Everything You Need to Know About Asphalt Paving

Asphalt paving is used for many different applications, including parking lots, residential driveways, private roads, walkways and public streets. Even though asphalt is something that we often encounter on a daily basis, a lot of people don’t know much about asphalt paving. Keep reading for more information on some of the basics of asphalt paving and repair in Phoenix, AZ and the benefits of asphalt for commercial, industrial and residential applications.

Types of asphalt

Asphalt is a recycled material that’s made from a mixture of reused asphalt, cement, sand and crushed rock aggregate. Asphalt is designed for durable performance and decades of longevity in parking lots, roads and walkways. There are a few different types of asphalt pavement:

• Hot mix asphalt: Hot mix asphalt is the most common type of asphalt pavement, and it’s designed to be mixed at temperatures of up to 350°F. Hot mix asphalt comes in various grades depending on the application.
• Cold mix asphalt: Cold mix asphalt can be mixed at almost any temperature and is typically used to repair potholes and cracks in asphalt pavement. This asphalt mix maintains its flexibility in cold temperatures and is effective at repelling water, making it ideal for rainy or stormy climates.
• Warm mix asphalt: Warm mix asphalt is mixed at lower temperatures than hot mix asphalt, typically between 200°F and 250°F. Warm mix asphalt doesn’t require the use of as many fossil fuels as hot mix asphalt, but it also has to be mixed with more binding materials to ensure an effective application.
• Coarse graded asphalt: Coarse graded asphalt is used to supplement finer asphalt mixes to improve the structural integrity of the pavement.

Asphalt maintenance and repairs

Asphalt maintenance is essential when it comes to the durability and longevity of your pavement. Asphalt is relatively easy to maintain. After asphalt is first installed, it takes about six months to a year before it cures completely. After another three to five years, it’s time to refresh the surface of your asphalt with sealcoating. This protects the surface of your asphalt against weatherization, heavy traffic and extreme temperature fluctuations.

Over time, it’s common for asphalt to develop cracks, potholes and other issues that require repair. In many cases, asphalt can be repaired simply by applying asphalt mix to the damaged area. However, some issues must be addressed with more extensive processes like asphalt resurfacing. An asphalt contractor will inspect your pavement and determine what steps are necessary to restore the surface of your asphalt and get it back into the best possible condition.

Asphalt repair in Phoenix, AZ

Learn more about asphalt paving and asphalt repair in Phoenix, AZ by reaching out to Sunstar Seal Coating, Inc. Since 2004, our team has been proud to provide comprehensive asphalt services, including installation, repairs and sealcoating for commercial, industrial and residential customers alike. Regardless of what your needs may be, our team has the experience and skills necessary to assist you. Give us a call to request a quote and consultation today.

Categorised in: Asphalt Paving

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