Installing or repairing asphalt surfaces can be a significant investment. Therefore, making the right decision which type of asphalt to use is critical. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn about the different types of asphalt available for various applications. We’ll also discuss what factors to contemplate before making your choice, such as wear, cost, maintenance, and impact on the environment. Lastly, discover the durable options at Phillips for your residential or commercial needs.
Understanding Different Asphalt Types
When it comes to road construction or parking lot renovation, it’s essential to understand the different types of asphalt available. The use of the right asphalt type can impact the project’s success, from its durability to its maintenance requirements. Mainly, there are three types of asphalt: hot mix, warm mix, and cold mix.
Hot Mix Asphalt: The Heavy Duty Choice
Hot Mix Asphalt, often referred to as the ‘heavy-duty’ choice, is perhaps the most commonly used type of asphalt. This mix is heated to about 300 degrees during production, making it highly durable and ideal for high-traffic areas, which include highways and parking lots. It’s the go-to for sunken apron repair and infrared repair. However, it’s not very suitable for quick fixes or small repairs.
Hot mix asphalt’s higher temperature allows it to mold and compact under heavy pressure, providing a smooth and sturdy surface. Because of its durability, hot mix asphalt is often used for larger-scale projects requiring longevity and minimal maintenance.
Warm Mix Asphalt: The Eco-Friendly Option
The lower production temperatures also mean that the warm mix asphalt cools down faster and can be laid during cooler weather. It makes it an excellent choice for many construction material removal projects and parking lot renovations, especially if you’re looking to minimize your environmental footprint.
Moving on from the heavy-duty option, there’s the warm mix asphalt. It’s an eco-friendly alternative to the hot mix. Produced at considerably lower temperatures than the hot mix, this type of asphalt helps reduce energy consumption and the emission of greenhouse gases during its production. It’s highly favored for green project profiles.
Cold Mix Asphalt: The Quick Fix
The third variant, the cold mix asphalt pavement type, is a versatile and quick-fix solution often used for small repairs like pothole repair and patching, typically in residential driveway paving or driveway sealcoating projects. Unlike its warm and hot counterparts, the cold mix asphalt does not need to be heated during production, making it perfect for quick or emergency repairs.
Factors to Consider When Selecting Your Asphalt
While it’s crucial to understand the different types of asphalt, several other factors can influence the choice of asphalt for your project—including traffic and weather impact, cost considerations, and environmental factors.
Traffic and Weather Impact on Asphalt Life
Consider the level of traffic that your asphalt will endure. For example, a busy parking lot or main road may require a more durable and resistant asphalt mix, such as the hot mix, to withstand the traffic’s impact. Moreover, the local weather conditions should be taken into account when choosing the type of asphalt. Warm mix asphalt might be more suitable in colder climates as it can be laid even in lower temperatures.
Maintenance, Durability, and Cost Factors
How much are you willing or able to spend on asphalt maintenance in the future? Each type of asphalt pavement requires specific maintenance practices. Hot mix asphalt often requires the least amount of maintenance, whereas cold mix asphalt—due to its nature—may require more frequent upkeep. Always strike a balance between upfront costs and long-term maintenance costs.
Environmental Considerations: Asphalt and Beyond
As our world increasingly grapples with environmental challenges, the materials we use in construction are under scrutiny for their ecological footprint. As such, make it a point to consider the environmental impact when choosing your type of asphalt. Opt for warm mix asphalt—renowned for low-energy consumption and reduced greenhouse gases—to promote a greener and more sustainable build.
Solve Your Asphalt Needs With Phillips
Be it parking lot line striping, driveway mix project, or a hefty mc cold mix project, Phillips can provide you with expert advice, quality asphalt, and reliable service. Our team has a rich project profile exploit across a series of warm mix asphalt pavement projects.
Making the Right Asphalt Choice
If you’re handling a paving project, may it be for a massive commercial parking lot or for a small home driveway, it’s essential to choose the right type of asphalt. Now, that begs the question, what factors should you consider when selecting asphalt?
Generally, there are three main types of asphalt: hot mix asphalt, warm mix asphalt, and cold mix asphalt. Each has its advantages and applications, and your choice will primarily depend on your project requirements. Let’s dive into ensuring these types can withstand inclement weather and traffic impact.
Ensuring Your Asphalt Can Withstand the Impact of Weather and Traffic
When it comes to choosing the right type of asphalt, durability should be high on your priority list. After all, your parking lot or driveway gate will need to stand the test of time, and more specifically, the testing weather conditions and regular vehicular traffic.
But how can you ensure this? Well, proper site work and asphalt maintenance become the key. Here’s a breakdown:
- Hot Mix Asphalt: This type is the most durable and can withstand high traffic loads, making it suitable for heavy-duty applications like industrial parking lots. Also, it’s resistant to the effects of extreme weather, making it ideal for areas with severe weather conditions.
- Warm Mix Asphalt: This is also a reliable choice for durability. The warm mix is less likely to crack in cold weather than hot mix, but it might not handle extreme traffic loads as well. Still, it’s an eco-friendly option suitable for parking lot renovation and residential driveways.
- Cold Mix Asphalt: This type is not as durable but can be a quick fix for repairing potholes. Cold mix asphalt cannot withstand heavy traffic loads and severe weather conditions. However, it’s well-suited for temporary fixes or low-traffic areas.
Remember, choosing the right asphalt is one thing; maintaining it is another. Regular maintenance, like prompt cracked asphalt creates repair, periodic driveway sealcoating, and regular parking lot upkeep, can prolong its life span.
Get High-Quality Commercial and Residential Asphalt With Phillips
If you are concerned about making the right asphalt choice for your commercial parking lot or home driveway paving project, don’t fret! Phillips has you covered. We offer comprehensive asphalt paving solutions tailored to meet all your needs, ensuring optimal durability and longevity.
WHAT OUR CLIENTS ARE SAYING
