A heated debate has been going on in the asphalt paving community over which type of pavement is best for your residential driveway or parking lot. While many favor blacktop, here’s a look at the pros and cons of each so you can make an informed decision on what material will work best for your home or business. We’ll take a look at the costs, main differences between asphalt and blacktop, maintenance requirements, and much more! Read More…

Asphalt vs Blacktop

Asphalt vs Blacktop: Asphalt has been the go-to for road building since its invention in the early 1900s. And for good reason. It is durable, long-lasting, and affordable. However, asphalt does have some disadvantages that are often overlooked by the general public. The first of these is the cost. If a project requires resurfacing, asphalt will always be more expensive than blacktop because it must be applied at least twice as thick to achieve similar performance levels as blacktop. The second disadvantage is that asphalt roads are more prone to potholes and rough driving conditions than blackpave roads.

What Is Asphalt?

Asphalt is a mixture of sand, water, and small amounts of asphalt binder and other ingredients. It can be used to create an extremely durable surface that is also affordable and easy to maintain. The paving process involves the milling of existing asphalt or the use of a hot mix plant to produce large quantities. The liquid asphalt is then sprayed onto the aggregate base layer in a technique known as spray paving, which creates a smooth surface very quickly. There are two types of concrete pavements: Portland cement concrete (PCC) and asphalt cement concrete (AC). Both are strong pavements that can last 50 years or more with proper care.

What Is Blacktop?

Blacktop is also known as asphalt paving. It’s made from a petroleum-based binder mixed with aggregate, like sand and gravel. This material is then laid on top of the existing surface, which can be concrete or soil, to create a new one. The binder remains in place until it weathers away and decomposes naturally over time. Blacktop Is More Affordable Than Asphalt Paving: Cost-wise, asphalt paving is more expensive than blacktop. That said, asphalt is pricier than blacktop because it requires greater labor and materials costs for installation. Asphalt Requires More Careful Installation And Maintenance Than Blacktop: Unlike asphalt that needs to be meticulously installed by experts who know what they’re doing, blacktop doesn’t require that level of care so long as you don’t damage the old layer before installing the new layer.

Does It Really Matter Which One You Use?

It’s a debate that has been going on for years in the paving industry. You’ve probably heard of it, but you might not know the answer. So we’re here to help you decide once and for all. Do asphalt or blacktop pavements have their pros and cons? This is a question that can be answered with a resounding yes, but then again, it depends on what your needs are and what type of project you’re planning.

When Should I Choose Blacktop Over Asphalt?

It’s time for a paving project! But which should you choose, blacktop or asphalt? It can be difficult to decide. You may want to consider cost, durability, and maintenance before making your decision. Generally, asphalt is less expensive than blacktop but it will have to be resurfaced more often over the course of its lifespan. On the other hand, blacktop lasts longer and is less likely to crack but it costs more up front.

When should you choose asphalt over blacktop?

 Well, that really depends on what the asphalt is being used for. The first and most important consideration is the climate in your area. If it’s warm and dry, then blacktop will be a better choice. If it’s cold or wet, asphalt will be more durable. Another consideration is how much traffic will be on your asphalt pavement. More cars mean more wear and tear on the surface, which means you’ll need to resurface the road more often with asphalt than you would with blacktop. One final consideration is how smooth of a surface do you want? Blacktop generally has rougher edges than asphalt does, so if you want a smoother surface for walking or biking then asphalt might work better for you!