Paving Perfection: 5 Reasons To Choose Asphalt

Most property owners struggle to choose the best materials when installing a new driveway or parking.

Due to their durability, asphalt and concrete are the two leading contenders favored for this type of work. However, of these two, asphalt is the most used material worldwide. Why? Because it offers a cost-effective option in addition to the high-quality surface finish.

Nevertheless, the end product depends on the craftsmanship put into it. Therefore, choosing your contractor wisely is essential to ensure the best results.

Whether it’s new installation, repairs, or resurfacing, entrust your project to the best asphalt specialist in Portland. And, this guide is here to help with that.

Understating Asphalt Better

Asphalt results from mixing aggregates, binder, and filler materials. The common aggregates are crushed stones, sand, gravel, and sometimes slag. The bidding material is usually bitumen, a dark, dense petroleum byproduct.

However, there are various types of asphalt mixes depending on where they are used. Usually, the amount of traffic, weather conditions, and vehicle weight influence the kind of asphalt.

So, besides choosing the right type, quality workmanship during application is essential. Picking a professional asphalt paving contractors Portland OR will save you from the pain of substandard work that requires constant repair.

What Makes Asphalt a Better Choice?

1. Cost-Effectiveness

One of the major reasons why a property owner might choose asphalt over others is the cost. Asphalt can cost around $3-$5 per square foot, cheaper than concrete from $5-$7. When paving a large area, asphalt will save you significant money.

Cost savings arise not only from the materials but also from the installation process. Usually, asphalt paving is done by machines, hence faster. Once installed, the driveway or parking can be used immediately, as no curing is needed, like in concrete.

Repairs are also simple compared to concrete and other materials. Small cracks are easy to fill with hot asphalt without needing specialized equipment. Even in the case of large holes, it’s easy to patch an asphalt surface as a DIY project. This reduces the time and materials needed, hence cutting the repair cost.

2. Asphalt is Durable

When done correctly, asphalt provides roads, parking lots, and other pavements with long durability. On average, properly maintained asphalt roads can last upto 20-25 years. This, of course, depends on the amount of traffic, how heavy the load is, and other factors.

When a contractor follows the correct asphalt construction procedure, you can be sure the surface will last for a long. Typically, asphalt roads feature different layers, such as thick bases, granular layers, intermediate course layers, and surface courses. These layers can last for decades when they are designed and installed correctly.

With a quality finish, only the surface course is renewed during resurfacing. The other base surfaces remain intact, meaning the road or parking can be used indefinitely by milling and reapplying the top surface.

3. High Adaptability

Roads and parking lots are used by vehicles of different weights. This means there is a need for expansion and contraction. Asphalt is the perfect material for this requirement. The adaptability allows it to accommodate different loads without cracking or suffering damage.

Apart from bearing different load capacities, flexibility allows asphalt to withstand temperature fluctuations. It’s an outstanding material in that it can withstand summer temperatures that can go beyond 86 degrees Fahrenheit to freezing winters without cracking.

While asphalt is naturally flexible, the construction plays a vital role in maintaining the pavement. Proper layering and application of suitable base materials help to maintain road and parking integrity. They can withstand different loads and temperature changes without suffering damage.

4. Asphalt Is Sustainable

With global warming and climate change posing real challenges, everyone should embrace sustainable practices. Asphalt is perfect for road construction as the materials used are recyclable. Bitumen, used as a binder, is the most expensive component in asphalt making. But, it is reusable which means old asphalt can be reused or mixed with fresh.

Once the old asphalt is removed, it is transported to the asphalt plant, where it is crushed and used to make new asphalt.

Asphalt is one of the most recycled materials in the US and globally, it helps cut costs and greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, opting to use asphalt in your property means that, when resurfacing the pavements, the material will be recycled, saving the world.

5. Aesthetically Appealing Pavements

Most of the asphalt roads and other pavements have an attractive black or gray finish. However, the beauty can get even better; did you know you can get the color of your desire? Like other materials, the asphalt coat is customizable to match the surroundings.

Adding pigments in asphalt is possible and allows contractors to deliver customized pavements. Apart from regular road markings, parking, and sports playing areas can have your preferred coat. Thus, choosing asphalt as your preferred paving material should not be limited by color.

Conclusion

Asphalt is one of the cost-effective and durable options for home and property owners. Exhibiting superior qualities is the reason why the material is common in roads, airports, and even home parking lots.

When done right, asphalt pavement provides durable and visually appealing surfaces. That means you must always work with an expert. So, choose a specialist in Portland to take care of all your asphalt projects for peace of mind.

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