What Are The Types Of Mix For Dallas Blacktop Paving Companies?
What Are The Types Of Mix For Dallas Blacktop Paving Companies?
When it comes to black top paving, contractors can use a variety of mixes. All asphalt is a composite material that contains a mix of aggregates, fillers, and a bitumen binder. However, different mix ratios and manufacturing processes yield unique mixes that can serve Dallas blacktop paving companies across a wide range of scenarios. In this blog, we’ll explore the mixes that your asphalt paving company may utilize on your project.
Why Is Hot Asphalt Mix the Preferred Choice for Paving Companies?
The most commonly used material for black top paving is hot asphalt. Also known as hot asphalt mix (HMA), this material undergoes an intensive manufacturing process. Asphalt companies in Dallas heat the aggregates, sand, filler, and binder to temperatures up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. It becomes workable and spreadable.
After transport to your site, your blacktop paving company will work to spread and compact the material quickly. Teams must finish laying and compacting the asphalt before it cools to 185 degrees. At that point, it becomes too cool and rigid to work with. As a result, the finished surface won’t have the density it needs to last.
HMA is a versatile material, and the best asphalt paving company will use it in most projects. From new paving to overlays and patching, hot asphalt produces long-lasting results.
When Do Asphalt Companies in Dallas Use Cold Mix?
On the other side of the temperature spectrum, we have cold asphalt. During manufacturing, experts mix the ingredients at room temperature. Generally, they use an asphalt emulsion rather than sticky bitumen. The emulsion cures as it dries with air exposure. Thus, heating isn’t necessary to make the mix workable.
Your asphalt company in Dallas may utilize cold mix asphalt when using traditional hot asphalt isn’t viable. For example, an experienced blacktop paving company may use cold material during the winter when temperatures are too low to use hot material properly. The same applies to inclement weather conditions or situations where contractors can’t prepare the surface.
For the best blacktop paving companies, work done with cold mix asphalt is only temporary. It offers protection and safety when permanent repairs aren’t available, but it doesn’t last forever. It serves its purpose until comprehensive repairs with hot asphalt are possible.
Can Blacktop Paving Companies Use Something That Sits Between Hot and Cold Mixes?
Warm asphalt mix is a less common form of black top paving. As the name suggests, it’s cooler than hot asphalt, but warmer than cold asphalt. During the production stage, manufacturers heat the ingredients to only around 250 degrees.
In hotter climates like Dallas, warm asphalt is impressively energy efficient. Manufacturing requires less fuel, making it a more eco-friendly alternative to hot asphalt.
For asphalt companies in Dallas, warm mix is all about versatility. This product performs well in all seasons, offering smooth compaction and great workability. Your asphalt company in Dallas may choose to use it for sustainability purposes and cost-efficiency, which directly benefits you.
When Do Dallas Companies Use Porous Asphalt?
Finally, we have porous asphalt. A growing number of municipalities across the country are requiring porous black top paving for certain projects. This material has larger gaps between aggregates. Rather than a solid-surface finish, tiny holes allow water to flow right through.
Your asphalt company in Dallas may recommend porous material if you’re in an area that’s prone to flooding. Because water flows through porous asphalt, it doesn’t sit on top of the pavement. Instead, it returns to the earth as groundwater. It can even help reduce pollution and minimize soil erosion.
Don’t trust just any experienced blacktop paving companies with your project. At HI-TEK Paving Services, we go above and beyond to do what’s right for your needs. That includes choosing the right materials while executing work better than any other asphalt paving company in the area.
We want to be your source for all things paving, repairs, and maintenance. Our services include new paving, repairs, overlays, sealcoating, crack repairs, concrete installation, sidewalks, parking lot striping, ongoing maintenance, and more. We also offer free quotes.
Contact Hi-TEK Paving Services to learn more, request a free quote, and schedule a service appointment with a blacktop paving company you can trust. You can call us at (214) 751-8431, email kevin@hi-tekpaving.com, or use our online form.
