While some of the more savvy homeowners can get away with doing their own asphalt paving, in nearly every case, asphalt paving should be left to professional contractors. Contractors have the experience, know-how, and most importantly, the right tools to create a quality surface. Many DIYers end up with a sub-par asphalt paving that doesn’t last nearly as long as they’d like.
What Is Asphalt?
We all see and use asphalt on a daily basis, but have you ever stopped to wonder what it actually is? We know it’s the black stuff that roads and parking lots are made of, but beyond that… what is it? In today’s blog at Premier Asphalt & Concrete in Columbus, we talk a little bit about what asphalt is, what it’s used for, and more!
Are you in need of quality asphalt paving services? Reach out to us at Premier Asphalt & Concrete today.
What Is Asphalt?
Asphalt, in essence, is a form of petroleum. It is composed of a mixture of aggregate, binder, and filler materials. The aggregate can vary from mixture-to-mixture, but the most common aggregates of asphalt include crushed rock, sand, and gravel. The binder acts as a sort of glue that holds the aggregate together. Most commonly, the binding agent is bitumen, but there are a variety of substitutes that are used in an effort to create less of an environmental impact.
Asphalt paving consists of multiple layers. At the bottom-most layer is subgrade. This is followed by formation, unbound sub-base, unbound road-base, and finally, the asphalt layers. The asphalt layers are the top-most layers and are the aspect of the asphalt paving that is seen and used.
What’s Asphalt Paving Used For?
A vast majority of the asphalt paving we encounter is on roadways and parking lots. This is because asphalt makes for durable and smooth roadways for our vehicles. While most asphalt is used as a surface for our vehicles to drive on and to repair those surfaces, there are a few other, less-common uses for asphalt paving.
In its various forms, asphalt can also be used for:
- Bike Paths
- Roofing Shingles
- Waterproof Sealing
- Construction Applications
- Dams
- Playgrounds
- Ponds
- And More
Asphalt and asphalt paving is versatile and can have many practical applications. If you are a homeowner or business in need of asphalt paving services, don’t hesitate to contact us at Premier Asphalt & Concrete in Columbus today.
How Long Does Asphalt Paving Last?
The lifespan of asphalt paving can vary greatly. There are a number of factors to consider when estimating the lifespan of your asphalt. Factors to take into account can include how much traffic it will see, how well it is maintained, the weather in your area, whether or not it’s sealcoated, and how well the initial asphalt paving was done. To give you a ballpark-idea, though, you can generally expect residential asphalt like driveways to last about 10-20 years before it needs to be replaced. This assumes regular maintenance and average use conditions. For commercial asphalt paving like parking lots and roads, the lifespan will vary based on your traffic. Businesses can expect to need asphalt maintenance services every two to three years.
Who Can Do Asphalt Paving?
While some of the more savvy homeowners can get away with doing their own asphalt paving, in nearly every case, asphalt paving should be left to professional contractors. Contractors have the experience, know-how, and most importantly, the right tools to create a quality surface. Many DIYers end up with a sub-par asphalt paving that doesn’t last nearly as long as they’d like.
Premier Asphalt & Paving In Columbus
For quality paving services you can trust, turn to Premier Asphalt & Concrete in Columbus. Call now for your free estimate!