Asphalt pavement is an excellent option for roads, driveways, parking lots, etc. It is cost-efficient, durable, and easy to maintain. It is also quieter and environmentally friendly.
Different applications require a unique asphalt mix suited to the traffic load, weather conditions, and noise reduction requirements. This is where the specialized knowledge of an experienced asphalt contractor comes in.
Safety
Asphalt paving La Porte, IN, is made from a combination of aggregates, ground-up pieces of other materials like rock, gravel, recycled tires, and binders and fillers. The binders and fillers, which are also petroleum-based, are heated to form a liquid. The resulting mixture is poured onto the roadway or other surfaces and compacted with heavy equipment.
Depending on the type of road surface, different asphalt mixes can be used to provide specific performance characteristics such as rutting resistance and tire wear. For example, a road in a shopping center that expects large trucks to be driving on it daily will require an asphalt mix that can handle those high loads and shear stresses.
Another safety benefit is that asphalt is much faster and easier to maintain than concrete. That means you don’t have to put up with those unsightly orange barrels and lane closures that make your business or commute less efficient. Additionally, asphalt is great for absorbing noise from traffic and can reduce the need for sound walls.
Durability
Asphalt is a sustainable paving material used in constructing and maintaining roads, highways, airport runways, parking lots, driveways, playgrounds, and more. It speeds construction, is environmentally friendly, provides a smooth and quiet ride, and lasts longer than other pavement materials.
The paving material comprises aggregates — crushed stone, recycled concrete, and other material types — held together with a binder that bonds and hardens during compaction. The most common binder is bitumen, but newer technologies allow the mixture to be produced without using petroleum-based products or relying on fossil fuels.
Another green aspect of asphalt is that it requires less energy than other pavement materials, including concrete. The technology known as warm-mix asphalt allows the mixture to be produced at lower temperatures, which helps save on fuel costs and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, asphalt paving doesn’t need as long to “cure” as concrete, which means it can be used sooner and reduces traffic delays.
Ease of Maintenance
Asphalt is easily repaired and resurfaced, and its smooth surface reduces tire friction and improves fuel efficiency. This makes it an excellent choice for roads, driveways, and parking lots with frequent traffic.
The permeability of asphalt helps to manage water runoff. It absorbs rainwater and allows it to filter into the ground rather than causing flooding or erosion. This benefit also helps prevent contaminating soil and freshwater sources.
As a petroleum-based material, asphalt can absorb oil-based liquids leaking from faulty vehicles. This protects freshwater and soil from contamination and keeps the surrounding environment safe for wildlife and plants.
Asphalt is a fully recyclable and highly sustainable product. It requires less energy than other materials and emits fewer greenhouse gases during production. Additionally, asphalt’s porous nature allows for better drainage, extending the paved surface’s life. Asphalt is also well-suited for utility work. It allows for the easy installation of electrical and communication cables, district heating and water pipes, and sewage systems.
Aesthetics
Asphalt is a highly durable material that provides several aesthetic benefits. Roadways, parking lots, and driveways constructed from asphalt are smooth and quiet. They also allow for easy visibility of roadway markings and signs. This reduces the chance of accidents on your property and helps your business protect itself against premises liability lawsuits.
Asphalt contains aggregates such as rocks, sand, or gravel and a sticky black petroleum-based substance called bitumen. Professional paving companies mix these materials in a ratio that best suits your area’s climate and traffic conditions.
Since asphalt can be spread and rolled quickly, it saves time on construction and gets motorists back on the road sooner. It also can be maintained with relative ease and lower cost than concrete, making it an excellent choice for busy roads or public areas. Its flexibility helps it resist rutting during summer and winter’s harsh freeze/thaw cycles. It’s even water-managed, redirecting surface runoff into storm drains.