Asphalt is commonly referred to as blacktop or pavement and it’s what we all understand to be the material used to pave streets. Asphalt is used for more than just public streets but is also used to surface parking lots, airport runways, highways, driveways, walkways, golf cart paths, tennis courts, and outdoor basketball courts. Asphalt is used for these high impact areas because it’s durable, long lasting, clean, affordable, and can be installed quickly. An expertly installed pavement can last from 15 to 20 years or longer if you practice preventative maintenance such as asphalt patching when needed and applying a sealcoat.

What is Asphalt?

Asphalt, like concrete, is made up of stone (aggregate), sand, and additives. Unlike concrete, asphalt adds liquid asphalt (petroleum) as a binding substance. This binding material is what allows asphalt to be hard enough to handle heavy traffic as well as flexible enough to resist cracking due to weather elements.

Asphalt is also good for the environment because it’s highly recyclable. Whenever asphalt paved areas are destroyed; those pieces can then be recycled back into new asphalt. More than 80 million tons of asphalt is reclaimed and most of it is recycled back into new asphalt in the United States every year. Another item that can be recycled and added to asphalt is tires. The use of rubber tires isn’t just good for the environment but it’s also good for noise pollution. Asphalt is “quiet” when driving over it compared to concrete because it absorbs road noise; but it is even quieter when recycled tires are added to the composition. Rubberized asphalt can cut traffic noise pollution down by 25%.

Asphalt isn’t just good for commercial and municipal construction jobs; it’s also an excellent option for residential use. Many people choose asphalt for their driveways. It’s a little more expensive that concrete or pavers but you don’t have to worry about cracks, patch work that doesn’t match, and oil stains. It also cures within a day or two so you can use your driveway a lot faster than a poured concrete driveway. It’s also the best option for you if you happen to live in the county. Depending where you live; you may have to not only pave your driveway but the road leading up to your driveway. Asphalt is the most reliable option for such a large residential project.

Whether you have a large commercial construction job or a small to large residential project; trust in Lovell Construction Group, LLC to get the job done right and on time.