What’s the most versatile pavement material you can find? Asphalt! But did you know that asphalt is also mostly recycled?
Asphalt can be found everywhere from paved roads, airport runways, tennis courts, parking lots, golf cart paths, and even driveways. If you’re looking for a safe, quiet, smooth, and durable pavement material…asphalt just might be the answer!
But all asphalt is not the same. Different jobs require a different type or mix of asphalt. It can be mixed to accommodate different size loads, reduce splashes when it’s raining, absorb noise, and even treat water runoff.
It’s essential to understand the unique properties that make up each type of asphalt, so you can choose the right one for your next paving job.
What are the 6 Types of Asphalt?
1. Porous Asphalt
Porous asphalt pavement allows water to drain through the layer of asphalt and into the stone bed below. From there, it works its way into the soil. This type of pavement can be a valuable tool for municipalities, business developers, and even homeowners interested in stormwater management.
Porous asphalt has been around since the mid-1970s but has grown in popularity because it’s an environmentally friendly and sustainable pavement. It’s also cost-effective and can last for more than 20 years.
2. Perpetual Pavement
Perpetual pavement uses a multi-layer paving process that provides a smooth, safe, and long-lasting surface. The base is a strong but flexible layer that prevents cracks and absorbs wear and tear. A sturdy middle layer supports stability and is built to be permanent. The top layer is a smooth driving surface designed for heavy traffic. This layer will last for several years but will need to be replaced periodically.
This type of pavement is excellent for roads that shouldn’t be shut down for long construction projects. Since only the top layer is removed and replaced, it’s cost-effective, and the work-time is significantly reduced. Perpetual pavement lasts at least 50 years when it’s consistently maintained.
3. Quiet Pavement
The name alone lets you know what kind of asphalt this is! Roads paved using stone-mix asphalt significantly reduce road noise by about 50%.
Quiet pavements deplete the energy sound that’s heard when tires make contact with the asphalt surface. Noise pollution is cut because the quiet pavement absorbs the vibrations of road traffic. Quiet pavements are effective where roads are built through existing residential areas.
4. Hot-Mix Asphalt
Hot-mix asphalt is a great choice for driveways because it’s sturdy and strong, easy to repair, tolerates freezing and thawing, is relatively inexpensive, and low maintenance. Also, its construction and design give it a finished appearance that complements the home.
5. Warm-Mix Asphalt
Warm-mix asphalt is manufactured at significantly lower temperatures. Compared to hot-mix asphalt, the temperature used is 50 to 100 degrees cooler. The lower temperature decreases fuel consumption, reduces greenhouse gases, and extends the paving season. It’s also more durable because it allows for better compaction of paving when it’s laid.
6. Thinlays
Thinlays are exactly what they sound like – thin layers of asphalt pavement. They are positioned over existing paved surfaces to preserve a structure. Thinlays help cover up minor imperfections and improve the appearance of the asphalt. They also help decrease noise levels and provide a smooth ride. Other benefits of thinlays include extended pavement life, a small improvement in strength, and responsible use of natural resources through recycling and reuse.
There’s more to asphalt roads than meets the eye! When you take a closer look at each type, you’ll find the one that will meet your paving needs. As technology continues to improve, new types of asphalt will surface, providing you with even more options.
At Premium Asphalt Paving & Sealcoating, we’re here to help you through every phase of your project. We have experience with all types of asphalt materials and applications, and we can help you determine which one is right for your job. We also work on projects of all sizes, including new asphalt paving, repairs, patching, resurfacing, and sealcoating. If you have a residential or commercial asphalt paving need, contact us today for a free estimate with one of our experienced contractors!
