Commercial Asphalt Come From
Asphalt comes from a naturally occurring substance called bitumen. This substance is used in the petroleum industry and has many other uses. It is commonly used in roofs, coatings, floor tiling, soundproofing, waterproofing, and in various industrial applications. Some of its applications require a thicker layer.
The production of asphalt varies with the seasons. The winter months see many asphalt plants idle, and they will not fill potholes during this time. The plants will open again in April. The varying seasons also change the composition of the asphalt. For example, the St. Cloud asphalt plant may use five truckloads of aggregate a day during busy seasons.
Asphalt is made from crushed stone mixed with bitumen, a material that holds the crushed stone together. Bitumen is made by petroleum distillation and is also used in roofing materials. Blacktop is made of a different mixture and must be heated higher than the other types of asphalt. This makes asphalt very durable and long-lasting.
Where Does Commercial Asphalt Come From?
Asphalt used in residential driveways and roads is often made from blacktop, while Commercial asphalt is made from bitumen-based materials. It is composed of crushed stone and bitumen, which is a black viscous material. It is sourced from the same sources as roofing materials. Nonetheless, commercial asphalt differs from residential asphalt in several ways.
In addition to its durability, asphalt is highly recyclable. More than ninety million tons of asphalt are recycled every year. This helps reduce the carbon footprint and save taxpayer money on public infrastructure. Asphalt pavements can last from fifteen to twenty years, depending on the amount of traffic and the type of paving. The material is also suitable for a variety of projects, including roofs, bicycle paths, and bridges.
Parking lots are another important application of asphalt. These are sometimes referred to as black top parking lots. They are mainly used in the Northeast and are often cheaper than concrete. Moreover, asphalt parking lots are very durable and require less maintenance. It is also easily painted, which is another reason why they are a popular choice for parking lots.
Another application of asphalt is in roads and highways. It creates a smooth and quiet surface for vehicles, reducing noise in residential areas and enabling safer travel for people and goods. It also reduces vehicle wear and tear by minimizing repairs and out-of-pocket expenses for vehicle owners.
Another method of asphalt reconstruction is asphalt milling. This process involves the removal of existing asphalt to a specific depth. A cold milling machine such as a Wirtgen machine digs up asphalt down to two to four inches. In some cases, the depth can reach 12 inches. The recommended depth will depend on the amount of asphalt deterioration, and the overall plan for asphalt replacement.