A few key details need to be considered whether you are looking to construct a new parking lot, repair potholes or seal an existing surface. Asphalt is a highly popular paving material for commercial lots and roadways, with Oregon paving companies (and similar companies elsewhere) supplying asphalt paving that can last for decades. Smooth surfaces are safer and more comfortable for the public. Their lack of construction joints and rocky surfaces increases fuel efficiency, reduces vehicle wear, and makes for a quiet ride.

Durability

The durability of asphalt is a critical factor in road construction. Its ability to resist traffic loadings depends primarily on the adhesion between the bitumen and the aggregation. It is strongly affected by the pavement design, the quality of the mixture, and the execution of the construction process. Chip Seal Equipment is often used to make the installation process more efficient and effective, which in turn makes the asphalt last longer. Asphalt has a long track record of use as a surface material for roads and parking lots.

It withstands the weight of vehicles, weathering and corrosion. It’s also very easy to repair. There are wide different varieties of asphalt. Hot mix asphalt (HMA) combines aggregate, asphalt cement and bitumen in a heated mixture that is poured and compacted on-site. MC cold mix asphalt is made with emulsified bitumen and can be used in cold weather conditions, but it’s less durable than HMA.

Aesthetics

Asphalt is a very appealing material for driveways. It looks as nice as concrete and does not show cracks quite as easily. A paving company in Ottawa could help you keep your driveway looking good for longer and avoid getting it resurfaced sooner than you would if you used concrete. Asphalt also looks very good for sidewalks, as it does not crack as easily as concrete and has enough texture to provide traction and reduce the risk of slips or falls. It can also be tinted to look pleasing and not show stains as badly as concrete. The most common use of asphalt is in road construction (from major motorways to private access roads), vehicle parking areas, and other specialized benefits. They are sourced from natural pitches such as Pitch Lake, petroleum oils, and mineral asphalts such as gilsonite and wurtzite.

Strength

Asphalt’s strength comes from its ability to cement together aggregates of stone and sand. It also makes a good waterproofing and binding material. Its black color absorbs heat, which helps melt snow and ice. Asphalt is stiff and resists distortion, yet flexible enough to withstand varying pressure. The material’s ductility is also a result of its polymer-type structure. It has polar molecules that attach to the opposite surfaces of the aggregates. Some asphalts contain hydrated lime to help form a tighter bond between the materials. Other mixes include polymers and other additives to improve its flexibility and durability. For example, an asphalt mix intended for hot climate sites is made harder so it will withstand higher temperatures. Asphalt also lines landfills and keeps harmful chemicals from seeping into the soil.

Ease of Maintenance

Asphalt provides a smooth surface for vehicles driving at higher speeds, and it’s also designed to be durable enough to resist rutting and cracking based on the type of asphalt mix used. Its dark color reduces glare and improves driver visibility, and it’s also a good choice for roads or parking lots that experience heavy traffic. Asphalt is quick and easy to construct, which makes it a popular choice for government contracts, businesses, and other projects that don’t want to hold up progress or keep customers or clients off the road or parking lot for long periods. Regular maintenance is also simpler to carry out on asphalt than concrete. Asphalt materials quickly drain water and reduce spray, improving driver visibility in wet conditions. They are also easy to repair with hot or cold patching when needed.

Recyclability

Asphalt is a black, semi-solid form of petroleum that holds aggregate together. It is found in nature as natural deposits and is manufactured artificially from recycled materials such as rubber tires. When heated, it softens, and when cooled, it hardens. It’s a popular choice for road surfaces because it’s durable and easy to maintain. It’s also used in parking lots, driveways and roofing shingles. When these areas need to be replaced, they can often be restored using reclaimed asphalt. Recycled asphalt combines RAP with a plant’s hot new aggregate and cement. This process is more energy efficient than using traditional heating methods. It also saves money for local governments and other purchasers. It’s also environmentally friendly and helps conserve diminishing aggregates and oil product resources.