Did you know that the primary material used in paving roads and highways is asphalt? The reason why asphalt is popular is that it is inexpensive, can be recycled, and doesn’t harm the environment. All the highways and roads paved with this material are smooth, comfortable, and quiet to drive on thanks to asphalt’s ability to reduce noise. Additionally, home entrances, doorways, and outdoor spaces can be paved using a variety of materials. There is a plethora of information about paving you may not know. So, keep reading this article to find out some interesting facts about paving.
Asphalt Is Natural
Have you ever given any thought to what the paved surfaces you drive on are made of? You will be glad to know that asphalt is an environment-friendly material that is found in asphalt lakes or as a solid rock. It gets blended with mineral aggregate to create a smooth foundation that can pave surfaces. Moreover, it is 100 percent recyclable. Countries like the United States and Canada recycle over 80% of their asphalt pavements annually. While asphalt is one of the most ancient materials used in history, most asphalt used today is refined from crude oil. Today’s asphalt is just as long-lasting as natural asphalt, however, it has the extra benefit of being cleared from impurities.
Asphalt Is a Money Saver
Not only is asphalt an eco-friendly material, but it is also an economic paving method. The fact that it is recyclable and extremely durable when used to build strong surfaces makes it a money-saving material. It is remarkably durable, to the extent that it was used by the ancient Egyptians in their mummification process. Furthermore, studies show that because asphalt can be removed and recycled, the government can save up to $300 million on road reconstructions. If you’re thinking about doing some asphalt paving or maintenance, you should get in touch with an expert company that has top-notch materials. If you live in Texas, you will need a professional paving service that can deal with the harsh weather since the heat of summer and the winter rains can make for obstacles during paving.
Types of Paving Materials
Even though asphalt is the most preferred paving material on public roads and highways, there is an abundance of other paving materials that have a bunch of qualities. Generally, paving materials are divided into two sections; quarried and composite. Each section has various types that differ in shape, size, and price. Quarried stones offer versatile and durable options that suit almost everyone. For example, slate has a myriad of textures and colors and is commonly used as a flagstone. However, harsh weather and traffic can easily fragment it. If budget is not a concern to you, granite makes for a durable and strong surface for outdoor spaces. It is more on the pricey side though since it is quite tricky to install. In addition, gravel, limestone, and sandstone are among popular types of quarried paving materials.
Composite pavers are more flexible and popular than quarried stones. They can be easily molded into various dimensions and are available in several price ranges. Concrete is homeowners’ favorite since it is durable and easy to install. Many people think that concrete is a plain choice, however, you can get it in numerous patterns, textures, and colors to make a statement in your outdoor area. Additionally, there are the classic red brick blocks that can add warmth to your outdoor space. They can also be used in wood decks alone or combined with other paving materials.
Paving Styles
You should understand the basic paving styles to help you discuss your project with a paving expert. Stack bond is a common style where pavers lay next to each other and the lines between them are straight in both directions. A stretcher bond is a repeated pattern that uses a single length of pavers in which the next row of pavers comes halfway between the previous one. There is also a herringbone pattern; this style is actually a little bit complicated to explain. Usually, a rectangular brick is placed in one direction, while the opposite brick is laid perpendicularly to and at the edge of the previous one. Moreover, a herringbone pattern uses long-shaped bricks instead of the standard type.
Paving doesn’t only cover roads, parking lots, and highways. Your home, patio, garden, and outdoor space can be paved as well. Whether you want to repair, replace, or upgrade your paving, you need to get in touch with a professional paving company that will get the job done. Moreover, keep the listed paving information in mind, in case you ever plan on doing a home makeover on your own.
