A common job for an asphalt contractor is to install a new asphalt surface on an existing road. This involves a brooming machine to clean the asphalt that has been milled off and a distributor truck to put down the binder material and finally a wheel roller to smooth the new layer.
Asphalt is processed from what is referred to as heavy crude oil. The refining process of low-grade crude oils, which are higher in metals and sulfur, results in asphalt cement of various grades.
Did you know that asphalt is made of aggregate (a mixture of stones and sand) and liquid asphalt cement? Basically, the asphalt cement is heated until it becomes a liquid, and then it is ready to mix with the aggregate.
Many golf courses find it difficult to maintain healthy grass at the entrance and exit points of the cart path. Golf carts that are limited to their entry on the course will quickly wear out the land around an entrance point.
In areas where permeable subgrade material exists, porous asphalt parking lot pavement is a good option. This type of material will reduce storm water runoff, thereby minimizing or even eliminating the need for detention basins.
Most of the asphalt that is used in paving is hot-mix asphalt, which is poured at a certain temperature. When a paving expert is paving your driveway, he or she makes sure it's not too hot or too cold to ensure you have a smooth, even surface.
Technological advances have lead to the development of permeable paving surfaces. When correctly installed, they prevent excessive water run-off after rains by allowing water to filter through the asphalt into the ground below.
Did you know that asphalt paving is extremely durable? It can be designed to handle heavy semi-trailers and is very weather resistant, meaning it’s easily able to withstand the harshest of winters.
If your driveway needs to be completely replaced, the old material will be stripped away, and the sub-grade will be prepared. This helps to insure that the new driveway will be laid down under optimal conditions.
What is the difference between tar and asphalt? Asphalt contains a mixture of bitumen – a residue derived from crude oil – plus aggregate materials like stone and sand. Tar, while similar in nature to asphalt, is derived from coal instead of crude oil.
Did you know that many concrete driveways end up having problems with what’s called “spalling”? This is a surface flaking cause by poor installation and the application of salts to melt ice and snow. With asphalt paving, you can avoid these types of issues.
It’s easy to forget, but your parking lot is the first thing your customers, visitors and employees see when they arrive, and the last thing they see when they leave. An attractive, well-maintained paved parking helps you and your business make the best possible impression.
With the decline of the Roman Empire, their extensive roadway system fell into disrepair as well. However, many of these roads survive to this day thanks to the superior quality and structure of their pavements.
When planning a cart path, many architects will choose the path that has already been driven on by golf carts. This is not, however, always the best location to build a permanent cart path. Planning the most aesthetically pleasing and effective cart path is important.
For building roads, there is actually a formula to determine the required depth of base. It’s generally recommended that you put in three-quarters to one inch of gravel for every foot of width. In this case, a 20 foot wide road should have a 15 to 20 inch gravel base.
Did you know the middle of your driveway should be higher than the edges to allow for proper drainage? This way, the water will run toward the edge instead of puddling, which could cause damage to the blacktop.
If your asphalt driveway has begun to show signs of surface deterioration but the base is still intact, then an asphalt overlay (where the existing driveway is resurfaced) is going to be your best bet. This is a cost effective solution that will result in a smooth, durable surface.
Having a cart path end on a slope is not a good idea. Carts will have a hard time stopping, players will find it difficult to get out of the cart, and starting a golf cart on a slope in wet conditions is nearly impossible.
Ever wonder what causes potholes? Natural forces such as ice, rain, and heat eat away at the roadway, creating a series of cracks. As the cracks start to grow deeper, water seeps into the roadbed and soil beneath the asphalt. As the ground expands and contracts, the soil and roadbed is slowly displaced, eventually leading to a small section of the road to collapse.
Asphalt makes occasional appearances in the annals of history. For example, asphalt was used by the ancient Egyptians to embalm mummies. The Persian word for asphalt is "moom," which is related to the English word "mummy."
Asphalt proponents say roads built with asphalt are smoother than concrete highways. That means a more enjoyable driving experience for motorists, better gas mileage and longer-lasting highways.
Before building a new driveway, check with your local agricultural extension service to see what type of soil you have. Different subgrades (the soil beneath your driveway) have widely varying characteristics and will affect what paving material you choose.