Asphalt is a substance made of bitumen, a byproduct of the distillation of crude oil. This bitumen is then added to an aggregate of crushed rocks and sand. It binds these materials together. Asphalt paves roads, parking lots, and airport runways. It is also used in general construction.
There are different types of asphalt, and each has its unique application in the construction industry. Because asphalt aggregates are so easy to mix, they can customize them to meet almost any need.
It is common for contracting firms to have their plants where they produce asphalt. They tailor them to suit the contractor’s applications.
Why Is Asphalt So Popular?
Asphalt is synonymous with construction work. It has many unique qualities that make it ideal for jobs in construction:
- Asphalt is durable – most asphalt roads and driveways last about 20 years. They can last longer if they undergo maintenance.
- It is affordable – asphalt is cheaper to install compared to materials like concrete.
- Asphalt construction is faster – materials to make asphalt aggregate are not difficult to source. Mixing doesn’t take long, so asphalt projects end faster than others.
- Asphalt pavements absorb noise – due to its physical qualities, fine-graded surface, and the materials used in its production, asphalt acts as a noise reduction tool.
Asphalt Paving Process
The process of paving asphalt involves several steps that are intensive. For ease of understanding, we have broken it down into the most crucial steps:
- Demolition
- Grading
- Preparing the base
- Repairing the base
- Adding binding layer
- Applying fresh asphalt
- Smoothing out the surface
These steps come only after a thorough inspection of the surface. It’s essential to follow all the steps of the process as they are listed. This way, the asphalt lasts for years. It does not have any problems with freezing, cracking, or drainage.
Paving, Repairs, And Sealing
Asphalt has many uses in construction, from paving parking lots and sidewalks to sealing cracks and filling potholes. Whether it’s a small personal project or a big one, Kilgore Companies has you covered.