscous liquid and then adding aggregate to form the desired mixture. HMA is available in different forms, including dense-graded and stone matrix asphalt.
Cold-mix asphalt is a variation of HMA that’s designed for patching or less-trafficked service roads. It is made by emulsifying the bitumen in water with an emulsifying agent, which makes it easier to work with and compact. In addition, it can be modified to have specific properties by varying the amount of additives.
It’s Easy to Maintain
Asphalt pavement is relatively easy to maintain. Crack filling and routine sealcoating help keep it looking fresh and extending its lifespan. Because it’s non-porous, it also resists oil and petroleum products that tend to stain other types of paving materials. In addition, asphalt doesn’t retain heat like concrete so it stays cooler than other types of surfaces. This can help prevent heat damage that is often the cause of premature deterioration of asphalt.
In addition to these maintenance steps, you can avoid most problems by inspecting your asphalt regularly. Catching small damage or hazards early allows you to schedule repairs before they escalate into more serious issues. Regular inspections can also help you determine how often your asphalt needs to be resurfaced.
Another way to protect your asphalt surface is by ensuring proper grading and drainage. This can minimize the risk of water pooling on the surface, which can weaken it and speed up deterioration. You can further protect your asphalt by applying a winter-specific surface protection and removing snow promptly. Use plastic snow removal tools to prevent scratching the surface, and choose de-icing chemicals that are safe for asphalt.
You can also extend the life of your asphalt by performing proper preparation before laying it. This can include removing the existing surface and adding the required base material. This may include compacted stone or an asphalt mix based on your specific requirements. It is important to ensure that the underlying soil is properly prepared, which requires the proper excavation and ground compaction.
The durability of asphalt can be further enhanced by allowing adequate time for the new pavement to cure before being used. This is a crucial phase in which the asphalt can flex with temperature changes, reducing the risk of cracks and potholes. Performing construction work at night allows the pavement to cure before the morning rush hour begins, without creating road closures or traffic delays.
As a final note, it’s important to keep in mind that all types of pavement need maintenance to protect them from weather and wear and tear. But asphalt is particularly susceptible to damage from water penetration and freezing temperatures. Asphalt is highly resilient and resists weather much better than concrete, but even it can be damaged by these factors.
