Asphalt is an extremely valuable resource for roads, parking lots, sidewalks, driveways, etc. But, it is also valuable to our environment and economy due to its eco-friendly and recyclable characteristics, which allow for less harmful air pollutants, and for taxpayers to save money each year! Asphalt is durable, versatile, flexible, low-maintenance, and eco-friendly, making it a great material choice for your road, driveway, and commercial parking lots. There are some popular asphalt myths floating around that may contradict this and the overall benefits of asphalt, but let’s review the facts.
Debunking these asphalt myths:
MYTH: Asphalt has a short lifespan
FACT: Properly and regularly maintained asphalt can last anywhere from 15-30 years. We’d like to argue that 15-30 years is a pretty long lifespan considering the cost to install asphalt, and its low-maintenance characteristics. While other paving materials like concrete may last longer (30-40 years), they are not easy (or cheap) to repair and/or maintain. Whereas, asphalt repairs are extremely cheap and simple, and go a long way in extending the overall life of your asphalt. Additionally, if you are located where you see moderate to severe winters, concrete is not often a good choice, because concrete, salt, and plows do not mix well together.
MYTH: Asphalt is bad for the environment
FACT: Actually, this is quite the opposite of true. While many years ago this may have been a fact, the asphalt industry has developed many new technics to reduce pollutants far below the standards set by EPA. Today, the use of asphalt in paving is extremely eco-friendly and asphalt is actually recycled many times over. Methods of asphalt paving like milling, and pulverization and full-depth reclamation focus heavily on recycling and repurposing material. This requires less manufacturing of virgin materials, meaning less greenhouse gas pollutants and waste.
MYTH: Asphalt is expensive
FACT: While driveway paving, or parking lot paving may not be the cheapest item on your property’s to-do list, asphalt is certainly one of the cheapest options for this project. Since asphalt consists of mainly recycled materials, it is easy to produce, making is more cost effective. When considering a popular alternative like concrete, you can expect to spend as high as double what you would for asphalt installation. While concrete may last longer, asphalt is extremely durable, flexible, easy to maintain, eco-friendly, and easy to install; making for a great ROI.
MYTH: Asphalt is a hassle to repair
FACT: While we can agree that no maintenance item is ever fun and hassle-free, asphalt repair may be one of the easiest items on your list, and did we mention it’s cheap? Crack filling, which is one of the most cost-effective maintenance items you’ll likely hire someone to do on your property, is, on average, about 45-75 cents per foot! Additionally, this method of filling cracks with hot rubberized asphalt filler will help save your asphalt’s life and ensure the longest lifespan possible. This sealing helps to avoid detrimental damages to your pavement’s base associated with water penetration that compromises the structural base, typically resulting in premature deterioration. But, what is even better about the use of rubberized material in this repair method, is that it is flexible, which means that it is formulated to better handle expanding and contracting associated with temperature fluctuations and the freeze-thaw-cycle.
MYTH: Concrete is in, asphalt is out
FACT: While concrete may be gaining some popularity, asphalt certainly isn’t a “fad” of the past. Approximately 95 percent of America’s paved roads (nearly 3 million miles of paved surfaces) are asphalt. The reason why asphalt is the most popular material choice is for the reasons stated above; it’s cost effective, eco-friendly, easy to maintain, durable, quick to build/construct, and requires cheap repairs.
When choosing which paving material is right for your project, thorough research is the best way to ensure that you are picking a material that is best for your property and the specific job, and one that will meet all of your needs. If you have some preconceived notions about asphalt, it is important to research these items in depth to ensure their authenticity and/or ask your paving contractor before jumping to conclusions! These statements listed above are just a few very popular asphalt myths that just simply aren’t true, and could tip the scale during your decision phase inaccurately.
At EastCoat Pavement Services, we know all of the ins and outs of paving and asphalt, as we have over 20 years of experience in the trade! If you have any additional questions, concerns, or potential myths about asphalt you’d like to ask, we are here to help! If your property is in need of any asphalt updates, repairs, or new construction, contact us today for your free consultation!