asphalt paving

Asphalt Simplified 

Asphalt is a construction material that is made up of aggregates, such as crushed 

rocks, sand, and gravel, and a black, sticky, and highly viscous petroleum liquid 

known as bitumen. This combination of materials is commonly used in the 

construction and maintenance of various structures, including roads, parking lots, 

railway tracks, airports, bicycle lanes, sidewalks, pathways, and athletic tracks. The 

aggregate and bitumen are combined in a heated mixing process to create asphalt 

paving, which can be applied in various thicknesses depending on the intended use. 

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A Layered System 

The layers commonly used in the construction of an asphalt pavement include the 

subgrade, subbase, base course, and surface course. The subgrade is the native 

soil beneath the pavement, which should be properly compacted and graded to 

ensure stability. The subbase layer, placed on top of the subgrade, helps distribute 

the load of the pavement and improve its overall durability. The base course layer, 

made of hot mix asphalt with large aggregate for additional strength, serves as the 

foundation for the pavement structure. Finally, the surface course layer, composed 

of smaller aggregate and a binder material, is the topmost layer of the pavement 

that provides smoothness, texture, and skid resistance. Together, these layers 

form a durable and long-lasting asphalt pavement suitable for various 

applications, such as roads, parking lots, and athletic tracks.

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A Sustainable Solution 

Asphalt paving is an affordable and cost-effective option for many construction 

projects. One reason for this is the abundance of raw materials required to 

produce asphalt, such as sand, gravel, and bitumen, which are readily available 

and inexpensive. Additionally, the paving process itself is relatively quick and 

straightforward, requiring minimal labor and equipment, which translates into 

lower costs for the consumer. These factors make asphalt paving an attractive 

choice for both small and large-scale projects, including roads, parking lots, and 

even athletic surfaces. 

Another significant advantage of asphalt paving is its sustainability. Asphalt is a 

recyclable material, and most asphalt used in paving projects is recycled from old 

pavement. This means that new asphalt can be produced using a high percentage 

of recycled material, which helps to conserve natural resources and reduce waste. 

 

Furthermore, the energy required to produce asphalt is lower compared to other 

paving materials, such as concrete. This makes asphalt paving a more sustainable 

choice for the environment, as well as an affordable option for consumers. 

Overall, the affordability and sustainability of asphalt paving make it an excellent 

choice for construction projects of all sizes. With its low cost, ease of installation, 

and recyclable properties, asphalt paving provides consumers with a cost-effective 

and eco-friendly alternative to traditional paving materials. As the demand for 

environmentally conscious construction practices continues to rise, asphalt paving 

remains a leading solution for those seeking a durable and sustainable paving option. 

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Asphalt Vs. Concrete 

Asphalt is often considered a better option than concrete for commercial parking 

lots due to a few reasons. Firstly, asphalt paving is a more affordable option than 

concrete paving. Asphalt requires less preparation work, takes less time to install, 

and requires fewer materials than concrete. This makes it a cost-effective option 

for commercial parking lots, which often require a large area to be paved. 

Another advantage of asphalt paving is its flexibility. Asphalt is able to withstand 

the natural shifting and settling of the ground beneath it, making it a durable 

choice for commercial parking lots. Additionally, asphalt's dark color helps it to 

absorb and retain heat, which can be advantageous in colder climates where it 

can help melt snow and ice more quickly. 

Sustainability is another reason why asphalt is a better option for commercial 

parking lots. Asphalt is a recyclable material, which means that it can be 

repurposed and reused after its original intended use has ended. Asphalt can also 

be mixed with recycled materials such as ground-up tires or shingles, reducing the 

need for virgin materials and minimizing waste. Furthermore, asphalt's porous 

nature allows for better drainage, reducing the amount of stormwater runoff and 

pollution that enters waterways. 

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Types of Asphalt Maintenance 

∙Regular cleaning: Dirt, debris, and other materials can accumulate on the 

surface of an asphalt parking lot over time. Regular cleaning helps prevent 

these materials from accumulating and causing damage to the asphalt. 

∙Crack sealing: Cracks in the surface of an asphalt parking lot can be filled 

with a special sealant to prevent water from seeping in and causing further damage.

This is an important part of asphalt parking lot maintenance as it can prevent larger,

more expensive repairs in the future. 

∙Sealcoating: Sealcoating involves applying a protective layer of sealant to 

the surface of an asphalt parking lot to help prevent damage from the 

elements. It can help prolong the life of the asphalt and keep it looking good. 

∙Regular inspections: Regular inspections can help identify any issues with an 

asphalt parking lot before they become more serious. Inspectors will look 

for cracks, potholes, drainage issues, and other potential problems. 

∙Resurfacing: Over time, the surface of an asphalt parking lot can become 

worn down and damaged. Resurfacing involves applying a new layer of 

asphalt over the existing surface to restore it to its original condition. 

∙Patching: If there are small areas of damage to an asphalt parking lot, 

patching can be used to repair them. This involves cutting out the damaged 

area and replacing it with new asphalt. 

  

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