We’ve all seen asphalt and driven over it. You’ve probably even complained about cracks or potholes as you drive, wondering how hard is it to do asphalt repair in Trinity FL or Clearwater or wherever you are driving. But do you know what asphalt is or how it’s made?
What Is Asphalt Made Of?
Simply put, asphalt is made up aggregates and a binder. Aggregates are made out of crushed rocks, gravel, and sand. The binder is a substance called Bitumin. The binder is used to unite all the aggregates to form a mixture.
Not All Asphalts Are The Same
Changing the blend of the asphalt creates different quality levels and different characteristics of the asphalt. This allows for different uses. The different blends are typically created by changing the aggregate. The binder is usually the same. Quality asphalt contractors in Clearwater FL or anywhere else will know the best blend asphalt to use for whatever it is you are trying to accomplish.
Some of the different blends of asphalt are…
- Road Asphalt – For roads you want to have larger gravel and rocks in the mix. This makes the asphalt more durable. It also makes for a rougher surface which helps with vehicle traction.
- Driveway Asphalt – The rocks and gravel are ground down to more of a finer substance. This creates a smoother surface, but reduces durability. However, since a driveway doesn’t have as much traffic and usually has lighter vehicles, it doesn’t need the same level of durability.
- Parking Lot Asphalt – For parking lots, the DOT requires an S3 asphalt hot mix. This is asphalt is in the middle of the road and driveway asphalt with medium sized gravel and rocks being used.
Hot Asphalt vs Cold Asphalt
Asphalt comes in hot, cold, and warm mixes. The hot mix is a little more durable and what is used when paving a parking lot, but they all work. There are, however, some visual differences.
When most people start asking about hot vs cold asphalt is when they doing asphalt repair of potholes. While hot, cold, or warm asphalt will work, it’s always better to use the same kind of asphalt when doing asphalt repairs.
Asphalt Contractors in Clearwater, FL
If you are looking to build a new parking lot, resurface your existing parking lot, or do some asphalt repair please contact us, today. Bay Area Asphalt Maintenance has been an asphalt contractor in Clearwater, FL since 2003 and we would love to serve you.