Asphalt is a mix of filler, binder, and aggregate, created for constructing and maintaining parking areas, roads, railway tracks, ports, bicycle lanes, airport runways, pavements, and sport or play areas. The aggregates used for asphalt could be crushed rock, gravel, sand or slags held with a binder (bitumen).
Asphalt is the most popular pavement material used in different parts of the world due to the fact that it’s safe, durable, reusable, versatile, and relatively less expensive, among other benefits. However, not all types are similar. There are different forms of asphalt available, and they each serve different purposes, therefore, varying levels of quality. Contact our experts at any time to receive the help you need regarding driveway paving Charleston SC residents desire. Let’s take a quick look at some of the common types of asphalt and why you should consider them for your driveway.
Hot-Mix Asphalt
This asphalt mix is commonly seen when driving past most construction crews. Used mostly for patching and paving, Hot-Mix Asphalt, as its name implies, is better to work with whenever the temperature of the paving material (asphalt) is high. This type of asphalt mix is a permanent fix to a problem but should be used almost instantly after purchase. Because when the asphalt cools, it hardens, thus becoming increasingly difficult to use.
Pros:
- It is very durable.
- Able to withstand flooding, wind, etc.
- Commonly used for driveways and highways that experience heavier traffic owing to its flexibility.
Warm-Mix Asphalt
This is created similarly to hot-mix asphalt, but about 50-100°F lower. The main benefit of warm-mix asphalt over other forms of asphalt mixes is its eco-friendliness, as it requires less compacting pressure during construction, so it releases less CO2. While this asphalt mix seems to be more expensive, it is the best alternative for anyone who desires “green solutions.”
Pros:
- It saves energy and resources because of its lower mixing temperatures.
- It improves working conditions in comparison to the other forms of asphalt mixes.
- Driveways constructed with this type of asphalt mix can be opened to vehicles almost immediately because of its early curing time.
- It is inexpensive.
Cold-Mix Asphalt
As the name implies, this form of asphalt is usually used while cold, so it is slow to cure. Depending on the brand you go for, this type of asphalt mix can be used for either the temporary patching of small areas having minimal or light traffic or as a permanent solution to any concrete or asphalt problem. There are two commonly used types of cold-mix asphalt, namely MC Cold-mix and UPM.
Pros:
- They are simple to use
- They can be used in situations where the outside temperature is unsuitable for hot-mix asphalt.
- They are cost-effective.
Porous Asphalt
This type of asphalt mix contains barely visible holes in its material that help to improve water maintenance by facilitating water flow through the pavement to the earth where it originally belonged. Porous asphalt is commonly used in constructing parking lots to permit water drainage via the pavement surface. Other benefits include:
- Improving stormwater management and enhanced skid resistance.
- It requires less energy to produce.
- It substantially mitigates odour, smoke and emissions.
Conclusion:
The different types of asphalt mentioned above provide good solutions to any paving problem that you might face in your homes. By knowing the differences between them and the benefits they offer, you can make the right choice for your driveway. If you’re not sure, reach out to surfacing professionals such as Kane Construction for leading advice on the best solution for your needs.
