If you’re considering asphalt for your driveway, garage, sidewalk, or walkway surfaces, then the question “How is asphalt made?” has probably come to mind. After all, the material is not the same as the concrete driveways that dot the suburban landscape.
So, let’s put on our science coats and learn more about the rugged material that can provide a need for your home.
What Is Asphalt Anyway?
Asphalt is a mixture of materials for paving roads, driveways, and other surfaces. It is one of the most widely used materials in the world and commonly finds its way to residential and commercial paving projects.
Once workers lay the asphalt, it must be compacted to ensure a solid and durable surface. Workers complete this process with a roller compactor, which compresses the asphalt and helps it bind together.
Asphalt is a fantastic choice for paving roads and driveways because it is durable, cost-effective, and easy to install. It is also relatively low-maintenance, requiring only occasional seal coating to help protect it from the elements.
Whether you are paving a driveway or a highway, asphalt is an excellent choice for many paving projects and other surfaces..
Explaining the Manufacturing Process of Asphalt
Asphalt is a bituminous material engineered with a combination of aggregates, gravel, sand, and bitumen. Bitumen is a black, sticky substance produced from the oil refining process.
The aggregate and bituminous material combine in a process called hot mix asphalt production and heated at high temperatures to form a thick, viscous liquid. This liquid is mixed with various additives, such as stabilizers, binders, and emulsifiers, to make the asphalt mix.
This mixture receives a heat treatment in a drum dryer at over 300 degrees Fahrenheit. As the mixture is heated, the asphalt cement begins to bind the aggregate together, creating a sticky black material that is the basis of asphalt.
The bituminous mixture goes to a storage silo, where it stays until it is ready to be transported to a job site. At the job site, the asphalt is loaded into a hot mix asphalt plant, mixed with additional aggregates, such as anti-stripping agents, and heated again. Workers then load the asphalt into a hopper and mix it with heated air to create an asphalt paving mixture. This process helps ensure that the asphalt is mixed correctly and is of the highest quality.
From there, the asphalt is then taken to the construction site and poured to make the streets, roads, and parking lots that make up our world.
Why Asphalt?
As one of the most popular paving materials, asphalt has a lot going for it.
Asphalt is a very durable material that can withstand the wear and tear of heavy traffic, weather, and other elements. It is also able to maintain its structural integrity over a long period. This fact makes it an ideal choice for long-term paving projects.
Asphalt pavement also requires very little maintenance compared to other types of paving materials. It is easy to repair and maintain, and construction workers can seal it every few years to keep it looking new.
Builders love asphalt because it is one of the most cost-effective paving materials. It is also easy to install quickly and efficiently. As a result, asphalt pavement is an attractive option for many budget-conscious paving projects.
Despite the heat it generates, asphalt is surprisingly eco-friendly as a paving material. It requires very little energy to produce, and it is also recyclable. Because of these benefits, asphalt is an excellent choice for those looking to reduce their environmental impact.
If you think asphalt is just pitch black, then you’re wrong. Asphalt pavement comes in various colors and textures, making it easy to customize to your needs. It can also match the look and feel of other paving materials, making it an attractive option.
When You’re Ready for Asphalt, We Have You Covered
Asphalt is a durable and cost-effective material essential to many construction projects. Understanding the asphalt manufacturing process ensures that your asphalt project becomes the envy of the neighborhood.
Your friends at Richfield Blacktop know you have a choice in asphalt contractors. So why not go with the best in the area? We offer competitive rates and consultations to help ease your decision-making process. Contact us today!