All You Need to Know About Asphalt Paving

It's a familiar sight - the smooth, dark surface that carries countless journeys. You learned to ride your bike on it, felt the rumble of car tires, and maybe even witnessed a crew laying it down fresh. Asphalt is a ubiquitous part of our world, forming the foundation of our roads, driveways, and parking lots. But for something so commonly encountered, the intricacies of asphalt paving might remain a mystery.

Here at Black Tar, we're passionate about more than just laying down a smooth path. We believe knowledge is empowering, and that's why we've compiled everything you need to know about asphalt paving. Whether you're curious about the process or seeking the right company for your next asphalt driveway project, this guide will unveil the secrets behind the blacktop. So, buckle up and get ready to dive deeper into the fascinating world of asphalt paving!

Why is Asphalt A Popular Choice?

Asphalt pavement is renowned for its durability and resilience, making it the ideal choice for almost all paved surfaces. Its strength and reliability make it a favorite among state and federal governments, who prefer asphalt for its long-lasting performance. When properly laid, an asphalt driveway can last 20 to 25 years without needing replacement.

Asphalt is the top choice for a variety of applications, including driveways, parking lots, roadways, and airstrips. Its widespread use is a testament to its versatility and dependability. Additionally, asphalt is the most commonly recycled material in the United States, surpassing even paper and plastic. Approximately 80% of all asphalt pavement is recycled when removed, underscoring its sustainability.

For those seeking a durable and recyclable paving solution, asphalt pavement stands out as the best choice.

What Makes Up Asphalt Pavement?

Asphalt pavement is composed of stone (aggregate), sand, additives, and liquid asphalt (a petroleum-based substance). Liquid asphalt, also known as bitumen, is a sticky, black material that serves as the binding agent in asphalt pavements. It is typically viscous but can also be found in semi-solid forms.

Once mixed, asphalt pavement consists of 90 to 95% aggregate and sand, with the remaining 5 to 10% being asphalt or bitumen. The high viscosity of asphalt binds these materials together while maintaining flexibility. This flexibility is crucial, as it allows the pavement to adapt to changing conditions caused by weather and the shifting surface beneath it. However, the cooler the asphalt surface, the less flexible it becomes.

One of the greatest strengths of an asphalt driveway is its ability to repel water, which is essential because water is the most significant threat to asphalt surfaces. This water resistance is a key reason why asphalt is so widely used and why asphalt contractors remain in high demand.

Different Types of Asphalt

Asphalt aggregates are versatile and easy to mix, allowing for hundreds of potential combinations to meet specific needs. Many asphalt contractors operate their own production plants to create tailored solutions. Most mixes, however, fall into these four main categories:

Porous Asphalt

Porous asphalt is an environmentally friendly paving option and is recognized by the EPA as a best practice. Its tiny holes allow stormwater to drain through the asphalt and into the ground, where natural cleansing processes occur. Using porous asphalt can also provide tax benefits for businesses. Learn more about the differences between permeable and porous asphalt by downloading our free brochure.

Cold Mix Asphalt

Cold mix asphalt remains pliable in cold temperatures and repels water, making it ideal for pothole repairs. Its manufacturing process is simple and can be performed at almost any temperature.

Hot Mix Asphalt

Hot mix asphalt (HMA) is created by heating and pouring asphalt mixtures at temperatures between 300 and 350 degrees Fahrenheit. It is the most commonly used asphalt and can be classified into three categories: dense-graded mixes, stone matrix asphalt, and open-grade mixes. Dense-graded mixes, which include fine-graded and coarse-graded subcategories, are used for high-traffic roadways, interstates, and highways. Fine-graded mixes contain more sand and small stones compared to coarse-graded mixes.

Warm Mix Asphalt

Warm mix asphalt (WMA) is produced at temperatures between 200 and 250 degrees Fahrenheit. It uses less fossil fuel than HMA and requires additional binding materials for pouring and spreading at lower temperatures. WMA is also less expensive to produce than HMA.

Coarse Graded Asphalt

Coarse-graded asphalt is typically used as a binder or base layer, providing support for fine-graded dense mixes used for surface layers on parking lots, roads, and driveways.

Benefits of Asphalt

Asphalt offers numerous advantages for both consumers and the environment. Here are some of the most popular benefits highlighted by reputable paving companies near me:

Asphalt is 100% Recyclable: In America, asphalt is the most recycled substance. Businesses such as Black Tar recycle all of the concrete and asphalt shingles removed from construction sites, in addition to 100% of the asphalt. Using recycled asphalt is not only better for the environment but also enhances the product’s quality. Recycled asphalt mix is stronger, longer-lasting, and more resistant to rutting than virgin asphalt mix.

Asphalt is Durable and Long-Lasting: An asphalt driveway or road installed by an experienced contractor typically lasts about 15 to 20 years. This lifespan can be extended further with regular preventative maintenance.

Asphalt Reduces Noise: Asphalt pavement is known for its noise-reducing properties. Its open-graded and fine-graded surfaces, along with the materials used, help absorb road noise, making it a “quiet” pavement option.

Asphalt is Cost-Efficient: Compared to concrete, asphalt is generally more cost-efficient to install. However, since crude oil is a major component of asphalt, fluctuations in oil prices can affect asphalt prices.

Asphalt Driveways Are Quick to Install: The materials needed to create asphalt are readily available and can be processed into pavement quickly, allowing for faster project completion.

Asphalt Paving Improves Water Drainage: Asphalt is effective for water drainage. Porous asphalt, in particular, allows water to pass through into a specially prepared gravel base, helping filter the water back into the ground. Other types of asphalt are designed to redirect water to grassy areas or other managed locations.

Asphalt Paving Enhances Safety: Asphalt enhances the safety of your property in several ways. Its water-managing qualities improve skid resistance, and its dark color melts ice and snow, making the pavement safer for cars and pedestrians alike.

The Asphalt Paving Step-by-Step Process

Asphalt paving is a complex, multi-step project that requires careful planning and execution. Here’s a detailed look at the essential steps involved:

Site Preparation: First, the site is prepared by removing any rocks, garbage, or plants and making sure that the drainage is adequate. A properly prepped site is essential to the paving project's success.

Grading and Base Installation: Grading entails sculpting the subgrade to provide the appropriate profile and slope. For the asphalt surface to last a long time, a stable base is essential. The purpose of this stage is to improve the load-bearing capability of the pavement by placing a robust aggregate base.

Asphalt Mix Production: Aggregates, binder, and filler are mixed meticulously to create the asphalt mix. The particular mix design changes according to the intended purpose of the pavement, traffic volume, and climate. The mixture is made in an asphalt plant so that quality and consistency are guaranteed.

Transportation and Placement: When the asphalt mix is ready, it is delivered to the building site and put down using machinery designed for paving. To attain the required thickness, the material is equally distributed, and the surface is compacted to get rid of air pockets and guarantee structural integrity.

Compaction: Compaction is a critical step, using heavy rollers to compress the asphalt layers, which improves density and strength. Proper compaction minimizes the risk of future pavement issues like rutting or cracking.

 Surface Finishing: After compaction, the surface is finished to provide the desired texture and smoothness. This may involve additional rolling and the use of a paver screed to ensure a uniform and level surface.

Basics of Asphalt Maintenance

For asphalt pavement to last a long time and perform well, proper care is necessary. Knowing the fundamentals of asphalt maintenance services in Ottawa as a property owner will help you save money on repairs and prolong the life of your pavement. Here are some crucial concerns to be aware of and deal with:

Regular Inspections

Regular inspections are essential to keeping the resilience of your pavement intact. You can identify problems early and stop them from getting worse by routinely inspecting for damage indicators, including cracks, potholes, uneven surfaces, and drainage concerns. Prevention of additional degradation and any safety risks is aided by early diagnosis.

Timely Repairs

Addressing minor damages promptly is crucial to prevent more significant problems. Small cracks can expand due to moisture and temperature changes, leading to larger fissures and potholes that compromise the pavement's structural integrity. Potholes, in particular, should be repaired quickly using techniques like patching or filling with hot-mix asphalt. This prevents further degradation and water infiltration into the underlying layers.

Crack Sealing

Crack sealing is vital for maintaining pavement health. Although cracks may appear minor, they can become major issues if ignored. Moisture can seep through these cracks, weakening the pavement's structure and stability. Early crack sealing prevents water from entering, protecting the pavement from further damage. This proactive approach extends your pavement’s lifespan, saving you time and money on future repairs or replacements.

Protecting Against Moisture Damage

Moisture is a primary enemy of asphalt surfaces. Taking prompt action to address cracks and seal them effectively can protect your pavement from moisture intrusion. By preventing water from penetrating the surface, you maintain the pavement's structural integrity and prolong its life. This proactive maintenance ensures your paved surfaces remain strong and durable for years to come.

By understanding and implementing these asphalt maintenance basics, you can keep your asphalt driveway in excellent condition and avoid unnecessary costs and headaches. Contact Black Tar for routine asphalt maintenance services in Ottawa.

Take Away

Asphalt paving is a critical component of modern infrastructure, providing unmatched versatility and efficiency for a variety of paving needs, from busy highways to residential driveways. Understanding its composition, benefits, and maintenance requirements helps stakeholders make informed decisions about their paving projects. For durable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly paving solutions, trust the expertise of Black Tar.

Ready to start your paving project? Contact Black Tar today for a consultation and see how we can help you achieve the perfect asphalt surface.