The United States has an impressive network of roads and highways. And as the years go by, asphalt technology continues to improve.
This allows contractors to pave roads that are safer, more durable, and long-lasting.
There are many different types of asphalt pavement. But most contractors in West Michigan stick to three main types.
If you have a question about a pavement not featured here, please don't hesitate to reach out to our team. We'd be more than happy to answer any questions you may have about your upcoming asphalt project.
In the meantime, here's what you need to know.
Stone Mastic
Europe used for about 20 years before people started using it in the US in 1990. Stone mastic pavement has a stone matrix that protects it from snow tire damage. This pavement is also resilient against heavy traffic. This makes it a popular choice for freeways.
Dense-Graded
Dense-graded asphalt is one of the most common and traditional types of asphalt. That's because contractors can use it for any use and under any condition.
Strict guidelines govern the particle size for aggregates when creating dense-graded pavement. Other names for dense-graded pavement include fine- or coarse-graded pavement.
Porous Asphalt
Cities contain plenty of non-porous materials, such as roofs, asphalt, and concrete. When rain falls on these materials, it runs along the surface until it reaches a patch of earth or the sewer system. Along the way, runoff will pick up pesticides, fertilizer, and other contaminants.
In areas where runoff is an issue, we may recommend porous asphalt. Unlike with traditional asphalt, rain is able to soak through porous pavement. From there, it's able to enter the soil before seeping into the ground table.
Porous asphalt provides more water for nearby trees and plants. It also prevents water from standing in low-lying areas. Many people like to pair porous asphalt with rain gardens. This creates an environment that's perfect for absorbing runoff.
A downside to using porous asphalt is that it doesn't do as well under heavy loads. For this reason, we recommend it for residential driveways and low-traffic parking lots. If you need pavement for a high-traffic area, consider traditional asphalt instead.
Learn More: Is Asphalt Safe for the Environment? →
Which Asphalt Pavement Should I Use?
Not sure which asphalt pavement is right for your project? We recommend you reach out to an like A-1 Asphalt. Our team will be able to let you know which pavement mix is best suited for your application. That way, you’ll be able to enjoy a quality asphalt surface for years to come.
Request an Estimate with A-1 Asphalt Inc.
A-1 Asphalt Inc. is a reputable asphalt paving contractor in Wayland, Michigan. But we're proud to serve homeowners and commercial property owners throughout West Michigan.
To request an estimate for your next paving project, please call A-1 Asphalt Inc. at (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.