Asphalt is a commonly used pavement material globally because of its great reasons like durability, safe, can be recycled, and is very affordable. Asphalt can be used differently in the pavement; you can use it to clear the annoying potholes and make driveways and parking lots.
Although everything in your neighborhood is made with asphalt, you didn’t know there are different types of asphalt mixes; each has its purpose in Asphalt Paving Company.
Check out the different varieties and their purposes on your pavement.
Varieties of asphalt
Hot Mix Asphalt
Hot mix asphalt is the most popular used on roads and pavements. The hot mix is made of 95% stone and gravel mixed with the asphalt cement, a crude oil product. The asphalt gets heated then it is combined with the aggregate. After the heating, the asphalt is applied to the road at temperatures between 300- 350 degrees Fahrenheit. It brings the best performance when hot; unfortunately, it cools off faster, so it needs expertise when applying. The roads made out of hot mix asphalt are all-weather resistant roads
Warm Mix Asphalt
Warm mix asphalt is an improved technology term used by asphalt companies which means heating asphalt at lower temperatures between 30- 120 degrees Fahrenheit. It works almost like hot mix asphalt but is advantageous; it cools off slowly and is best applied in colder areas. What makes it different is that contractors reduce the thickness of the asphalt binder to coat asphalt aggregate at lower temperatures. Warm mix asphalt is environmentally friendly because to make it. The company uses less fuel, meaning reduced emission of greenhouse gases. It is cost-effective and safer for workers. You can transport it long-distance without damaging the quality, and it is usually easier to apply than the hot mix asphalt.
Mc Cold Mix Asphalt
Like its name, the cold mix is used when cold. This kind of asphalt mix gets used only for temporary use, like patching potholes on the road with less traffic, since it is not as effective as hot or warm mix asphalt. However, it’s environmentally friendly because there will be no greenhouse gas emissions, and it’s cheap to mix; it can only be used for temporary repairs during the cold seasons like winter. But the cold mix should be removed when the climate can accommodate hot or warm mix asphalt.
Dense Graded Mixes
The dense-graded mix is a properly graded hot mix asphalt that is highly strong, has lower water impermeability, and can be used for multiple purposes. You can choose between the coarse or fine graded dense-graded mixes, and you will get great performance in patching, structural, or leveling needs. It is durable and doesn’t crack or get potholes easily if applied well.
Conclusion
With the right information, you can specify what kind of asphalt you will be looking for to use on your property. In the cold season, you can use the cold mix, but when the climate is favorable, you can use either hot mix asphalt or warm mix asphalt, which will be more durable.
