If you’re a business owner considering repaving your parking lot or driveway, you’re probably wondering if asphalt is the right choice. Asphalt is a popular paving material because it’s durable and relatively affordable. But have you ever wondered if the material your parking lot is made of is eco-friendly? Read on to find out.
Contents of Asphalt
Asphalt is made from a mixture of bitumen, sand, and gravel. Bitumen is a black, sticky substance that’s derived from crude oil. For this reason, some people believe that asphalt isn’t eco-friendly. However, it’s important to note that recycled asphalt can be used in new asphalt paving projects. In fact, according to the National Asphalt Pavement Association, about 80 million tons of old asphalt pavement are recycled each year in the United States.
Recycling asphalt has some environmental benefits. It reduces the need for quarrying, which can damage natural habitats. It also cuts down on transportation emissions since recycled asphalt can be used without having to be transported long distances.
How to Make Asphalt More Eco Friendly
There are two main ways to make asphalt more eco-friendly:
1) Use recycled materials in the mix
2) Use warm mix instead of hot mix asphalt
Using recycled materials in the mix is one way to make asphalt more eco-friendly. Recycled materials that can be used in asphalt include recycled asphalt pavement (RAP), millings, and shingles. RAP is made up of existing pavement that has been milled or ground up. This material can then be used in new pavements without having to mine virgin materials. Using RAP can reduce costs and conserve energy and natural resources.
Warm mix asphalt (WMA) is another way to make asphalt more eco-friendly. WMA refers to asphalt mixtures that are produced and placed at lower temperatures than traditional hot mix asphalt (HMA). The lower temperatures required for WMA reduce energy consumption and decrease emissions of greenhouse gases. WMA also has several other benefits over HMA, such as improved workability, increased compaction rates, and extended haul distances.
Asphalt Durability
Another consideration is that asphalt paving can last 20 years or more with proper maintenance. This means that you won’t have to repave as often as you would if you chose another material like concrete. This can also save money in the long run and reduce the amount of construction waste that ends up in landfills.
Of course, nothing is perfect. Asphalt does have some downsides. For one thing, it can get very hot in direct sunlight, which can be uncomfortable for pedestrians and damaging to tires. It also doesn’t handle water very well, so puddles can form on asphalt surfaces during rainy weather.
Asphalt paving has both pros and cons to consider before making a decision for your business. However, overall it’s a durable, affordable, and eco-friendly option that can provide many years of service with proper maintenance.
Contact Chris Paving, LLC for more information on asphalt, and using it on your paving projects.