What is Perpetual Pavement?

Grand Rapids Perpetual Pavement Asphalt Paving

The idea of Perpetual Pavement was introduced in 2000.

Since then, the idea has gained traction and more and more asphalt paving contractors are starting to embrace Perpetual Pavement.

As the name suggests, Perpetual Pavement is designed to last for decades, which makes it perfect for high traffic areas.

How Does Perpetual Pavement Work?

Perpetual Pavement is installed in layers designed to target specific types of damage. 

The bottom layer of pavement is flexible enough to withstand pressure exerted from heavy traffic and prevent cracking. The middle layer contributes to the pavement’s durability and completes the permanent structural portion. The topmost layer is designed to resist rutting so that it’ll last for many years before repairs are ever needed.

All of the layers in Perpetual Pavement work together to create a driving surface that will last for years to come without major repairs.

Only the topmost layer of Perpetual Pavement requires maintenance, which makes repairs quick and easy.

How Do I Maintain Perpetual Pavement?

Keep in mind that while Perpetual Pavement is long-lasting, it isn’t maintenance free. But with proper maintenance, there’s no reason why your asphalt pavement can’t last for decades.

When crack and pothole repairs are needed, they are usually minor and isolated to the top layer. As a result, maintenance for Perpetual Pavement takes less time and also causes fewer disruptions to traffic.

What are the Advantages of Perpetual Pavement?

Perpetual Pavements are designed to last longer than traditionally installed asphalt pavement. The layers in Perpetual Pavement truly make the difference between closing a road for major reconstruction and temporarily redirecting traffic for minor maintenance to the surface layer.

Long-Lasting

Nothing disrupts your morning commute more than unexpected roadway construction. When major repairs or reconstructions are needed, it can disrupt traffic for weeks. Thankfully, Perpetual Pavement is durable enough to withstand a lot of the damage associated with heavy traffic.

If repairs are needed, they’ll be isolated to the topmost layer of your pavement which makes repairs go faster.

Safe

Asphalt is a safe paving material for roadways, parking lots, and driveways. Black asphalt forms a high contrast with white and yellow pavement markings, which helps motorists and pedestrians stay safe. For example, it’s important that pedestrian crossings be noticeable to avoid accidents.

Asphalt pavement is also safe for motorists because it creates a smooth surface for driving and provides greater skid resistance than other types of paving materials.

100% Recyclable

Did you know that asphalt is 100% recyclable? This means that asphalt millings and chunks can be recycled and reused for new driveways, parking lots, and roadways. Recycled asphalt is just as durable as virgin asphalt and costs significantly less. 

Less Noise Pollution

Compared to other paving materials, asphalt doesn’t create as much noise when people drive on it. Perpetual Pavement is a good choice for densely populated areas where there is a lot of traffic and noise.

Request a Free Estimate

A-1 Asphalt is an asphalt paving contractor serving Grand Rapids and surrounding West Michigan. As a result, our crew is dedicated to helping you maintain the function and appearance of asphalt pavement. To request a free estimate for any of our services, call (800) 871-4401.

This blog post has been updated.