If you’ve been out walking in the cold and rain, you may notice that sidewalks and roads appear wet. Asphalt contains oil that seeps to the surface when it gets damp. There are different types of asphalt that you may come across in the jobs in construction. You will want to use the right type for your project, so familiarize yourself with the choices below.
The Three Different Types of Asphalt
Jobs in construction may require the use of either of the following types of Asphalt;
Hot-Mix Asphalt
Hot-Mix Asphalt is commonly referred to as HMA. It is a mixture of aggregate and asphalt cement that requires the hot-mix process. Construction workers then lay the HMA on-site; however, it must be compacted at temperatures above 150 degrees. The soil type can determine the quality of HMA.
Asphalt Plaster
Asphalt Plaster is a mixture of asphalt and aggregate that requires the cold-mix process for its manufacture. The cold-mix process produces an HMA mixture that construction workers can apply to any heavy soil type. In many cases, a hot-mix asphalt compound would not be used if you plan to lay asphalt later on in the project.
All of the above asphalt types are suitable for residential and commercial jobs in construction; however, it is essential to determine the soil type before choosing which asphalt you will use.
MC Cold Mix
MC Cold Mix is the only type of asphalt that can be applied over old asphalt that has not been removed. MC Cold Mix is a mixture of aggregate and a modified bitumen adhesive that construction workers must uniformly mix before being applied to the project.
Call to Action
Asphalt is a highly versatile material used in a wide range of jobs in construction. It can be used in almost any outdoor setting, from streets, parking lots, and driveways to playgrounds and sidewalks. Kilgore Companies is the way to go for guidance and assistance in choosing the right type of Asphalt for your construction. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with a Board Certified Contractor.