Choosing the right paving material for roads, driveways, parking lots and other surfaces is an important decision. It affects both short- and long-term costs, as well as maintenance and aesthetic needs. Due to its versatility and performance advantages over competing materials, asphalt is one of the most commonly used paving options nationwide!
Asphalt is a mixture of aggregates and binding agents that is applied in a hot liquid form and then compacted to form a durable, impervious surface. When cooled, it solidifies into a flexible yet very durable pavement. In fact, asphalt is presently utilized for the majority of paved surfaces across the United States!
This widespread use is a testament to the many benefits asphalt offers in terms of durability, safety, sustainability, and overall cost-effectiveness. Whether the project is a new commercial development, highway construction, or a residential driveway, asphalt delivers high value over its long lifespan.
In this post, we will explore the top ten benefits that make asphalt paving such a preferred choice. By gaining a full understanding of asphalt’s advantages, property owners and contractors alike can feel confident it will satisfy their paving needs for many years to come!
Let’s dive right in!
10 Benefits of Asphalt Paving
Durability
Asphalt holds up exceedingly well to freeze-thaw cycles and extreme weather conditions. Thanks to this characteristic, it remains resilient over its long lifespan. Now that’s something to be happy about! Its flexible yet sturdy composition also allows it to withstand heavy traffic loads without cracking or falling into disrepair. In fact, asphalt pavement has been known to endure for decades under normal conditions!
Safety
Safety is a key benefit of asphalt pavements. The even texture of asphalt surfaces provides optimal traction for vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians. This consistent surface also helps to reduce skidding risks, especially in wet conditions. The dense, flexible composition of asphalt allows it to withstand weathering over time without forming uneven cracks or potholes that could cause hazards. Overall, asphalt paving improves public safety by providing a dependable riding surface with high traction in all types of weather!
Smooth Riding Quality
Asphalt surfaces such as roadways or parking lots deliver a comfortable, consistent riding experience for vehicles as well as pedestrians and cyclists. The flat, uniform surface feels good under tires and feet without the bumps and dips found on some other pavement types. This protects infrastructure and minimizes physical stresses!
Noise Abatement
Asphalt’s dense matrix structure helps attenuate traffic noise compared to bare concrete or gravel. The noise-absorbing property is appreciated by residents near busy streets, potentially boosting neighboring property values. Strategic asphalt placement and modern mixes optimize sound blocking for the benefit of everyone around!
Resistance to Cracking
Asphalt exhibits high flexibility, making it very crack-resistant even in climates with wide temperature variations. It can stretch and contract daily as well as over the seasons without exhibiting surface damage common to stiff materials. Proper mix design and installation further strengthen its crack resistance abilities.
Appearance
Asphalt provides an invariably uniform, homogeneous appearance when newly laid. Unlike patched concrete that shows aging, asphalt driveways, and parking areas maintain a clean, professional look that enhances any property’s curb appeal and value!
Cost-Efficiency
Not only is hot mix asphalt relatively cost-effective to install initially, but it also minimizes long-term maintenance and repair expenses compared to alternatives. Small localized issues can easily be fixed through inexpensive patching. In turn, proper asphalt installation yields significant cost savings over the service life of the pavement! This is a special benefit as asphalt is cost-efficient when compared to other alternatives!
Recyclability
At the end of its useful life cycle, asphalt can readily be recycled into new pavement material or used to resurface other areas. In fact, some new projects employ over 30% recycled asphalt! for new projects. This diverting of recycled material from landfills is beneficial both economically and environmentally. Contractors now process millions of tons of asphalt that has been recycled annually!
Porous Option
Porous asphalt is a sustainable pavement alternative to traditional asphalt. It is engineered with interconnected voids that allow stormwater to drain directly through the surface and permeate into the soil below. This helps reduce polluted runoff from roads and parking lots after rainstorms!
By letting stormwater infiltrate at the source, porous asphalt can help alleviate flooding issues during periods of heavy rain. Without this ability to filter into the ground, runoff is more likely to overflow storm drains and collect as floodwaters. The permeable design also allows the filtered water to recharge groundwater supplies, rather than flowing untreated into nearby bodies of water. This benefits the environment and protects local wildlife!
Ease of Installation
Asphalt can easily be installed without much complexity. When done properly by an experienced contractor, asphalt paving installation is an efficient process. Contractors and engineers like ours employ well-trained crew members with extensive experience successfully completing both small- and large-scale asphalt projects. This expertise ensures the asphalt is uniformly installed to meet structural requirements and lasts for decades with minimal maintenance.
With proper techniques and quality materials, asphalt is applied efficiently from start to finish. While other options may involve more complex settings or finishing work, asphalt provides a fuss-free solution installed by experts you can trust!
Asphalt is widely used for its versatility and performance benefits over competitors.
In summary, the many benefits of asphalt paving are what has made it the preferred choice for the vast majority of infrastructure projects over the past century. Its durable dark color provides an aesthetically pleasing surface that maintains its uniform appearance throughout its long lifespan. Asphalt also offers a more sustainable option compared to other paving materials. As its recyclable nature allows it to be used again and again. Whether new construction or repair work, asphalt’s dark, resilient surfaces prove that it stands the test of time under heavy traffic and weather conditions.
Asphalt pavements are easy to construct and maintain with the expertise of experienced paving contractors. Here at TMC Engineering, we have a deep commitment to delivering projects characterized by the highest safety standards as well as workmanship and client satisfaction. On this page, we aim to provide you with valuable informative content and insights related to the services our team of experts provides.
Whether you require asphalt paving, striping, sealing, or concrete work, we offer a full suite of transportation construction solutions. We invite you to contact us today for a free quote. Let’s make quality projects together!
