What Are The Types Of Mix For Austin Blacktop Paving Companies?
While all black top paving looks nearly identical after curing, asphalt companies in Austin can use several different types of mixes for paving and repair projects. Each one falls under the asphalt umbrella, as they contain the same core ingredients. However, differences in the manufacturing process, including varying ingredient ratios, produce unique mixes that serve Austin blacktop paving companies in different ways.
What Is the Standard Material That Austin Blacktop Paving Companies Use?
Hot mix asphalt (HMA) is the most commonly used type of black top paving in the industry. During manufacturing, asphalt companies in Austin heat binders and aggregates to temperatures up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, they transport it to your work site.
Blacktop paving companies must work fast. As the mix cools, it hardens. To ensure that the material is properly compressed, teams must lay and compact the asphalt before it cools to around 185 degrees. At that point, it becomes too rigid, and the structural integrity of the final product is at risk.
The best asphalt paving company will use HMA in most situations. It’s easy to work with, quick to install, and produces finished surfaces that are strong, resilient, and long-lasting.
What Type of Mix Do Blacktop Paving Companies Use for High-Traffic Environments?
For high-traffic projects such as highways and busy commercial parking lots, blacktop paving companies may recommend a dense asphalt mix. It’s similar to standard hot asphalt. However, the aggregates vary in size.
This unique element ensures that individual aggregate pieces lock together tightly, resulting in an ultra-dense layer with virtually no air pockets. Once properly compacted by blacktop paving companies, this dense pavement will have incredible strength.
When Would an Asphalt Company in Austin Use Cold Mix Asphalt?
Cold mix asphalt (CMA) is a unique alternative to traditional hot asphalt. Your blacktop paving company may use it for temporary repair work. Some asphalt companies in Austin keep a bag or two in their trucks, making it a great choice for emergency services.
Why use it for temporary repairs? There are instances when traditional hot asphalt repair isn’t possible. The best example is during the winter. It’s too challenging to use hot asphalt in wet and cold conditions. So, your asphalt paving company may use cold asphalt as a temporary fix, providing protection and safety before they can return in the spring for more permanent work.
Why Do Austin Blacktop Paving Companies Sometimes Utilize Warm Mix Asphalt?
Your asphalt company in Austin may use warm asphalt in some situations. As the name implies, this product is a nice middleground between hot and cold asphalt. It’s heated to about 250 degrees during production.
Lower heat uses less fuel, resulting in fewer greenhouse gas emissions. For that reason, many consider warm asphalt mixes to be more eco-friendly.
The biggest benefit for an asphalt company in Austin is versatility. The material is suitable for paving and repair work in any season. It also offers smooth compaction, which benefits project completion timelines.
What Is Porous Black Top Paving?
Your blacktop paving company may recommend using porous asphalt if your site is in a flood-prone area or if you’re concerned about the environmental impact of your pavement. Porous asphalt has tiny holes that allow water to flow through. It helps improve stormwater management by allowing water to return to the earth rather than flow into storm drains.
When you need service from the best asphalt paving company in the Austin area, turn to Pana Paving. We can help you determine which asphalt mix is right for your project. With decades of experience completing countless projects like yours, we understand what works and what doesn’t. Our goal is to deliver five-star results that last, and part of how we achieve that is by using premium materials best suited to your needs.
In addition to being a trusted blacktop paving company, Pana Paving offers services such as crack repair, general repair work, milling, overlays, sealcoating, commercial paving, concrete sidewalks, garage slabs, patios, parking lot striping, and more. Give Pana Paving a ring today at (512) 883-4674 to learn more about what we do and receive your free quote. You can also submit your information through our online form or email the team at panapaving@gmail.com.
