Wondering How Asphalt is Created? We Have You Covered
With asphalt being the single surface the majority of Americans utilize as their roads for travel, human connection, and transit to work or school – it is only innate to wonder how the material is created. Asphalt creation is relatively simple, but it takes a group of professionals that know what they are doing and the right equipment to make, mix, pour, install, and repair the pavement.
Whether you are interested in asphalt as a business owner considering a new parking lot, or perhaps you have been searching for paving companies near me in hopes of new walkways for your front yard. Asphalt is a sturdy, durable, aesthetically pleasing, and long-lasting pavement material. If you are considering an upgrade, you are in the right place to better understand your options!
Asphalt Production
Producing pavements is a necessary process, and the procedures that go into it require everyone to adhere to regulated guidelines and standards that oversee the product’s quality. Asphalt is made with sand, gravel, stone, and even a little asphalt cement. These items are combined to mix the final product but cannot be properly mixed without a binding agent. Many asphalt producers will manufacture asphalt straight from petroleum.
Asphalt is actually a purely natural material found in our environment. Although the Earth can produce it, manufacturers must step in to properly mix and bind the pavement. Most refineries will separate petroleum by its weight, and since asphalt is such a thick, dense material, it will fall to the bottom. Once everything is mixed, companies will divide the asphalt according to its best use.
Hot Asphalt Mix
Different types of asphalt exist, but the two primary asphalts are hot and cold. A hot mix is created using extremely high temperatures to meld the mixture together! Hot mix is developed between 200 and 300 degrees Fahrenheit. The high temperature allows the asphalt to become fluid and pushes out any remaining moisture.
This mix must remain hot if you plan to lay and install the pavement. If the hot mixture cools at all, asphalt contractors cannot complete the pouring and installation of your pavement. The hot compounds are typically used for any kind of Spring or Summer asphalt paving project!
Cold Asphalt Mix
Cooler asphalt mixes are developed using chips and proprietary oils. These ingredients keep the asphalt soft and flexible so that when it is ready to be poured, it remains mailable and sustainable for the entirety of the project. These mixes are created at much cooler temperatures and used during the year’s cold months.
The cool mix can repel water and moisture; since it can repel water, asphalt companies can utilize the mixture in the rain and snow! The asphalt can warm slightly, but it doesn’t need to be at a high temperature for pouring, and there is a smaller chance of cracks developing during installation. This mix is also great when you are in a bind and require repairs before Summer.
Benefits of Asphalt Paving
Asphalt can be used for various surfaces – driveways, parking lots, roadways, highways, private drives, and so much more – the benefits of asphalt are never-ending!
- Asphalt is entirely recyclable and is the most recycled material in America; it can also be reused when resurfaced or damaged.
- It is long-lasting; the average asphalt surface can last over 30 years with proper maintenance.
- Unlike cement or other paving options, it lowers noise pollution as cars drive.
- Blacktop is in high contrast, so yellow and white lines are used on the roadways. It is easy for drivers to see and allows for safer road conditions.
- Asphalt is sleek and smooth, making for smooth driving and fewer bumps on the road, lowering your car operation costs with gas, possible damage, and typical upkeep.
- Asphalt is a solid foundation; the pavement is incredibly durable and prone to providing a steady, firm surface for driving, walking, running, and playing!
Contact an Asphalt Professional to Learn More
If you are considering an asphalt paving project for your home or business, it is crucial that you have a group of reliable pavers that you can truly trust and fully depend on throughout the process. NVN Paving are prestigious, professional paving experts in Emerson, NJ, and they are proud to provide premium asphalt paving for any kind of commercial or residential project! NVN pros will assist you with a free estimate, thorough consultation, and complete assessment prior to beginning your asphalt upgrade. Paving solutions are straightforward, simple, and stress-free. You are guaranteed an excellent surface when you have a local paving company beside you.