Did you know that asphalt is the most recycled product in the United States? You might be surprised that indigenous people first used it in the 13th century. They used it to stick together ceremonial items, building tools, and road surfaces. Nowadays, it is responsible for 90% of the 2.3 million miles of paved roads in the United States and they were worked by the best paving company near me.

Interesting Facts About Asphalt

Interesting Facts About Asphalt

A Petroleum Product

It is a dark brown or black cement-like substance produced by petroleum processing. This material contains bitumens, the principal component in it. It consists of crude asphalt, cement, fluxes, and emulsions. Petroleum distillates can be blended with it to create cutback asphalts. Road oil, a residual asphaltic oil, is a heavy petroleum product used in road surface treatment and as a dust palliative. There are six grades available.

The process of production depends on the types produced. The rapid-curing type requires a highly volatile or light solvent, typically in the gasoline or naphtha boiling range. In contrast, medium-curing asphalt requires a solvent with a higher boiling point, such as kerosene. This method requires higher capital equipment and is usually only suitable for producing small amounts of the material.

Asphalt is Porous Material

Using this porous material is a great way to control stormwater runoff and manage drainage challenges. Most often used on parking lots, porous it allows water to drain off the surface and infiltrate into the soil below it. Because of its porous nature, it is a great low-maintenance option for municipalities and businesses looking to meet stormwater regulations. It is also used on roadways, fire lanes, sidewalks, and more.

The use of porous asphalt has several benefits, including its ability to allow stormwater to filter into the ground. Depending on the type of porous asphalt, it can be made of different materials. Materials commonly used to construct roads and sidewalks include old tires, carpet fibers, and shingles. It can also be made of recycled materials like rubber tires. They are ground up as part of the emulsion, which adds flexibility to the surface.

Durable

Despite recent technological improvements, the question “Is asphalt durable?” still looms over many people. As an investment, it’s only natural to want to know whether or not the road will last as long as you need it to. This material is a good choice for highways because it is versatile and resilient and can handle the weight of oversized trucks and the traffic from construction vehicles. It can also be refreshed with a seal coating job to extend its life and make it look newer and more attractive. It is also flexible and can expand and contract according to the temperature and pressure of the environment. As a result, it is less likely to crack or cave in during its life.

Fortunately, asphalt can last for decades. Using a qualified contractor and performing routine maintenance can minimize problems with the material. Experts recommend that asphalt be re-applied every three to five years or as part of a repaving project. However, regular maintenance is a better option for many people. Whether or not asphalt is durable is a personal decision and ultimately up to you. There are many benefits to choosing the right material for your needs.

Recycled Asphalt

Asphalt is the most recycled material in the United States. It is made from bitumen, a binder, and aggregate (rocks, stone, sand, etc.). Various types can be made from different ingredients. For example, rubberized asphalt can be made from recycled tires. The materials are mixed and melted at high temperatures and repurposed. Recycled asphalt shares many qualities with new asphalt, including durability and easy installation.

This process also decreases the use of non-renewable resources in landfills. This process reduces non-biodegradable materials in landfills by about 60 million cubic yards a year. Moreover, this recycled material also incorporates other limited natural materials, such as rubber, wood, and sand, into the mix. These resources are not renewable, so utilizing them in the construction industry is an excellent way to reduce overall construction costs. Furthermore, this material offers long-term durability and can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 20%.

Asphalt is Cost Effective

Investing in a cost-effective asphalt maintenance program can extend the life of your pavement and save you money in the long run. It is America’s largest renewable resource, making it a good investment for the community. Recycling asphalt saved 20.5 million barrels of binder in 2010 alone. Plus, the stone in recycled asphalt is just as valuable as new materials.

Porous asphalt costs between $8 to $15 per square foot and is designed to reduce runoff. This type of asphalt may not require leveling before installation. However, it may need additional crushed stone to improve drainage. This results in a surface that absorbs water instead of causing it to pool. In addition, porous asphalt is more expensive than other types of asphalt. Depending on the amount of traffic your asphalt receives, you may want to opt for porous asphalt.

Environmentally Friendly

Despite its infamous reputation, asphalt is a genuinely green material. While many people believe that all paving materials are bad for the environment, it is one of the world’s most recycled substances. It also has many practical uses in the construction industry. Here are some of its benefits. Read on to learn more. – It is 100% recyclable. – It uses less energy to produce and install. – Its life cycle costs are low. – It can last up to 20 years with proper maintenance. And if you’re concerned about the environment, you can recycle asphalt to make other products.

It does not leach chemicals into the water supply, unlike other materials that can cause water pollution. Because of this, asphalt is used to line drinking water reservoirs, landfills, and other similar places. It can create an impenetrable barrier that prevents leaks. In addition, in some areas, such as Oregon, it is used to line fish-rearing ponds. This means that the water contained in these ponds is safe for human consumption.

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About the Author: Patricia Davis Brown

Patricia, like her blog, is not a one-dimensional designer, which is evident in her accolades of 17 national design awards. Over a 38-year career in the industry, she has carved a niche in several areas of design. Licensed in interior design and certified in kitchen and bath design, she offers a full menu of design services ranging from whole house interior design, kitchen and bath design, lighting design, full remodels, commercial design and universal (ADA) design. Patricia is a sought-after speaker in the industry and has been published in many publications as seen on her interior design firm’s website, https://www.patriciadavisbrowndesigns.com/. She writes for such publications as QuinStreetinc, Relaxed Remodeler, and eHow.com talent offering design tips.