Whether you need a residential or commercial infrastructure job done, asphalt paving will likely be a huge part of the overall project. When you’re gearing up to hire a solid company to help you complete a large-scale project, however, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. With the proper primer of knowledge regarding asphalt paving, you can feel more assured that you’re hiring the right company. To assist you on your journey, here is a quick, useful guide to what you should know about commercial asphalt paving:
The Benefits of Asphalt
Asphalt remains one of the most versatile and widely used building materials in America today. It’s not only durable and long-lasting, but it’s also almost 100% recyclable, making it perfect for building operations to both save money and the planet! The noise-reduction benefits, quickly applicable nature of asphalt, and asphalt’s ability to help drain stormwater have also made it a favorite of commercial construction workers around the world. But knowing a bit more about the types of asphalts out there and the ways they can be damaged is important to get the full picture.
What Types of Asphalt are Out There?
Depending on the type of work you’re doing, you will need a particular type of asphalt to get the job done. Locating a knowledgeable commercial paving company to guide you through this process will ensure you make the right decision. For most projects, there are a total of four main types of asphalt that are likely to be used:
1. Hot Mix Asphalt
The most commonly used type of asphalt, hot mix asphalt is used to pave interstates, roadways, and other high-traffic areas. It’s used after being heated to high temperatures of up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and is typically made in two categories: fine-graded and coarse-graded. If you’re looking for a slick-black asphalt look, this is the asphalt to go with.
2. Cold Mix Asphalt
For particularly cold climates, cold mix asphalt is a necessity. It stays soft in these cold temperatures and is useful for repelling water. While not commonly used for laying down the main asphalt of roadways, it’s a common filler for potholes and other such repairs. Because it can be crafted at nearly any temperature, it has become a last-ditch fix in some commercial paving operations.
3. Porous Asphalt
Porous asphalt is more commonly used these days thanks to its environmentally-friendly nature. It is filled with pores that allow water to drain through its rock bed, and safely into the soil below. For areas that need to manage stormwater and other runoff issues, porous asphalt has become a near must-have option. Sustainable infrastructure projects have become especially fond of using porous asphalt to get the job done.
4. Recycled Asphalt
Because asphalt is highly recyclable, many people opt for fully-recycled asphalt to save money. Although it’s not quite as strong as hot mix asphalt and not as shiny, it provides a great way to be both cost-efficient and environmentally friendly. Especially as governments are trying to be more energy-efficient, the popularity of recycled asphalt has increased significantly. Recycled asphalt has become a key tool in many exterior building maintenance projects as well.
Common Types of Asphalt Damages
Asphalt damage is not uncommon and is often easy to repair. This has furthered the popularity and wide usage of the building material. That being said, some damages are easier to correct than others. There are four primary types of damage that asphalt is likely to suffer over time:
1. Base Failure
When a lack of support is given to a base or an installation of a base is done improperly, base failure can occur. Poor drainage is a common cause of base failure as well. When base failure occurs, you have to repair the subbase, which can require you to remove an entire surface layer first (which is an incredibly costly process).
2. Potholes
Potholes occur due to general wear and tear, as well as adverse weather issues. Potholes occur most often in late winter and early spring, due to the freezing and melting of water. Cold mix asphalt is most frequently used to repair potholes.
3. Depressions
Depressions occur when areas of a pavement’s surface become lower in elevation than the rest of the pavement. This causes water and other material to build up on the pavement’s surface, leading to the other types of damage on this list.
4. Cracks
Cracks are one of the most common types of damage that happen to asphalt over time. Longitudinal, transverse, edge, slippage, alligator, block, and other types of cracks are all known to occur in asphalt. By being prepared to deal with cracks, you can save both time and money during the repair process.
Repair Your Asphalt Paving Projects Using Commercial Paving Companies
When you need a fix for your asphalt paving projects, you must hire a professional, widely praised commercial paving company to complete the job quickly. Doing so will not only save you costs, but it will ensure the problem does not worsen. With the right choice, your asphalt will be looking better than ever before.
