Asphalt is a very versatile material. You can find it in our parking lots and the driveway that beautifies and leads to our lovely homes. In this article, we'll tell you about this rugged, durable, and flexible material that's very much part of our lives.
What is asphalt made of?
Asphalt consists primarily of two components - the binder and aggregates. The binder, known as asphalt cement or bitumen, is a sticky, black, and viscous petroleum-based material. It is used to bind the aggregate, which is crushed stone and gravel, to form a durable, strong surface.
The asphalt-making process
Materials selection
The primary materials for asphalt making - the binder and the aggregates - are selected. The binder is derived from crude oil during the refining process, while the aggregate provides structural stability.
Heating of aggregates
The aggregates are heated to reduce viscosity and remove any moisture that may be present.
Mixing
The aggregate and the right amount of bitumen are combined at a high temperature of about 300-350 degrees Fahrenheit to form a consistent and uniform mixture. Other additives, such as stabilizers and emulsifiers, are included to create a final asphalt mix of the desired characteristics.
Quality control
The asphalt mix must meet specific standards and specifications. Testing verifies for consistency, purity, and temperature. Adjustments may be made to the mix to meet the required specifications.
Storage and transportation
After the quality of the mix is confirmed, the asphalt is now ready to be moved to hot storage or directly to the construction site while it is still hot. At the project location, the asphalt is poured, spread, and compacted using paving equipment to produce a durable and even surface.
Why choose asphalt?
Whether you are building a parking lot, road, driveway, walkway, or other surface, asphalt is preferred over concrete and other materials. Some of the reasons asphalt stands out include:
Durability - Asphalt pavements can withstand heavy traffic loads, extreme weather conditions, and other elements. Asphalt surfaces can last several decades when installed and maintained by a professional paving company.
Low maintenance - Asphalt is low-maintenance, only requiring regular sweeping and occasional seal coating. This reduces inconveniences and saves money.
Environmentally friendly - Reclaimed asphalt makes up a healthy percentage of new mixes, making it 100% recyclable. Asphalt production also gulps less energy than other materials, lowering your carbon footprint.
Cost-effectiveness - Asphalt offers lower initial installation costs, making it a cost-effective option for small and large-scale projects. Its low-maintenance and durability also saves you money in the long run.
Quick construction - As it is fast and easy to install, asphalt minimizes disruption to traffic flow and daily activities. This makes it an excellent choice for projects that require quick completion.
Choose the trusted paving company for the preferred material!
Now that you know how asphalt is made and some of its benefits, you can go for it with full confidence! Don't forget to perfect your pavement project by hiring your efficient and friendly Lehigh Valley asphalt paving company. Contact us to discuss your project, and we'll gladly give you a FREE estimate.