[1] =>

We are surrounded by it in our daily lives. Our cars drive on it. Our children ride bikes on it. We walk on it. But how often do we think about what is below our feet?

Asphalt forms a large percentage of the pavement that we use for sidewalks, roads, and more. This material makes a difference in our lives. In this article, we’ll take a look at what is asphalt and what are the common types of asphalt professionals might use for your projects. 

What is Asphalt?

Asphalt is a material used for pavements, often drawing from sustainable or renewable materials. Its texture is so smooth, cars and trucks can drive on it, easily reducing fuel consumption and noise. Due to the lowered noise, unsightly and expensive noise-canceling walls don’t need to be built. Asphalt is also a durable material so that the paved area will be set for years to come. 

What are the Ingredients of Asphalt?

Asphalt is made up of several materials. Asphalt is a combination and mixture of gravel, minerals, sand, and bitumen - a binding material. This mixture is heated so all the parts will become one, and then delivered to a site.

What are the Types of Asphalt?

There are many different types of asphalt. Let’s go over the three most common types that get used in most of our projects.

• Hot Mix Asphalt - This form of asphalt is made with high heat. The result is the most durable form of asphalt available. The most common use of HMA is for airport runways, highways, and other high traffic areas. 
• Warm Mix Asphalt - This type of asphalt won’t need high temperatures to be produced. Instead, zeolites, waxes, and emulsions help the materials bind together. This form has less durability than HMA, but it uses fewer fossil fuels and is safer for the environment. WMA is used mostly for patching.
• Mastic Asphalt - This type of asphalt is similar to HMA. However, it uses less bitumen. This form of asphalt gets used for footpaths and roofing. 

No matter the type of asphalt, each form benefits from light maintenance over the years.

Work with the Asphalt Experts

We hope that the information above helped you to learn more about asphalt and its uses. Here at Ajax Paving, we have been in the paving industry since the 1950s! Whether you are in Michigan or Florida, our crews can help your project finish on time and on budget

[1] =>