5 Asphalt Paving Myths You Shouldn’t Believe

Asphalt paving is a common material used to construct and maintain roadways, driveways, and parking lots. It is a durable, low-cost option that is able to withstand heavy usage and severe weather conditions. However, like all materials, it requires proper maintenance to ensure it remains in good condition.

For commercial property owners in the Greater Vancouver Area, it is important to have the correct knowledge about asphalt paving and to understand how to properly maintain it. This is where Burnaby Blacktop comes in, offering professional services for all your asphalt paving needs.

In this blog post, we will be discussing the basics of asphalt paving and why it is so important for property owners, especially commercial building owners, to understand the proper maintenance and care of this essential material. Whether you are considering new construction or simply looking to keep your existing pavement in top condition, you’ll find valuable information here. To help you make an informed decision when it comes to asphalt paving, let’s dive into five of the most prevalent myths about this durable material.

Myth 1: Asphalt Will Last Forever

This is one of the biggest misconceptions about asphalt. Though it is known for its longevity, asphalt does not last forever. In fact, like all other materials, it will eventually deteriorate due to various environmental factors such as extreme temperatures, heavy vehicular traffic, excess water exposure and sunlight radiation – to name a few. The life cycle of asphalt pavement depends on the quality of installation and proper maintenance procedures such as seal coating every 2-3 years depending on the traffic volume, filler repairs to fill cracks that may appear over time and repairing potholes if they occur. Proper maintenance will extend your asphalt’s lifespan significantly, while poor maintenance can result in costly repairs and a shortened lifespan for your pavement surface.

Myth 2: All Types Of Asphalt Paving Are The Same

When it comes to asphalt paving services, there are several options of asphalt available for property owners to choose from, including hot mix asphalt (HMA), warm mix asphalt (WMA) and cold mix asphalt (CMA). Each type has its benefits but also differs drastically from one another in terms of their application process, cost efficiency and strength capabilities, so understanding which type best suits your needs is key when selecting an appropriate product for your project. HMA requires a higher temperature than WMA or CMA, which makes it ideal for use in high-traffic zones, whereas WMA requires cooler temperatures which makes it cost-effective yet still strong enough to accommodate moderate traffic areas while CMA offers a budget-friendly solution suitable for low-traffic zones with simple local access roads or driveways.

Myth 3: Sealing Is A Luxury And Not A Necessity

Myth 4: Asphalt Is Bad For The Environment

Contrary to popular belief, modern methods used in hot mix asphalts are relatively environmentally friendly as they emit fewer greenhouse gases than other construction materials like concrete or brick pavers. Furthermore, even hot mix asphalts require substantially less energy during production than concrete, reducing overall energy costs significantly – making them a preferable choice for eco-friendly solutions without compromising performance results. When you partner with Burnaby Blacktop, rest assured that we are using the highest quality asphalt available and always adhere to industry best practices in sourcing and disposal. We guarantee excellent results every time!

Myth 5: Asphalt Is Better Than Concrete

Finally, there is no “one size fits all” answer when it comes to choosing between asphalt vs concrete pavements – both materials have merits but ultimately depend on your specific project requirements, such as what kind of traffic volume you anticipate on your property, budget constraints etcetera.

Generally speaking, though, asphalt and concrete are both commonly used for paving roads, driveways, and parking lots. Asphalt is a flexible and cost-effective option that can be installed quickly and is easy to maintain. However, it has a shorter lifespan compared to concrete and can be damaged by oil spills. Concrete, on the other hand, has a longer lifespan, is more durable, and requires little maintenance. But, it is more expensive and takes longer to install. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. Working with a professional contractor is important to ensure the best results.

The most important choice is Hiring a reputable Paving Contractor.

Knowing these five common misunderstandings about asphalt paving will help ensure that you make informed decisions when investing in this service, especially here in Vancouver, BC where reputable contractors like Burnaby Blacktop, Vancouver’s #1  Consumer’s Choice Award – based paving contractor are available at competitive prices. Therefore, if you’re looking for reliable, trustworthy professionals who understand how important proper maintenance is when installing any paved surface, you know exactly who you should hire!