What is Asphalt?
Asphalt is a mixture of aggregates, binder and filler. Aggregates used for asphalt mixtures could be crushed rock, sand and gravel. In order to bind the aggregates into a cohesive mixture a binder is used. Most commonly, bitumen is used as a binder. Asphalt is quiet Asphalt is safe as it provides gripping power Asphalt is durable.
Can Asphalt be recycled?
Yes, it is 100% recyclable. Asphalt roads are removed, re-crushed, mixed with more aggregate and cement and roads are repaved.
Is Asphalt only used for roads?
No, it has a number of uses e.g:
- Driveways
- Footpaths
- Playgrounds
- Sport courts
- Airport runways and taxi ways
How Durable is Asphalt?
Well designed, well-built asphalt roads/driveways will last many, many years.
How thick does Asphalt need to be?
That will depend on the kind of stress the pavement must withstand. That is, will the pavement need to support trucks, cars, plant matter and/or traffic? It also depends on certain other factors such as soil conditions and climate.
Is Asphalt cheaper than concrete?
As a general rule and depending on the size of the job, asphalt is slightly cheaper. Both concrete and asphalt must have well compacted road bases before application. Both take time to ‘cure’ before they can be driven on, although concrete takes several days while asphalt takes several hours. In addition, both are made from the same general material- stone and sand. Generally it usually comes down to aesthetics and some people like the look and concept of the driveway being an extension of the road and therefore have asphalt driveways.