Asphalt is the most popular choice among consumers when it comes to paving for multiple reasons. Asphalt pavement construction is a lower upfront cost compared to concrete, and it can be engineered to withstand any type of load or extreme weather condition. Completing routine asphalt maintenance safeguards pavement to last a lifetime with few repairs while providing a much lower life cycle cost. And believe it or not, asphalt leaves a positive impact when it comes to the environment. According to the United States Department of Transportation,Federal Highway Administration, ”asphalt is the nation’s number one recycled material, leaving a very low carbon footprint.”
Benefits of Asphalt Paving
Positive Economic & Environmental Impact
When asphalt is professionally installed by experts who know what they are doing it can have a positive impact both economically and environmentally. Properly installed asphalt for roadways and other heavily driven areas can cut back on wear and tear on vehicles and future repair costs. In addition to its positive economic effect, asphalt is made of recycled materials making it an eco friendly paving material that can be installed fairly quick and easily.
Safer Paving Material
Asphalt paving is an overall safer paving material. Not only is it safer for the environment, but it is safer for drivers and pedestrians too. It’s dark color makes it easier to have reflecting road navigation signals and pavement markings painted on the asphalt material. Unlike concrete which is reflective, asphalt provides a better visual experience for drivers through all types of weather conditions and is engineered to withstand extreme temperatures.
Asphalt Has Multiple Uses
Asphalt is most often used for new construction of roads and highways, but it can also be used for other things. Historically, asphalt was used as a binding agent between bricks to build houses and other structures. Today, asphalt can be used to help construct parks & playgrounds and is even used in the roofing industry.
Types of Asphalt
Many people don’t know that there are actually multiple types of asphalt used for different asphalt paving projects:
Hot Mix Asphalt : Hot mix asphalt is the most commonly used asphalt type.
- Uses: Patching, Resurfacing, Paving Roads.
- Types Of Road: Commercial Paving and Residential Paving
- Time of year: Warmer Temperatures
- Best Used For: Best Asphalt Type For High-Traffic Roads, Interstates, And Highways.
Cold Mix Asphalt: Cold mix asphalt is an asphalt mix that is used for mostly patching.
- Uses: In areas that need temporary patching.
- Type of Road: This asphalt is best used in less populated areas with light traffic.
- Time of year:Winter
- Best Used For: Small holes, driveway repairs, parking lot repairs.
Porous Asphalt : Porous asphalt is the most eco-friendly option because of the holes in the asphalt that allows for water to drain through the Asphalt material.
- Uses: Mainly used for parking lots.
- Types Of Road: Parking Lots
- Time of year: Late Spring and Summer Months.
- Best Used For: Large Businesses & Municipalities
At Libs Paving, we not only provide Southern Indiana and the Metro Louisville areas with first class asphalt paving services, but we produce our own asphalt and are asphalt suppliers too. At Asphalt Supply Company (ASCO), the sister company to Libs Paving, we can control exactly what goes into our materials and what stays out. Make Sure You Know What Asphalt Is Being Used on Your Property! If you are interested in learning more about asphalt or would like to set up an FREE initial consultation, reach out to the experts at Libs Paving Company today!
