Asphalt, otherwise known as blacktop by the layman and bitumen by the professional is far less expensive than concrete. Therefore, it is often the preferred method of paving the driveway of a home, large public and private parking spaces, airports and highways. The best resource for those considering paving a driveway or parking lot is an asphalt paving sarasota fl expert.
Content of Asphalt
Mastic Asphalt is composed of 7-10% asphalt and the remaining 90-93% is concrete. This product is often used to waterproof flat roofs and to seal underground tanks. Asphalt Concrete has a lesser asphalt content of around 5% and is what’s primarily used for road paving.
The content of the black sticky substance found in asphalt is found in the following: Naphthene aromatics (naphthalene)are made up of partially hydrogenated polycyclic aromatic compounds. Polar aromatics are made up of high molecular weight phenols and carboxylic acids created by the partial oxidation of the material. Saturated hydrocarbons; the percentage of saturated hydrocarbons determines the softness of the asphalt. Asphaltenes are composed of high molecular weight phenols and heterocyclic compounds. The aggregate content in asphalt can be composed of sand, stone, and gravel.
The Cost to Pave a Driveway with Asphalt
Asphalt is approximately $2 less per square foot to pave an asphalt compared to concrete. Asphalt wears much better in harsh climates were the weather is colder and snow and ice tend to be issues. The most common pavements for driveways are gravel, asphalt, concrete and brick pavers. That’s beginning with the least expensive surface to the most expensive surface. Because asphalt wears so well, it is a good buy for the money. The actual cost is approximately $3-$4 per square foot.
The Benefits of Asphalt
It’s less expensive than concrete and brick pavers. Asphalt has a 20-year lifespan with resurfacing and resealing every 3-5 years. Asphalt is easier to repair than concrete. Asphalt hides stains from oil and other automotive fluid spills very well.
Installing Asphalt on a Surface
First the surface must be cleaned of any debris or previous pavement or gravel. Second, the surface should be graded to encourage water to run off the surface. Third, compact the base soil with a 300-pound twin drum roller. Fourth, cover the base soil with crushed rock. For clay soil, you’ll need 8″ of crushed rock. For sandy soil, you’ll need 4″ of crushed rock. Fifth, allow the surface to sit for one week after step four has been completed. Sixth, the asphalt’s aggregate (ranging from 1/2″ to 3/4″) should be chosen based on the surface it will cover. The courser aggregate in bigger chunks should be picked if you are covering a parking lot because it is stronger. Driveways usually use a smaller aggregate to achieve a smoother surface. Seventh, pour 2 to 3 inches of asphalt on the surface and allow it to dry. Eighth, compact the asphalt with a drum roller. Ninth, make sure the asphalt has edges of 45 degrees along all its borders.
Asphalt is an affordable and durable paving surface. It serves northern homeowners well as it is particularly durable in cold weather. It is the best solution for the many landscaping projects the average homeowner faces.