What Are the Different Types of Asphalt Pavement?

Asphalt Pavement is a very recurrent compound in construction, especially when we talk about surface and all kinds of land routes, both for pedestrians and for all kinds of vehicles. As well as for ditches, sewers, manholes, access ramps to buildings and construction of cambers. It is characterized by its durability, impermeability, and adherence. This makes it a perfect material to undertake different jobs to guarantee the best possible result.

In today’s post, we are going to explore the types of asphalt that exist and the different uses that we can give them.

What is asphalt Pavement?

Asphalt is a compound resulting from the mixture of different types of aggregates and a hydrocarbon binder, called bitumen. From the combination of both, a bituminous mixture is obtained, called asphalt mixture or asphalt concrete. It is popularly known as asphalt and which we will talk about next.

Within the uses of asphalt we can highlight the following:

Paving: as we have already seen, whether it is cold asphalt or hot asphalt, it is commonly used in the construction of pavement, as well as for the repair of potholes and cracks caused by the passage of time and the different climatic conditions, also in ditches and driveways of urbanizations.

Types of Asphalt Pavement

Depending on the needs and particularities of the different types of construction or rehabilitation, we can find various types of asphalt. These have particularities that make them perfect for the different types of uses that we can find.

Cold asphalt concrete

Cold asphalt made cold

It is the traditional cold-made cube asphalt. currently in disuse, even prohibited by a multitude of municipalities due to its ineffectiveness in repairing potholes, since its durability is short and repair is temporary. It is also more expensive and polluting because it uses solvents and emulsifiers.

Hot-made cold asphalt

It is an innovative product on the market due to its manufacturing technology, using a modified bitumen with natural polymers that, when manufactured hot in the traditional way, is left to cool for two days and can be packaged in plastic bags and stored for up to three years.

Among the many advantages of cold asphalt are the following:

Instant, fast, easy, and clean application, as it does not stain. For small applications, the use of heavy machinery is not necessary. And there is no need to apply primer or sealant.
Raw material savings: this is due to the fact that just the necessary material can be applied thanks to the fact that cold asphalt in bags allows us to perfectly measure the amount that we are going to use. In addition, the leftover can be stored and reused.
Versatile: it is perfect for any type of asphalt repair, for small or urgent works on potholes, and ditches, or to repair cracks. Cold asphalt can be applied in any type of adverse weather that would be impossible with any other type of asphalt, such as rain, cold, heat, or even snow. It admits temperatures from -20ºC to +50ºC.
Immediate opening to traffic.
Ecological: Does not include solvents or polluting emulsifiers.
Another characteristic of cold asphalt is its ease of use. We can summarize it in 4 phases :
Clean the surface to work.
Place the exact amount of cold asphalt on the surface (leaving a ridge on top so that when compacted it is flush).
Spread the product evenly.
Compact the applied mixture.

Hot asphalt concrete

As its name indicates, this type of asphalt must be worked at high temperatures. It provides a perfect result for the paving of industrial sites and highways. However, it will be necessary to use specialized machinery that can withstand high temperatures, and cut traffic for a period of time considerably longer than cold asphalt.

As one of the asphalt contractors Houston tx, we offer the best asphalt solutions to optimize all the processes of your works and repairs to the maximum. Both when it comes to having the best cold asphalt, and renting the necessary construction tools to use it. Be sure to consult us when selecting the best products for your work.

Believe in the Experts

There is no one-size-fits-all solution for asphalt pavement. This is why, if you need to build or repair asphalt pavement, we always recommend hiring one of the trusted asphalt companies in Houston TX. Pavement Services has been servicing Houston for over 35 years and can definitely recommend the correct type of asphalt for the task. Contact us today to find out more about our asphalt paving services.