Asphalt paving is an essential part of keeping any structure safe. It’s important to understand the basics of what asphalt paving involves so that you can make sure your pavement is up to code for safety and longevity. In this article, we’ll cover what asphalt paving is, its benefits, and the different types available.
Table of Contents
What Is Asphalt Paving?
Asphalt paving is a type of pavement that consists of a mixture of aggregates (such as sand or gravel) and liquid asphalt cement (a petroleum-based product). This mixture is heated in a drum to create a hot mix of asphalt which is then spread over the surface being paved. The material cools and hardens into a durable shell that can last for decades with proper maintenance. The process of laying down asphalt pavement is relatively easy but it does require the right equipment and materials in order to be done correctly.
Benefits of Asphalt Paving
Asphalt paving has many benefits over other types of pavement such as concrete or brick pavers. The biggest advantage is that it’s relatively inexpensive compared to other options; plus, it’s very quick to install since you don’t need too much preparation work beforehand like with concrete or brick pavers. Additionally, it’s very durable so it won’t crack or break easily as some other materials might do over time. Finally, asphalt pavement provides excellent drainage as water runs off quickly due to its smooth texture which also helps prevent puddles from forming on top of the pavement after rainstorms or snowmelt events occur.
10 Benefits of Asphalt Paving
- Asphalt paving is cost-effective and requires low maintenance.
- Asphalt paving is strong and durable, often lasting 10 to 15 years or more.
- Asphalt paving can be done quickly–usually within just a few days.
- Asphalt paving offers good traction for vehicles and pedestrians alike, offering an anti-skid surface to reduce slips and falls, even in wet weather conditions.
- Asphalt paving is quiet, providing sound insulation from traffic noise on busy roads and highways.
- Porous asphalt paved surfaces allow water to soak through, reducing the risk of dangerous hydroplaning while driving in wet conditions or helping recharge groundwater supplies during dry times.
- Asphalt pavement easily accommodates utility installations such as underground cable lines, telephone wires, gas pipes, or water lines without requiring extensive digging or disruption of the road surface itself.
- Since asphalt pavement is light-colored it reflects sun rays more efficiently than dark-colored surfaces, thus reducing both the urban heat island effect as well as energy costs for cooling buildings near the road surface itself.
- The ease with which asphalt paving can be repaired also makes it a popular choice for roads that experience harsh winter weather conditions where freeze/thaw cycles are common and can potentially cause significant damage to other types of pavement materials over time.
- Asphalt has high recyclability – up to 95%! – making it one of the most ecologically friendly options for road construction materials today
Types of Asphalt Paving
There are two primary types of asphalt paving: hot mix asphalt (HMA) and cold mix asphalt (CMA). HMA typically requires more preparation work before it can be laid down since it needs to be heated up in order for it to become pliable enough for spreading over surfaces; however, HMA provides better durability than CMA because once it cools down after installation it forms a stronger bond with the base material beneath it than CMA does when cooled down. On the other hand, CMA doesn’t require heating up prior to installation but may not last as long due to its weaker bond with the base material beneath it once cooled down after installation.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a homeowner looking for driveway resurfacing or a business owner looking for parking lot repairs, understanding what goes into proper asphalt paving will ensure that your project gets done correctly and lasts for years to come! Knowing about the different types available – hot mix vs cold mix – will ensure that you get just what you need depending on your particular situation while saving money in the process too! So if you’re considering an upcoming project involving asphalt paving then make sure you do your research first so that you know exactly what type of surface best suits your needs while staying within budget at the same time!
