When you’re choosing paving material for your surface then most likely you’d choose Asphalt. Not because it’s widely used everywhere, but it’s cheap and most durable material for your surface to pave on. But, one thing, do you know it has some disadvantages?
Just like any other material asphalt too has disadvantages. Where advantages are there, disadvantages will also be there. None of the materials have only advantages. So, if you’re using asphalt for your surface paving then you should emphasize to know disadvantages as well with the advantages.
Asphalt layer is laid down on the base of the gravel to construct a stiff and dependable road. This can be categorized into different categories. Although their laying temperature and mixing vary; each of them has some common advantages and disadvantages.
Yes, you’ve heard right! Different temperature and mixing but similar Advantages & Disadvantages of Asphalt.
Okay, let’s see the advantages first.
Advantages of Asphalt Pavement
#1: Economical Advantage
Asphalt is very cost-effective material and time-efficient too. Asphalt dries very fast and doesn’t need to block the road for a long time.
#2: Durability
Asphalt is a reliable weather resistant material which can be used for low and high traffic as well. Asphalt can withstand the harshest weather condition.
#3: Safety
Asphalt paved road will have a feature that it gets smooth like finish. It offers drivers skid resistance, splash back and better visual distinction between road markings.
#4: Recycling
Asphalt is a recyclable material. You can use it all over again because its lifecycle is endless. When you’re repairing road then all the dug up asphalt can be used again for the resealing.
#5: Maintenance
Asphalt is time-efficient and easy when it comes for repairing. If you provide your asphalt a little routine maintenance then the deterioration of the surface can be delayed.
Are you wondering if these are advantages then what can be the disadvantage?
It has some… Let’s look at those.
Disadvantages of Asphalt Pavement
#1: Care and Sealing
Asphalt pavement is more of maintenance than concrete. You need to reseal it every 3-5 year to prevent it from cracking. And after applying sealers you don’t have to drive on the surface from a few hours to days.
#2: Cracks
If you’ve not mixed and laid asphalt properly then it’ll erode. Before paving you should also take care or uneven surfaces and previous cracked surface. First, make them compact and then pave.
#3: Construction
If you’d likely to get the best result from the asphalt then you should heat it to 250 to 350°F. Once the asphalt has been paved on the surface then it must be covered with the sand or other aggregates to get more compaction and durable lifespan.
#4: Environmental Issues
Since asphalt is created from petroleum, it causes pollution when hydrocarbons are released. Cutback asphalt which is used in creating asphalt cement releases more hydrocarbons.
#5: Equipment
Asphalt, irrespective of the type used for the pavement requires heavy-equipment to install. Unless you’ve paving equipment’s you won’t be able to lay down the asphalt.
Are you confused about the material for pavement?
When it comes to decide the material to use for your pavement then the answer is very complicated. But most often you should consider asphalt for your paving material because it has numerous advantages over disadvantages. And this material is suitable for all kinds of soil (surface).
Main Infrastructure is one of the best pothole repair company in Toronto. Our crews have decades of experience of using asphalt as paving material irrespective of the surface type. We provide the Best Asphalt Patch on your surface to give it extended lifespan.
We’re one click away from your asphalt related need. We provide a number of services for your asphalt surface and all are at a very affordable price with the routine maintenance.
Call US @ +1 (416) 514-0809
