While there are few materials that can stand the test of time like asphalt, there are different types of asphalt mix available. Each type of mix provides its own benefits and drawbacks depending on the purpose you need it for. But which one is suitable for your property and why should you opt-in for it? In this article, we are going to help you understand the different asphalt mixes and which of them is best for your needs.
Prime Asphalt is a professional pavement company where we use a variety of raw materials sourced from our own digs or from recycled materials which have been thoroughly processed. Bringing our own asphalt has many benefits.
We don’t have to deal with a middleman, which saves us time and money, while also ensuring that all the materials are of the highest quality. We can control and guarantee consistency in our asphalt mix and can easily adjust it to any project or application. We can make use of 100% recyclable asphalt so you can rest assured that your asphalt is eco-friendly and sustainable.
What Are the Different Types of Asphalts?
Hot Mix Asphalt – The most commonly used type of asphalt, it is made up of a combination of aggregates combined with liquid asphalt cement, which is heated and mixed in precise proportions. It’s highly durable and provides a long-lasting solution for any kind of paving project. HMA is one of the standard types of asphalt which is commonly heated between 280-325 degrees Fahrenheit and is laid down during the warmer months. The base can easily cool quickly and solidify.
Warm Mix Asphalt – A great choice for cold climates, warm mix asphalt is a premixed combination of asphalt and other modified materials that can be applied at lower temperatures than hot mix asphalt. It requires less energy to produce, so is more cost-efficient and it’s also great for multiple uses. Warm mix is now used in a large and growing share of US paving and are actually very eco-friendly. It makes WMA one of the healthiest asphalt mixes as they create less dust, smoke and fumes. WMA is commonly manufactured at a temperature of 200 to 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cold Mix Asphalt – Cold mix asphalt is a blend of oils and additives. While there are many methods for CMA mixing and improving, the results are normally not as good as hot or warm mixes. It also may require frequent repairs and will not last as long compared to other asphalt mixes. Cold mix asphalt can be used in areas where the temperature may dip below freezing, but it is generally not ideal for more intense environments such as roads that experience a lot of traffic. Cold mix is not heated at all, which is why it is mostly used for temporary patches and pothole repair.
Which Asphalt Mix is Best for You?
The best asphalt mix depends on the application and environment, so it’s important to consider what you need before deciding which one to use. Hot mix asphalt is the most commonly used type and provides an incredibly durable solution that’s perfect for any situation. Warm mix asphalt uses less energy to produce and can extend the paving season into cooler weather, and when it is designed and placed correctly it performs much like hot mix. Cold mix asphalt is suitable for very low temperatures, but may need to be replaced more often and won’t provide the same level of performance or durability.
What Factors to Consider When Laying Down Asphalt?
There are a few factors you should consider when laying down asphalt. If the area is prone to heavy traffic, use hot mix asphalt for maximum durability. Additionally, take into account the temperature of the environment and time of year – warm mix asphalt could be a better option in cold climates or during winter months. And most importantly, find an experienced asphalt contractor who can provide advice and guidance on the best asphalt mix for your project.
No matter the application, finding the right asphalt mix for you is essential to ensure a long-lasting solution. Make sure you consider all options before making your decision – and always consult an experienced contractor who knows what they’re doing. What makes us special is how we control every element of your asphalt pavement in the most effective manner. We offer you a one-year complete warranty on the services rendered. With us, you can be sure that you are receiving top-notch quality asphalt paving services every single time.
If you’re looking for a reliable and experienced asphalt contractor, call us today! We’ll help provide you with the best solution to meet your needs.
Call (817) 689-8965 or request a free estimate online.
What this means for most Texas property owners
For a driveway, parking lot or private road in Texas, the answer is almost always hot-mix asphalt from a local plant. Our climate allows paving most of the year, and hot mix gives the strongest, longest-lasting result.
Warm mix is mostly a plant and contractor decision. It is made at lower temperatures and, when designed properly, performs much like hot mix. As an owner, you don’t usually need to choose between them.
Cold mix is a different product. It is the bagged or stockpiled patch material used to fill potholes, especially in wet or cold weather. It is useful as a temporary fix, but it is not something you pave a driveway with. A lasting fix is a proper asphalt repair with hot mix.
Asphalt mix isn’t the only choice
Sometimes the better question is which surface, not which mix:
- New hot-mix paving for new driveways, lots and roads, or where the old surface has failed. See our asphalt paving service.
- Resurfacing (an overlay) when the old pavement is worn but the base underneath is still solid. Asphalt resurfacing usually costs less than tearing out and starting over.
- Tar and chip for long rural driveways and ranch roads, where cost per foot matters more than a smooth finish. Tar and chip paving usually costs a fraction of hot mix per foot.
How to tell which option you need
- What drives on it? Cars only, or delivery trucks, trailers and equipment? Heavier traffic needs a thicker section and a stronger base.
- What is underneath? On Blackland clay, base thickness and drainage matter as much as the asphalt itself.
- What shape is it in now? Widespread “alligator” cracking or soft spots usually mean base failure and full-depth work. Surface wear and small cracks can often be resurfaced.
- How long is it? A quarter-mile ranch drive and a two-car driveway call for different surfaces.
- Where does the water go? Pavement that holds water fails early, whatever the mix.
Frequently asked questions
Can cold patch permanently fix a pothole?
Usually not. Cold patch is a good stopgap, but it tends to loosen under traffic. A permanent repair means cutting out the damaged area and replacing it with compacted hot mix.
Is warm mix asphalt weaker than hot mix?
Not when it is designed and placed properly. Warm mix is widely used on highways as well as smaller jobs.
What is the difference between base course and surface course?
Many pavements are built in layers. A coarser mix goes down first for strength, and a finer mix goes on top for a smoother, tighter finish.
Is recycled asphalt in the mix a bad thing?
No. Recycled asphalt is a normal ingredient in modern mixes, and plants design around it.
Can you pave in a Texas summer?
Yes. Heat actually helps asphalt stay workable. Crews often start early in the day, and new pavement needs extra care in the first few hot days.
Get a free estimate. Tell us what you’re paving and how it’s used, and we’ll recommend the right surface. Request a free estimate.
