Roads, driveways, and parking lots all have one thing in common: they rely on asphalt for long-lasting durability. But what exactly is asphalt, and why does it matter for your next paving project?
A skilled asphalt construction partner like Howell & Simmons Construction & Paving, Inc., has the experience and local know-how your commercial project needs. We handle everything from expert site preparation to selecting the right asphalt mix, ensuring your surfaces are built to last.
What Is Asphalt?
You’ve driven on it, walked across it, and probably parked on it. Asphalt is the go-to material in residential and commercial asphalt paving projects.
According to the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA), 94% of all paved roads in the United States and 80% of all runways are surfaced with asphalt. It is also used to build pathways, private driveways, parking lots, walking and biking paths, and other drivable surfaces.
Asphalt is often called “blacktop” because it is dark when freshly laid. Over time and without regular maintenance from an experienced commercial construction company, the color fades to a lighter gray from wear and tear, exposure to the sun, and traffic.
Types of Asphalt Surfaces
Asphalt isn’t just one material; it is a family of different paving materials. All types of asphalt use two primary ingredients:
- Aggregate particles. Sand, gravel, crushed rock, and other fine stone particles. Aggregates typically make up 90 to 95% of any given asphalt mix.
- Asphalt binder. Also known as bitumen, this black, sticky material is a petroleum product. It binds the aggregate particles into a single material, giving asphalt its distinctive black color. Asphalt binder usually makes up 5 to 10% of the asphalt mix.
Experienced commercial asphalt paving companies can adjust temperatures, ingredients, and ratios to create different paving solutions. Some mixes may also use additives to improve durability or give the asphalt extra properties.
The main commercial paving mix types used in the construction industry are:
Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA)
This is the gold standard for durability and performance, and it’s likely what you’re driving on every day.
A typical HMA formula consists of 93-97% aggregates and 3-7% binder. The mixture must be laid at high temperatures, commonly between 275°F and 325°F.
Asphalt made from HMA is durable, cools quickly, and is resistant to water and weather conditions when laid. However, laying HMA requires warm, dry, rain-free days so the asphalt can compact properly without surface damage.
Common hot mix asphalt paving services include:
- Highways, freeways, and roadways with heavy daily traffic
- Airport runways
- Commercial parking lots
- Industrial yards
- Major city and urban center streets
Porous Asphalt
Porous asphalt is a subtype of HMA. While it is produced using the same ingredients, the aggregates are not as tightly packed, leaving larger air gaps. When mixed, it creates a durable surface that lets water through.
Porous asphalt can improve a property’s stormwater management. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) recommends its use in low-traffic urban areas and parking lots. Charleston considers porous pavements suitable for green infrastructure projects.
A professional specializing in commercial asphalt paving in Charleston, SC, can assess whether your property can benefit from porous asphalt by evaluating the following:
- Your site’s topography
- Local soil drainage
- Water management needs
- Daily traffic load
Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA)
Warm mix asphalt uses aggregate and binder ratios similar to HMA but requires lower mixing and laying temperatures, usually 200 to 250°F. These lower temperatures allow for lower energy consumption when creating the mix, but require longer cooling times when laying.
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) recommends the use of WMA whenever possible for these reasons:
- Extends the paving season. WMA can be safely laid even on cooler or more humid days, making it possible to complete asphalt services outside the traditional paving season.
- Safer for workers. Laying WMA produces less smoke and dust than HMA, reducing the risk of inhaling harmful particles.
- High performance. With the right mix and additives, WMA can be as durable and long-lasting as HMA.
Cold Mix Asphalt (CMA)
Need a quick fix? Cold mix asphalt is ideal for temporary repairs and budget-friendly patches. It can be mixed at ambient temperatures, making it easy to apply and versatile.
However, it is less durable or suitable for heavy traffic than WMA or HMA and is more likely to crack or wear out over time. An experienced contractor typically won’t recommend CMA for permanent applications. Instead, typical uses include asphalt repair services, such as:
- Repairing potholes in damaged roads
- Crack sealing and repairs on asphalt surfaces
- Creating temporary roads before laying a heavier asphalt mix
Cold mix asphalt works well for temporary fixes, but it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. That’s why you need an expert who can match the right mix to your project’s unique demands.
Why You Need an Experienced Asphalt Construction Partner
Good asphalt work starts with local knowledge and expert planning. From choosing the right mix to understanding soil conditions, experienced contractors lay the groundwork for longer-lasting surfaces.
Here’s why you should partner with a local, experienced company:
- Mix selection. Experienced asphalt contractors know how to choose and lay the right mix for the job. They can select and lay the best types of asphalt mix and additives for your project’s needs.
- Local soil familiarity. A local expert understands the region’s soil conditions and knows how to prepare the site. This insight helps them build a strong, lasting foundation that extends the life of your asphalt surface.
- Long-term durability. Partnering with an expert based in the area means you can contact the same team for maintenance, repairs, and sealcoating services. They’ll help you keep your commercial property’s asphalt surfaces in good condition for decades.
Partner With a Trusted Asphalt Specialist in Charleston, SC
Your surface is only as strong as the team behind it. With more than 37 years of experience in the Charleston area, Howell & Simmons brings local expertise and a commitment to quality that shows in every project.
Contact us to discuss your project and request a free quote.