Different Types of Asphalt

You may have never contacted an asphalt paving company in Toronto, but you have certainly seen its work.

Asphalt is the most common substance used for paving roads and driveways. In fact, asphalt is used to pave everything from parking lots and roads to schoolyards and tennis courts. Throughout the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), asphalt is used for residential, commercial, public, and industrial properties.

What many property owners don’t realize is that there are different types of asphalt and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Depending on your property and considerations, one type of asphalt may be better suited for your job.

What Are the Different Types of Asphalt?

Asphalt is a versatile substance and can be used to address a variety of different concerns. Choosing the right asphalt type depends on the circumstances of your job.

Mix type selection is important. When selecting an asphalt type for public roads and property, public officials will consider traffic volume, climate, weather conditions, and a variety of other factors. Property owners should also take similar considerations when choosing from the following asphalt types.

1. Perpetual Pavement

Perpetual pavement is designed to extend the lifespan of roads and other asphalt surfaces. With this multi-layered process, property owners do not have to worry about extensive or severe repair in the long run. A tough, flexible base is used to resist cracks, and a strong, permanent asphalt layer is built over top. On the surface, a smooth top layer is used, allowing for ease of driving and use. After years of use, the top layer can be removed and replaced simply and affordably without having to touch the asphalt beneath.

2. Porous Asphalt

Porous asphalt is used to manage water runoff and to drain standing water. With porous asphalt, water actually seeps through the asphalt into an open-graded stone bed, from where it then slowly is drained into the soil beneath. Porous asphalt removes standing water from paved surfaces, where it could lead to damage, and drains it in a way that prevents degradation to the asphalt. Porous asphalt also improves the quality of groundwater. Most commonly, this type of asphalt is used for parking lots and other large surfaces.

3. Quiet Asphalt

One of the more common asphalt types for driveways and residential roads is quiet asphalt. Using a stone-mix “quiet” asphalt, noise pollution can be reduced by up to 50%. Using this type of asphalt is typically more economical and simpler than using sound barriers. Quiet asphalt is often used in residential communities.

4. Warm-Mix Asphalt

Warm mix asphalt is mixed and paved at lower temperatures than usual, which has many environmental benefits. It releases fewer greenhouse gases, uses less fuel, and is much safer for the contractors or workers who are applying it. As well, warm mix asphalt can be applied further into the usual “off season.”

5. Hot Mix Asphalt

Hot mix asphalt is typically the most effective choice for driveways, providing enhanced durability, ease of use, and protection against the elements. Not only can it last longer and resist damage, but it’s also affordable and allows for a great-looking, smooth surface.

Uses of Asphalt

There are many varied uses for asphalt paving. Most commonly, asphalt paving is used for roads, driveways, and parking lots, but there are many other types of surfaces that can be paved. These include airport runways, racetracks, schoolyards, tennis courts, outdoor recreation courts, racetracks, bicycle paths, floors (in greenhouses, work sites, etc.), ramps, bridges, and rail tracks.

Asphalt Paving Company in Toronto

Sure-Seal Pavement Maintenance Inc. handles asphalt paving for residential, commercial, public, and industrial properties, using the highest-quality materials to perform the work. We are the leading asphalt paving company in the GTA, and we understand that the right asphalt depends on the specifics of your property. That is why we offer free property inspections, where we can detail our clients’ options, finding the right solution that works for their budget, timeline, and needs.

As the leading pavement maintenance contractor in the GTA, Sure-Seal Pavement Maintenance Inc. specializes in catch basin repairs, rebuilding, and repaving. We offer an industry-leading seven-year structural warranty. Contact us by phone at 416-410-3705 today for more information on how we can perform catch basin repair for your driveway or parking lot.