Asphalt can be found nearly everywhere, from park walkways to major commercial roads. Asphalt is also featured in many common myths, including misconceptions about its utility, cost and durability. However, the truth about common asphalt myths are largely unfounded as the material is durable and long lasting with professional installation and regular maintenance.
Myth #1: Asphalt Does Not Last Long Enough to be Worth the Cost
Fact: Asphalt Pavement Can Last for Decades When Properly Installed and Maintained
Asphalt is an impressively durable material if it is properly installed and maintained. In fact, depending on the application, asphalt pavement may last longer than concrete in some cases. That is because asphalt is a flexible material which can be used in projects where concrete’s rigidity would be a liability. For example, if a pavement project calls for tight turns or if the pavement needs to be installed on uneven terrain, asphalt may be the superior option from a durability standpoint.
Even in everyday applications such as urban streets and parking lots, asphalt can reliably provide 20 or more years of value if it is maintained on time by an experienced paving crew.
Myth 2: Asphalt Does Not Have the Durability for High Traffic Roads
Fact: Asphalt is Regularly Used for High Traffic Projects
Asphalt and concrete are the only paving materials that are trusted in high-traffic projects like major urban and commercial roads. While concrete’s unmatched strength and durability makes it the first choice in the heaviest-trafficked pavement, like interstates, asphalt is a close second in its viability for high-traffic projects.
Asphalt’s excellent strength and ability to disperse load-related stresses ensures it will hold up under repeated heavy loading. Asphalt is less likely than concrete to crack while withstanding these forces, again due to its flexibility. Asphalt is also easier and quicker to repair than concrete, so if flaws do emerge in the pavement’s surface, they can usually be addressed with minimal ongoing issues.
Myth #3: Asphalt Does Not Handle Extreme Weather Well
Fact: Well-Maintained Asphalt is Effective in Hot and Cold Environments
Traffic related wear is the number one reason why pavement eventually fails, but weather is another major factor. Fortunately, if asphalt is properly installed and maintained, it holds up well to repeated exposure to sun, rain and ice.
Proper asphalt maintenance includes on time asphalt sealcoating, which leaves a protective wax like top layer. This is particularly important for UV protection, which is a major factor in Houston. On top of sealcoating, prompt pothole and crack repairs are recommended to prevent water intrusion and damage to the asphalt’s deeper layers.
If property owners stick to a consistent maintenance schedule, asphalt pavement performs better than other paving materials in cold environments and offers comparable performance to concrete in warm areas.
Myth #4: Asphalt Pavement is Bad for the Environment
Fact: The Asphalt Industry Has Implemented Several Measures to Protect the Environment
The asphalt industry has come a long way in improving environmental measures at every stage – from manufacturing to installation. On the manufacturing side, asphalt producers have implemented efficient emission controls that scrub dust and other particulates out of the air. As such, asphalt manufacturers were delisted from the EPA’s Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAP) major emitters list. Since 1970, the asphalt industry has reduced total stack emissions by 97 percent while increasing production by 250 percent.
Asphalt is also a recyclable material, and this is leveraged for cost and environmental benefits when replacing asphalt. For example, the full depth reclamation (FDR) process involves milling down existing asphalt, placing it in a high-temperature reclaimer and melting it down with a binder to create fresh material for an overlay. Asphalt’s reusability keeps it out of landfills, which greatly reduces environmental and cost impacts (such as the landfill fees).
Myth #5: Asphalt Paving Does Not Look Good
Fact: Professionally Installed Asphalt Improves a Property’s Curb Appeal
There is a noticeable aesthetic difference between new asphalt and worn asphalt. New asphalt looks dark, rich and smooth, while asphalt near the end of its lifecycle is the opposite, often discolored and roughly textured.
If the asphalt pavement is professionally maintained, it will hold onto its rich appearance for longer and provide ongoing curb appeal. This is especially important for commercial and multi-family properties where first impressions are everything. A fresh layer of asphalt with clean striping tells prospective customers or residents that the property is well-maintained.
When asphalt paving begins showing its age, that is the time to schedule an asphalt overlay or other surface treatment. When property owners stay on a maintenance schedule, the myth of asphalt’s “ugly” appearance will remain just that, a myth.
The Truth About Asphalt is That it is a Durable, Versatile Paving Material When Properly Installed and Maintained
There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding asphalt, but pavement experts know that the material brings excellent reliability, durability and usability to any project when it is installed according to best practices. If your asphalt is expertly installed and maintained on time, it will provide years of usefulness without the downsides commonly believed in asphalt myths. If your asphalt is showing signs of wear and degradation, contact a reputable asphalt paving crew that can provide services to maintain its integrity and longevity.
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