Did you know that asphalt can be laid at different temperatures depending upon the weather and ecological concerns? Hot mix asphalt, warm mix asphalt, and cold mix asphalt are all used for different purposes and are all offered by Reliable contracting. Since asphalt is nearly everywhere, it’s not a bad idea to learn more about what types of asphalt are available for different projects!
Hot mix asphalt – Hot mix is the most common of all asphalt materials. It’s a combination of approximately 5% liquid asphalt and 95% aggregates of various sizes and gets its name from the higher heat at which it’s produced – 325 degrees. Producing at this temperate decreases the viscosity and moisture of the asphalt during the manufacturing process. This results in a very durable and easy to place material, commonly used for a wide range of applications including driveways, parking lots, highways and airports.
Warm mix asphalt – For those who are looking for an environmentally friendly asphalt option, warm mix asphalt is the best option. It’s a green solution because it requires less use of fossil fuels to produce, is easier to manipulate and compact at cooler temperatures and because of its cooler temperature produces less smoke. The components in warm mix asphalt are essentially the same as those in hot mix asphalt; its difference is only the way it is produced. Warm mix asphalt is formed when water, minerals, or other additives are combined to produce asphalt at lower temperatures. It accounts for about a quarter of asphalt jobs in America and has steadily been growing since 2009.
Cold mix asphalt – This type of asphalt is commonly used in the winter for pothole patching. It is widely recognized as a way to make road repairs quickly because it can be applied right from the stockpile or container without mixing or heating. Cold asphalt also doesn’t require any special heavy rolling machines or special applicators as it can be shoveled or poured into a pothole or utility cut and tamped down with a hand tool. Cold mix asphalt is typically a temporary solution used until hot mix or warm mix can be placed.
The type of asphalt you need for your project depends on how highly trafficked the area is, what time of year it is, and what your specifications are. At Reliable Contracting, we can help you figure out which type of asphalt mix is right for you and get you set up with a contractor who can work with you from start to finish.
If you have any questions about cold mix, warm mix, or hot mix asphalt, please contact Anne Arundel County’s largest site-work contractor today by calling 410-987-0313 or visiting our website. You can also follow Reliable Contracting on Facebook and Twitter!
Reliable Contracting Company serves the following and surrounding counties: Annapolis, Queen Anne’s, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Baltimore City, Calvert, Caroline, Charles, Howard, Prince George, St. Mary’s, Talbot, and Washington D.C.
Sources: http://www.asphaltpavement.org/, http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-different-types-of-asphalt.htm, http://www.intelligentcompaction.com/?q=node%2F27