Did you know that 94% of the roads in this country are capped with asphalt? It's not only cheaper than concrete to produce, but is softer which is better for cyclists and motorcyclists in terms of accidents. Along with its affordability, it's no surprise that concrete is widely used for paving roads and more.
How much do you know about paving
asphalt? If you're an asphalt newbie, now is the perfect time to learn more
about it. Check out this asphalt paving guide here to get started.
What
Is Asphalt?
First things first: what is asphalt?
Simply put, it's a mix of binder, aggregates, and filler. Some of the
aggregates could be sand, gravel, or crushed rock. Sustainable mixes often
include construction debris in order to recycle waste materials from
sites.
Purpose
and Uses
You may not have noticed it before,
but asphalt paving is everywhere. It's used not only on roads but for parking
lots, sidewalks, airport runways, sports and play areas, and more since its
purpose is predominately paving. Asphalt is sometimes used as a sealant or for
waterproofing and it's found in insulation, too.
Benefits
There are many benefits to using
asphalt paving, like durability and longevity. An asphalt driveway will last 15-20 years
if properly maintained. Plus, it is 100% recyclable, making it a sustainable
choice for construction.
Safety
If you are concerned about the
safety of your property, asphalt paving could be the right choice for you.
Because of its dark hue, it will help snow and ice melt faster in the winter as
it soaks up the sun and retains heat. If you have porous asphalt, it will allow
water to soak back into the soil.
Installation
Installation of asphalt is a
multi-step process that starts with the demolition of the site, followed by
grading and sloping of the area. Once the sub-base is prepped, a binder layer
will be added and a proof roll test will be done. Then the asphalt surface goes
down, and a final roll will smooth and compact it.
Professional
Paving Asphalt
If you feel like you still need
asphalt paving explained, contact a professional company to help with your
asphalt needs. You can find reputable ones like RZ
Contracting online. They can give you
asphalt paving advice and assist you with installation and a variety of other
construction services.
Ready
To Learn More?
Now that you've got the basics for
paving asphalt down, hopefully, you are feeling inspired to learn more about
it. Asphalt is a big part of everyday life and since its primary purpose is
paving, it plays an important role in transportation. If you want to use
asphalt for a home or business project, contact a reputable company for
assistance.
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