There is no wrong asphalt mix; however, the right asphalt mix is one that fits the situation at hand and it comes down to your area’s climate and the surface being paved.
There are three different kinds of asphalt mix:
- Hot mix asphalt
- Warm mix asphalt
- And cold mix asphalt
- Hot mix asphalt
This is the popular or rather the “standard” asphalt type. It’s usually heated between 280 to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and laid down while still extremely hot. Hot mix asphalt is perfect for use when the temperatures outside are above 40 degrees, an ideal summer months’ temperature.
Hot mix asphalt is mostly used for large-scale paving, including parking lots, highways, tennis courts, tracks, airfields, and driveways. It is also the perfect mix for asphalt repairs such as patching because it adheres permanently.
- Warm mix asphalt
This is a compromise between cold and warm mix asphalt. It requires less energy to heat, which is between 200 to 250 degrees Fahrenheit, and it also consumes less fuel, approximately 20% lower than hot mix asphalt.
Warm mix asphalt has great perks;
- It performs better; since it can be laid in both cooler and warm temperatures and it can withstand heavy traffic, which makes it a good option for busy roads and highways.
- It’s also better for the environment and asphalt workers; It has fewer emissions
The only downside is it’s more expensive compared to hot mix asphalt.
- Cold mix asphalt
Cold mix asphalt doesn’t require heat to get the job done; that’s what sets it apart from the other two mixes. It contains a blend of a few additives and oils that makes it possible to be laid while cold.
Cold mix asphalt is mostly for temporary use, maybe fixing potholes and cracks in the colder months, to be precise.
So, which asphalt mix do you need?
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