It is estimated by the National Asphalt Pavement Association that about 94 percent of the 2.8 million miles of paved roads in the United States. It's little wonder why asphalt may be found almost everywhere in American towns.

Asphalt is a semi-solid, sticky type of petroleum that is used to hold aggregate together. Stone (aggregate), sand, additives, and liquid (petroleum) asphalt make up the asphalt pavement. Asphalt pavements are usually bound together with liquid asphalt, a sticky black substance.

There are numerous functional uses for asphalt depending on the type. The different types of asphalt include:

Hot Mix Asphalt

Hot mix asphalt is utilized on highways and municipal streets because it is flexible and water repellent. It's preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit before being poured.

Warm Mix Asphalt

Warm mix asphalt is made at a lower temperature than hot mix asphalt and cools more slowly. Warm mix asphalt is also easier to transport than hot mix asphalt and is more ecologically friendly.

Cold Mix Asphalt

For road repairs and winter projects, cold mix asphalt is a cost-effective and user-friendly option. For retail selling, cold mix asphalt can be bundled into bags.

Common Uses

Asphalt is commonly used for paving different kinds of pathways. Examples include:

Driveways

Asphalt, sometimes known as blacktop, is a common driveway paving material for both business and residential establishments. A well-maintained driveway with asphalt paving will endure several decades. Crack filling, milling and resurfacing, and seal coating are all versatile repair choices that are available for asphalt driveways.

Roads

Asphalt is used on roads because the material is durable enough to withstand regular and consistent traffic. Its intrinsic flexibility allows it to withstand unequal loads while remaining sturdy. Asphalt is also a recyclable material. When a road has to be repaved, the old pavement can be crushed up and reused. This is beneficial to both the planet and your wallet.

Sidewalks

Asphalt paving is a cost-effective option for communal walkways or household sidewalks. The material is also safe, with just enough roughness to give grip and limit the risk of slipping.

Uncommon Uses of Asphalt

Dams, reservoirs, and parks are all built using asphalt. Asphalt is used by farmers to line the bottoms of retention ponds, as well as to control flooding and soil erosion. Automobile manufacturers also rely on asphalt to avoid corrosion and road noise in vehicles.

If you need asphalt paving services, give us a call!