Are you wondering about some of the potential benefits of choosing asphalt for your paved surface? While asphalt might not be a material that many people think about often, it has many benefits and is used frequently on roads, parking lots, and even outdoor athletic surfaces like trails, basketball and pickleball courts.
Did you know that 94% percent of all paved surfaces in the United States are paved with asphalt? Roads are intended for the safe and efficient transport of people and goods, and asphalt is the proven choice for roads.
Why is asphalt the number one choice by engineers worldwide? In this guide from Bituminous Roadways, Inc., you’ll learn about the benefits of choosing asphalt.
Benefit 1: Recyclable
Believe it or not, asphalt wins when it comes to environmental considerations. Asphalt pavements have a very low carbon footprint and allow for the conservation of precious natural resources through recycling.
Asphalt is 100% recyclable and reusable, meaning that practically all of the reclaimed asphalt is either reused or recycled. This makes asphalt such a popular, modern-day material. We are preserving our natural resources by reusing the same material over again!
In fact, asphalt pavement is the nation’s number one recycled material. Because of this, asphalt is the best option if you have any concerns about the environment.
Benefit 2: Cost-Efficient
In some cases, projects can use recycled asphalt to keep the costs of production lower. In comparison to using concrete, asphalt will always be the cost effective option.
Asphalt is cost-efficient because of its short construction time and ease of installation. The ease of asphalt pavement construction ensures a lower initial cost versus concrete and can be designed durable enough to withstand any type of load.
Routine maintenance can also extend the life of a paved surface, providing a lower life-cycle cost.
Benefit 3: Easy & Fast Installation
Asphalt is quick to construct and maintain. This makes it an ideal material for government contracts, businesses, and more that don’t want to impede progress or keep people off of roads or parking lots for too long.
Asphalt does not require “cure” time, unlike concrete. This benefit allows a roadway or parking lot to be accessible sooner rather than later.
This is incredibly beneficial for busy roadways and businesses because it means fewer delays and safer conditions for the public.
Benefit 4: A Flexible Material
Asphalt is flexible. Asphalt surfaces can be tailored (formulated and designed) to support the traffic load and climate conditions specific to the parking lot or road.
Its flexibility allows it to adapt to its environment and withstand rutting in the summer and the harsh freeze/thaw cycles of winter.
Benefit 5: A Smooth Ride
Asphalt surfaces offer the general public a smooth, quiet ride. Its lack of construction joints and rocky surface increases fuel efficiency, reduces wear and tear on their vehicles, and makes for a quiet ride.
Benefit 6: A Safer Experience
Asphalt is a durable material and can be made to withstand rutting and cracking based on the asphalt mix used. Durability is important to a driver’s experience, whether it’s on a roadway or in a parking lot.
Asphalt’s smooth surface allows for optimal water drainage, which reduces water spray, therefore improving driver visibility in wet conditions. Its dark color helps reduce glare for drivers, while contrasting stripping colors make asphalt roads easier for drivers to see.
If a parking lot is built and maintained properly, drivers can be assured they won’t have issues visiting a local business or shopping at a retail center.
Asphalt Installation From Bituminous Roadways
Because asphalt offers so many great benefits, it’s ideal for many commercial, retail and government projects. If you have questions about asphalt installation, our team is ready to assist you!