How Asphalt is Made and the Benefits of Asphalt Paving

How Asphalt Is Made & The Benefits Of Asphalt Paving Grand Rapids Asphalt Paving

Have questions about asphalt paving? You’ve come to the right place! As an asphalt contractor in Greater Grand Rapids, we want to make sure you have all the facts you need to make an informed decision.

Any type of asphalt project, whether you need a new driveway or parking lot, is an investment in your property. Learning more about the asphalt paving process will help you gain a better understanding of how your money is being spent.

In the meantime, here’s what you need to know about asphalt paving and its main benefits.

How is Asphalt Made?

Asphalt is typically made of stone, gravel, and sand, with a small amount of asphalt cement to bind them together. Most of the asphalt we use today is processed from petroleum. However, asphalt can still be found by itself in nature. When an oil refinery receives petroleum, they divide it into different layers based on weight. Since asphalt is the heaviest, it sinks to the bottom.

Once asphalt has been separated, it must be changed in order to get the right consistency for asphalt paving. Asphalt goes through different processes depending on whether it is meant for hot- or cold-mix. As the name suggests, hot-mix asphalt is made by heating asphalt to a temperature between 200 and 350 degrees Fahrenheit and mixing it.

The high temperatures make asphalt more fluid and evaporate any remaining moisture. Hot-mix asphalt must then be kept hot so it can be properly compacted and installed. Since hot-mix asphalt needs to be installed while hot, it is best for summer paving projects.

Cold-mix asphalt is kept soft because it is made out of quarter inch chip and proprietary oil. Since cold-mix asphalt is able to repel water, it can be installed successfully in wet weather. Cold-mix asphalt also doesn’t need to be kept hot to repair asphalt potholes and cracks. Many asphalt contractors use cold-mix asphalt for pavement repairs that can’t wait until summer.

What are the Benefits of Asphalt?

There are many benefits of asphalt paving, which are listed below for your convenience.

100% Recyclable

Did you know that asphalt is 100% recyclable? This means that asphalt millings and chunks can be recycled and reused to pave other driveways, parking lots, and roads. According to the Federal Highway Administration, asphalt recycling keeps 87 million tons of asphalt out of our landfills. Recycled asphalt is just as durable as virgin asphalt, but less expensive.

Long Lasting

Given proper maintenance, asphalt driveways and parking lots can last up to 20 years. To maintain the appearance and function of your asphalt pavement, we recommend investing in services like asphalt sealcoating, crack filling, and pothole repair.

Less Noise Pollution

Driving on asphalt creates less noise compared to driving on other types of pavements, which is why it is a popular choice for densely populated areas. In residential neighborhoods, people appreciate efforts made to reduce noise pollution as excess noise increases stress.

More Contrast between Pavement and Markings

Black asphalt creates a good contrast with pavement markings, making roadways and parking lots safer for motorists. For example, it’s important that pavement markings for railroad crossings are clearly marked.

Request an Estimate for Asphalt Paving

A-1 Asphalt Inc. is an experienced asphalt contractor serving Greater Grand Rapids, MI. To schedule an estimate for any of our asphalt paving services, please call (800) 871-4401. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.

This blog post has been updated.