Asphalt paving remains a fascinating industry. There are asphalt parking lots, driveways, and roads everywhere we look. It's common to see crews hard at work repairing roads throughout the hot summer months. However, there are quite a few things you probably don't know about asphalt. Let's take an in-depth look at some of the most notable things about asphalt paving that you might not have known.
1. Asphalt Is Mostly Used to Pave Roads
According to Kiddle, about 85% of all the asphalt made is used to pave roads. Asphalt is a popular choice for driveways and parking lots, but we use far more to pave our streets. The National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) reports that over 90% of the roads nationwide have an asphalt coating on top. That's because it's affordable, effective, and provides a smooth surface for cars to drive across easily. This material is also more energy-efficient and cost-effective compared to others.
2. Asphalt Offers Good Environmental Benefits
One reason asphalt paving is so popular today is because it offers numerous benefits for the environment. Asphalt is primarily made from sustainable materials like sand and gravel. It can easily be recycled, and often is, to reduce the need to make more asphalt constantly. This reduces energy usage. The smooth pavement helps cars get better gas mileage, reducing how much fuel is used. This material doesn't require as much energy to produce as others, further increasing how eco-friendly it is.
3. Asphalt Has a Long Average Life Expectancy
In our team's experience, asphalt has an average life expectancy of up to 25 years. Although asphalt is low maintenance, it's essential to adhere to a maintenance schedule to make it last as long as possible. After asphalt paving companies lay a driveway or road, they usually apply a seal coat to protect the asphalt. Our professionals recommend replacing this coat every three to five years to help protect the asphalt from damage. Cracks should be repaired as soon as possible. If they aren't, the freeze-and-thaw cycle will make them wider.
4. Asphalt Enhances Safety
Asphalt paving is popular for roads for many reasons, including how it helps keep everyone safe. The black color of asphalt attracts sunlight, helping melt snow and ice sooner. The smooth surface makes it easy for tires to grip it, preventing accidents. This is especially important during harsh weather like snow or thunderstorms. The contrast of black and yellow in parking lots makes it easy to see parking lot lines to keep everyone in the area safe.
5. Asphalt Is a Very Versatile Material
Asphalt is mainly used for roads, but the rest of the asphalt produced is used for a variety of things. Asphalt is often considered one of the most versatile materials on Earth because it can be used for many applications. Asphalt is found in parking lots and driveways. Some people even opt for asphalt walkways, and you'll often see asphalt used on tennis and basketball courts. It's also used to waterproof certain elements in the construction industry but is referred to as bitumen. Construction professionals will often use bitumen to waterproof basements, roofs, bridges, and other structures. For roofs, in particular, asphalt shingles remain one of the most affordable types of roofing for homeowners.
6. Asphalt Offers Durability
Asphalt remains so popular because of its extreme durability. It's often considered weatherproof, making it an excellent material for outdoor applications like roads and playgrounds. This material can withstand heavy loads without breaking. Instead, the asphalt bends slightly. This flexibility allows it to hold up tons of pounds of vehicles without cracking under pressure. Asphalt paving often involves fixing cracks, but this is usually due to normal wear and tear, not because asphalt cracks easily.
Asphalt paving remains a widely-used option because it's affordable, effective, and offers one excellent benefit after another. You'll also enjoy using a sustainable material that isn't bad for the planet. Recycled asphalt gives you another opportunity to be eco-friendly. Are you ready to benefit from asphalt paving? At A-One Asphalt Paving LLC, we are a licensed, bonded, and insured asphalt paving team. Our experienced technicians can easily handle commercial, residential, and industrial projects. Contact us today to discuss your next project.