Top Benefits Of Using Asphalt In Commercial Construction

29 September 2021
 Categories: Construction & Contractors, Blog

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Most experts in the construction industry prefer using asphalt and recommend it to clients that need smooth surfaces in applications like pavements and walkways. If you have just heard about this material and wonder if it's the right choice for your commercial construction project, this article is for you. In it, you will find everything you need to know about asphalt and its benefits.  

What is Asphalt?

Asphalt is a black and sticky material that exists in semi-solid or liquid form. It's found in natural deposits, but, in some cases, you can obtain it from distilling petroleum. The asphalt mixtures used in commercial construction mainly consist of slags, crushed rocks, sand, gravel, and bitumen. Moreover, some contractors mix asphalt with demolition and construction debris to enhance sustainability. You can use it to construct parking areas, sidewalks, railway tracks, roads and highways, and sports arenas.

Why Should You Use Asphalt in Your Construction?

Asphalt offers your project numerous benefits, including:

1. Durability

Asphalt is one of the most durable construction materials. For instance, with proper paving, an asphalt parking lot can last 20-30 years. Moreover, when asphalt pavement is in poor condition, you can simply recarpet it rather than tear it apart and replace the whole paving. That is why experts call it the perpetual pavement. Note that asphalt in any setting lasts even longer with proper installation and maintenance.

2. Safety

Most roads are made with asphalt because it provides optimum skid resistance. Moreover, since the color contrast between road markers and the asphalt material is distinct, drivers can see better on these roads, despite poor weather conditions. Newer asphalt options are ideal for wet weather since surface water drains faster and reduces water spray. All these improve visibility and, consequently, guarantee the safety of drivers and pedestrians.

3. Smooth surfaces

Asphalt surfaces are smoother than concrete. That is an advantage of asphalt that stands out when it comes to pavements and roads. Smooth roads facilitate a smoother ride, increase safety by reducing driver fatigue, and cut fuel consumption. Moreover, since asphalt pavements are quieter, they save you from using costly sound-absorbing walls. This material's smoother nature is one of the reasons why it's dominant in airport taxiways and runways.  

4. Cost-effectiveness

In most cases, asphalt is cheaper than concrete. Besides low initial costs, it's also durable and recyclable. Therefore, it's more cost-effective and comes with more excellent residual value than other paving materials. You can also reclaim and reuse asphalt. That means saving considerable sums you would otherwise spend acquiring new materials. Not to forget, since asphalt paving is smoother, it helps you reduce wear and tear on your automobile and optimizes fuel economy. All these lead to fewer expenditures and help you save money.

For more information about commercial asphalt services, contact a local company, such as D & E Construction Co Inc.