Reasons Why Pavement Contractors Choose Asphalt
Picketts Paving LLC
January 17, 2023 at 6:03 PM
Key Takeaways:
- Asphalt is a popular choice for paving because it is durable and cost-effective.
- Asphalt is also environmentally friendly and can be recycled.
- Asphalt pavements are easy to repair and require minimal maintenance.
- There are some drawbacks to using asphalt, such as weather-related damage and susceptibility to spills. Still, with proper care, asphalt pavement can last for many years.
Did you know that asphalt is the primary choice for contractors to pave roads, driveways, and parking lots? We can indicate its popularity by looking at the U.S. roads themselves. Asphalt has been used to pave more than 2.6 million miles of U.S. roads (94%). Asphalt is a popular paving material, but you might be thinking, why?
It is a popular choice for pavement contractors because of its many benefits. Pickett’s Paving LLC will explore some of the critical benefits that asphalt offers to pavement contractors and how you can maintain it for a long time.
Benefits of Using Asphalt Paving
1. Durability
Asphalt is made from a combination of aggregate and bitumen. When heated and mixed with the aggregates, bitumen bonds them together to form a firm surface that can withstand all types of traffic and weather conditions.
According to experts, paved roads with a 2-3″ thick asphalt surface can support weight equal to light-duty trucks ranging between 6000-8000 lbs.
2. Cost-Effective
Asphalt is one of the most cost-effective options among the other common paving material. It requires minimal maintenance, and you can expect a good ROI in terms of durability and life span.
According to experts, asphalt paving can cost between $3-$15 per square foot, whereas concrete can cost more than $18 per square foot.
Consult with your professional asphalt contractor first to better understand the cost of paving with asphalt.
3. Environmentally Friendly
Asphalt is considered an environmentally friendly paving material because it is 100% recyclable. Old asphalt pavements can be recycled and reused, significantly reducing their environmental impact. Also, milling asphalt is a great way to reuse and recycle the material.
4. Great for Uneven Surfaces
Another reason asphalt’s the perfect material for paving driveways and parking lots is that you can use it on uneven surfaces. Asphalt makes creating level surfaces easier than concrete, regardless of the terrain.
Even though concrete can yield a level surface, too, asphalt paving is faster and requires less expense and labor.
5. Easily Repairable
Asphalt is also much easier to repair compared to concrete. If you have any cracks, potholes, or other damage on your asphalt pavement, it’s easy and quick to fix. In most cases, simple repairs can be completed in under a few hours with a few materials like hot mix asphalt, seal coat, or crack filling.
Drawbacks of Using Asphalt Paving
Although asphalt has many benefits, there are some drawbacks you should know:
1. Weather-Related Damage
Asphalt can be susceptible to weather-related damage like cracking and potholes due to expansion and contraction in the pavement caused by extreme temperatures. However, with some preventive measures like seal coating, you can protect your asphalt pavement from external environmental damage and increase its lifespan.
2. Prone to Damage from Spills
Chemical spills can damage asphalt, so it’s essential to take particular care when parking vehicles prone to spilling fuel or oil. After a spill, clean it up quickly and reseal the area as soon as possible.
3. Limited Color Options
Asphalt isn’t the best pick if you’re looking for a long-lasting, attractive surface to match your home’s style. While asphalt is available in various colors, you will get a different level of customization than you would with more decorative paving materials. However, asphalt still offers a sleek and quality finish that can complement your property’s exterior aesthetic.
4. Isn’t Long Lasting Compared to Concrete
Among paving materials, concrete has the longest lifespan, more than 40 years, compared to asphalt pavement.
Asphalt is not as durable or long-lasting as concrete, but it can last for decades if properly maintained. Regular inspections and seal coating are essential to ensure the pavement remains in good condition.
5. Can be Susceptible to Damage from Heavy Loads
Heavy vehicles such as trucks and vans can cause damage to asphalt surfaces. But the surface strength depends on the asphalt layer thickness. So, getting a thicker layer can easily make the surface stronger and more durable.
How to Keep Asphalt Maintenance in Check?
Even though asphalt isn’t as durable as other paving materials, with maintenance and regular inspections, asphalt can last for a long time. Here are some tips to prolong the life of asphalt surfaces:
1. Regular inspections
Regular inspections are necessary to detect any damages or signs of wear and tear before it becomes a significant issue. It’s best to get an expert to inspect the surface for any signs of cracking, heaving, or unevenness.
2. Seal Coating
Seal coating is a great preventive measure to keep the asphalt in check. Applying a seal coat on the surface prevents moisture from seeping into the asphalt and causing damage. It can also keep other environmental factors at bay from the surface.
According to professional asphalt, contractors have your asphalt driveway or parking lot resealed after every 3-5 years to keep it in top shape.
3. Cleaning
Keeping asphalt surfaces clean and debris-free is an essential part of the maintenance process. It prevents dirt, debris, leaves, and other elements from settling into the surface, which can cause damage to the material over time. Regularly sweep or use a power washer on your driveway or parking lot.
4. Chip Seal
Chip sealing involves laying down asphalt and then covering it with chip seal material. It allows for an increase in the traction of the asphalt surface. It’s done mostly on low-traffic surfaces.
5. Crack Filling
Crack filling is a long-term solution that helps prevent further damage by using an asphalt emulsion to bind the edges of cracks together. This method is typically used on non-working cracks that are deep and wider than ¾ inch.
Also Read: 10 Types Of Asphalt Surface Treatments
Conclusion
Asphalt paving provides a cost-effective and durable solution for residential and commercial applications. Not only does it look great, but it’s also designed to last many years with proper maintenance.
Professional Asphalt Pavers in North Port, FL
Looking for an asphalt paving company that can provide personalized and cost-effective solutions? Then look no further than Pickett’s Paving LLC serving North Port, FL. We can pave any residential or commercial surface quickly and efficiently without any hidden costs.
With our experienced technicians, we can provide a uniquely tailored paving solution that meets industry standards and ADA guidelines. We will work with you to create a pavement design that is visually appealing and built to last, adding value to your property for years to come.
Contact us and get a free quote today.