5 benefits of asphalt for your paving project
Asphalt is a popular material used for paving roads, driveways, and parking lots. It is known for its durability and long lifespan, making it a cost-effective option for many applications. To understand if asphalt is the right solution for your paving needs, it helps to understand the benefits of asphalt. Here are 5 benefits of asphalt paving.
Asphalt is Durable
Asphalt pavements are known for their durability and longevity. They can withstand heavy traffic and extreme weather conditions, making them a cost-effective option in the long run.
One of the main reasons asphalt is so durable is because it is made from a mixture of aggregates (such as crushed stone, gravel, or sand) and bitumen, which is a petroleum-based binder. When these materials are combined and heated, they form a thick, sticky substance that can be laid down and compacted to create a smooth, solid surface.
Maintenance on Asphalt is Easy
Asphalt pavements require minimal maintenance. Routine sealcoating can help extend their lifespan, and any repairs can be easily conducted by filling in cracks or potholes. Maintenance on asphalt includes:
- Sealcoating: Asphalt pavement can be protected from the elements and wear and tear by applying a sealant, also known as sealcoating. This layer of protection helps to prevent water, oil, and other substances from penetrating the pavement, which can cause damage over time. Sealcoating also helps to restore the surface's original color and appearance, improving its overall aesthetic appeal.
- Easy Repairs: Another reason why asphalt is easy to maintain is that it can be repaired relatively easily. For example, cracks and potholes in the pavement can be filled in with asphalt patching material, which is readily available at hardware stores. This type of repair can be done quickly and easily, without the need for specialized equipment or extensive labor.
- Easy to Clean: Finally, asphalt is also easy to clean. Dirt, debris, and other materials can be easily swept or washed away with a pressure washer or hose. This helps to keep the surface looking clean and well-maintained, improving its overall appearance and ensuring that it continues to perform well over time.
A Smooth Surface
Asphalt pavements provide a smooth surface for driving, reducing the wear and tear on vehicles. When properly laid and compacted, the smooth surface that asphalt provides offers:
- An improved driving experience
- Reduced risk of accidents and injuries
- Increased fuel effiency
- Lower maintenance costs
Overall, a smooth asphalt surface can provide a range of benefits, from improved driving experience and safety to increased fuel efficiency and lower maintenance costs. Wherever smooth driving is essential, asphalt is the ideal solution.
Asphalt is Environmentally Friendly
Asphalt is a recyclable material, which means that it can be reused and repurposed after it has reached the end of its useful life. Old asphalt pavement can be ground up and reused in the production of new pavement, reducing the need for new raw materials and minimizing waste. In fact, recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) can be used to make up to 30% of the mix in new asphalt pavement.
The production of asphalt requires less energy than other paving materials such as concrete, resulting in lower carbon emissions.
In addition, asphalt can be produced at lower temperatures than concrete. That means less energy is required to heat the materials during production.
Lastly, asphalt is a relatively quiet paving material, which can help to reduce noise pollution in urban areas. This can benefit both humans and wildlife by creating a more peaceful environment.
The Cost-Effective Option
One of the primary advantages of asphalt is that it is relatively inexpensive compared to other paving materials, such as concrete or brick. This can help to keep initial project costs low, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious projects.
Asphalt can be installed relatively quickly compared to other materials. This means that projects using asphalt can be completed faster, reducing labor and equipment costs. Additionally, the production of asphalt requires less energy than other materials, such as concrete. This can help to reduce costs associated with production, as well as reduce carbon emissions and energy consumption.
Considering Asphalt for your next paving project? Smooth Paving, a Chicago asphalt company, provides asphalt paving services throughout Northern Illinois, the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, and throughout Greater Chicagoland and suburbs. Contact us today at info@smoothpaving.com.