Asphalt Paving Summerville SC is an efficient and cost-effective way to construct roads and pavement. It also creates a smooth surface, which helps improve driver safety and reduce vehicle wear and tear.
The asphalt paving process starts with mixing the aggregate and binder in heated tanks. Then it’s transported to the construction site and spread evenly across the area.
Asphalt is a highly versatile and weather-resistant paving material. It has the ability to withstand high temperatures without melting or softening, making it ideal for use in paved surfaces that must support heavy traffic loads and endure harsh environmental conditions. However, it is important to note that asphalt’s durability depends on proper installation and regular maintenance techniques. When these principles are not followed, the pavement can easily crack, erode, or become damaged, compromising its structural integrity and causing potholes and other issues.
Paving contractors must ensure that the temperature of the asphalt mix is consistently maintained throughout the paving process. This is achieved by utilizing heaters and insulated truck beds to keep the mixture hot. The temperature of the asphalt should be between 275 and 300 degrees Fahrenheit in order to remain pliable and workable.
Colder weather can cause the mixture to cool more rapidly, which may hinder the compaction and weaken the overall structure of the pavement. When this happens, the pavement becomes susceptible to damage from the freeze-thaw cycle, where moisture seeps into the pavement, causing it to crack and then re-freeze, resulting in the formation of potholes.
In addition to affecting the speed at which the asphalt mixture can be compacted, cold weather can also affect the quality of the final product. It is essential to use a higher quality of mix and to allow sufficient time for it to fully cure, as cold mix asphalt does not have the same strength and durability as its hot counterpart.
Additionally, rainy conditions can be problematic for asphalt paving projects. Heavy rainfall can saturate the base layer, which causes undesired seams between the new asphalt and the existing surface. This can lead to the development of potholes and other surface defects, and it is therefore important to delay a paving project until it stops raining or use a water-resistant asphalt mix if necessary. The paving team should also be prepared to adjust the schedule of the paving project according to weather forecasts and real-time conditions. By implementing these best practices, asphalt can remain durable in even the most challenging weather conditions.
Durable
Asphalt is a popular choice for road and driveway construction due to its durability. It can withstand high amounts of traffic and harsh weather conditions. However, the quality of your asphalt pavement will ultimately determine how long it lasts. It is essential to choose a qualified paving contractor with the proper equipment to ensure your asphalt can withstand the elements and resist damage from heavy vehicles and traffic.
Asphalt consists of a combination of aggregate materials, such as sand, crushed stone, and gravel, along with a binder, typically bitumen. The material is heated and mixed together to create a pliable mixture that can bind the aggregates together. A wide variety of ingredients can be used to bind the asphalt, including rubber and other flexible materials. This flexibility helps prevent cracking and other surface damage caused by changing temperatures.
The hot asphalt mix is transported to the paving site while still at a very high temperature. The asphalt needs to be kept warm in order to achieve optimum compaction, which is essential for durability. If the asphalt is allowed to cool before being compacted, it will develop air pockets that will lead to premature deterioration. This is why grading the asphalt and using the correct rollers is so important to ensuring that the pavement is properly compacted.
Various factors can influence the durability of an asphalt pavement, including its thickness and how well it is maintained. Asphalt is known to last up to 20 years with regular maintenance and inspections. However, poor construction can result in a less durable surface that requires repairs sooner or may need total reconstruction before reaching its full lifespan.
Laurel Asphalt can help you maintain the durability of your asphalt surfaces with our professional paving services. We have the specialized equipment and knowledge necessary to get the job done right. Our team is committed to delivering exceptional results that will stand up to even the harshest winter weather. For a free estimate, contact us today. We look forward to working with you! Laurel Asphalt is located in Greensburg, PA and serves all surrounding areas.
Easy to Maintain
Asphalt is one of the fastest paving materials to install and can be repaired quickly. This makes it ideal for commercial, retail and government projects that require a quick turnaround.
It’s also easier to maintain than other paving materials. Asphalt is less prone to cracking, making it more durable in the long run. However, it’s important to address any signs of wear and tear as soon as they appear. Using asphalt crack fillers and patching products designed specifically for this material can repair any damage and prevent water from seeping in.
As a bonus, asphalt is also environmentally friendly. When compared to concrete, it produces significantly less air pollution, including carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen oxide (NO2). Depending on the time of day and weather conditions asphalt will reflect or absorb the sun’s heat, keeping roads cooler. This is beneficial for road safety as it can help drivers maintain visibility at higher speeds.
Another benefit of asphalt is its excellent drainage capabilities. This allows the surface to channel water into grassy areas or other suitable drainage spots, rather than allowing it to build up on the pavement and cause heaves.
Because asphalt can withstand high traffic volumes, it’s often used for parking lots and driveways. This means it’s likely to experience regular wear and tear from vehicles. Regular cleaning with a hose can keep the surface looking good. If needed, a commercial degreaser or trisodium phosphate (TSP) can be scrubbed into the pavement to clean it more thoroughly.
When it comes to snow and ice, asphalt surfaces are more resilient than concrete. However, they should be inspected and maintained before winter hits to ensure the surface is safe. Removing ice and snow promptly is key to preventing cracks and other damage. It’s also recommended to use plastic shovels instead of metal ones that can scratch the surface, and to consider using a de-icing product that is safe for asphalt surfaces.
If you’re thinking about hiring a contractor for an asphalt project, McCullough recommends visiting a local, independent supply yard that sells the type of paving you need. The people there will be able to recommend contractors that they have worked with before and can vouch for their work quality and reliability.
Economical
Asphalt is a highly cost-efficient material to use in construction projects, especially when compared to concrete. It is easier to install and reduces labor costs for both the contractor and the end user. Moreover, it requires minimal maintenance and resurfacing over its lifespan, further reducing the overall expenditure of the project.
Different roads require a tailored asphalt mix that can meet their specific traffic loads and climatic conditions. For example, highways require a high-performance mix designed to withstand the impact and load of big heavy trucks while suburban roads can benefit from a mixture that prioritizes durability and aesthetics. The flexible nature of asphalt also enables it to adapt to cold climates without cracking or becoming brittle, minimizing the occurrence of rutting and ice damage.
In addition, the insulating effect of asphalt minimizes the exposure of underground pipes to traffic stress and vibration, protecting the integrity of these vital infrastructures. The materials that make up asphalt are derived from natural resources, which means they can be recycled or reused in new projects without wasting valuable resources. In fact, recycling asphalt can save up to 30% of the energy needed for production. The use of modern technologies such as cold in-place recycling (CIR) further increases the sustainability of asphalt paving.
As a petroleum product, asphalt prices are susceptible to fluctuations in oil prices. However, the availability of alternative fuels such as renewable biodiesel and liquefied petroleum gas has the potential to alleviate this vulnerability. The asphalt industry is working towards implementing environmentally responsible practices and procedures that further boost its market competitiveness and open up opportunities for eco-friendly certifications.
Furthermore, the process of producing asphalt uses less energy than other pavement materials, resulting in substantial savings on energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. It is possible to further reduce the emission levels by using soft materials in the asphalt mix, such as reclaimed or used cooking oil, residues from corn stover and treated swine manure. This has both environmental and occupational benefits, as it improves working conditions by reducing dust and smoke in confined spaces and on days with poor air quality.