There are a lot of things that go into asphalt paving that many are not quite aware of. Asphalt is a very versatile material that can be used for many different purposes, but there are some interesting facts about asphalt that you may not have known. You may be investing in asphalt for your driveway, parking lots, walkways, and other structures, but if you’re not sure what quality materials are included in the making of asphalt or what things are gone into the process to make it beautiful, then here are 7 things that you didn’t know about asphalt.
What Type of Material is Used in Asphalt to Make it Last Longer?
Asphalt is made up of many different types of materials. Most asphalt includes aggregate such as sand and gravel, petroleum products and binder to form the base mix and a variety of additives such as special polymers that are used to increase its durability and longevity. The components used in asphalt are carefully selected and blended together to make sure that the asphalt can withstand heavy traffic, extreme weather conditions, and wear and tear.
Do You Know that Asphalt Occurs Naturally in Lakes?
Many people don’t realize that asphalt occurs naturally in certain lakes around the world. It forms where crude oil seeps to the surface and its lighter parts evaporate, leaving thick, natural bitumen behind. The asphalt is known to be very thick and can also be used in asphalt paving projects. The largest natural deposit is Pitch Lake in Trinidad, a lake of asphalt about 100 acres in size that has been mined for paving for well over a century. The La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles are another famous natural asphalt seep.
What Kind of Maintenance Does Asphalt Require?
Asphalt is a great investment because it is relatively low maintenance, but there are still some things that need to be done. Regular inspection and maintenance are key to keeping asphalt in good condition and making sure that it can last a long time. This includes inspecting the surface for any cracks, potholes or damage that could cause problems and repairing it immediately. Regular seal coating and crack filling are also recommended to extend their life. Additionally, it’s important to keep the surface clean from debris and weeds.
Do You Know That Porous Asphalt Can Help with Drainage?
One of the biggest challenges with asphalt surfaces is controlling water run-off and drainage. Porous asphalt is a great solution for this problem because it allows water to drain through the asphalt surface and into the sub-base materials. It not only helps with hydroplaning but also with the puddles on the pavement. In certain cases, it also helps to prevent soil erosion. Porous asphalt can absorb precipitation to assist you in preventing flooding and more.
Do You Know There Are Different Types of Asphalt Cracks?
While a crack may appear as just a crack but they are actually different. Different cracks occur differently and they are mostly as follows:
- Transverse Cracking: Cracks that run across the pavement, mostly caused by the asphalt shrinking and hardening with temperature swings and age.
- Reflection Cracks: Cracks that mirror joints or cracks in an older surface underneath an overlay.
- Fatigue Cracks: These occur from heavy loads and repeated traffic over a long period.
- Edge Cracks: Edge cracking is usually the result of a poor foundation or lack of support at the edges.
- Slippage cracking: Crescent-shaped cracks can turn into potholes when moisture gets into the asphalt layer.
Do You Know Grass Can Grow Through the Asphalt?
You probably think that asphalt has a solid mass that covers the ground like concrete but this is not true. In fact, it can be quite porous and allow water and even grass to grow through the asphalt layer. This is due to the lack of compaction at installation or shrinkage due to temperature changes. Asphalt can be porous enough for grass and weeds. Compacted asphalt always has some air voids, and if the mix is not compacted properly, or the base is not prepared and treated, grass and weeds can find their way through.
Do You Know Asphalt Can Be Recycled?
One of the best things about asphalt is that it can be recycled and reused. Asphalt is made up of 95% aggregates and 5% asphalt cement which can easily be retrieved, cleaned, and combined with new materials to create a fresh pavement. This process is not only cost-effective but sustainable. It also helps to reduce emissions and conserve natural resources.
Concluding Thoughts
Asphalt is a versatile and durable material that can be used in many different applications. While it may require some maintenance over time, its durability and low-maintenance make it a great choice for many pavement projects. Its recyclability and ability to help with drainage are also advantages that must be considered when looking into asphalt paving. There’s a lot more to learn about asphalt, but these seven facts are just the beginning.
What these facts mean for a Texas driveway
Asphalt is flexible. Unlike a concrete slab, it can bend slightly as the ground moves, which is useful on the Blackland Prairie clay around Waco, Temple and south Dallas–Fort Worth. That clay shrinks in drought and swells after heavy rain. Flexible pavement handles some of that movement, but only if it sits on a well-compacted base with good drainage. The base does most of the work.
Sun is the other big factor. UV and heat slowly dry out the binder, which is why asphalt fades from black to gray and gets more brittle with age. Two inexpensive habits slow that down:
- Sealcoating every 2 to 3 years, starting about six months after new paving.
- Crack sealing in mild spring or fall weather, before water gets under the surface.
Asphalt vs. tar and chip
Many people don’t know that tar and chip is also an asphalt surface. Instead of a hot-mix layer rolled smooth, a layer of liquid asphalt is sprayed on and stone chips are pressed into it. The result has a rougher, gravel-like look.
- Cost: chip seal usually costs a fraction of hot-mix asphalt per foot, which matters on long drives and ranch roads.
- Lifespan: a chip seal surface typically lasts around 7 to 10 years and can be renewed with another layer.
- Feel: hot-mix asphalt is smoother and better for basketball, skateboards and lots of tight turning.
For a long rural driveway or a farm or ranch road, tar and chip is often the better value. For a suburban driveway or a busy lot, hot-mix asphalt is usually the right call.
Frequently asked questions
Is asphalt the same as blacktop?
Yes. “Blacktop” is just a common name for asphalt pavement. Both mean stone and sand bound together with asphalt binder.
How long does an asphalt driveway last?
A well-built driveway with regular sealcoat and crack sealing can last 15 to 20 years or more. Poor drainage or a thin base will shorten that a lot.
When can I drive on new asphalt?
Usually after 24 to 72 hours, depending on the weather. In summer heat, avoid turning your wheels while parked and keep heavy trucks and trailers off for longer.
Why does new asphalt scuff in the summer?
Fresh asphalt is still soft, especially on hot afternoons. Power steering marks and scuffs are common the first year and usually blend in as the surface cures.
Can recycled asphalt be used on my property?
Recycled asphalt is common in new mixes, and ground-up millings are sometimes used as a base or a low-cost surface on rural drives. Millings don’t give the finished look of new paving, but they can be a practical option.
Get a free estimate. Not sure if asphalt or tar and chip fits your property? Contact us for a free estimate and we’ll walk you through both.
