The Basics of Asphalt Manufacturing

If you're considering paving your driveway, parking lot, or any other paved area, then you may be wondering what asphalt is and how it's made. Asphalt is a strong, durable material that is used for a variety of purposes in construction—from roads and driveways to sidewalks and patios. In this article, we'll give you the basics on asphalt manufacturing so that you can have a better understanding of what goes into making this versatile material.

What is Asphalt?

Asphalt is a mixture of bitumen (an oily substance) combined with aggregates like sand and gravel. When these ingredients are combined they form a strong, durable material that can be used for many different applications in road construction and maintenance. Bitumen binds the aggregate together and gives it its strength; without bitumen the asphalt would not be able to hold up under intense pressure or traffic.

How Is It Made?

The process of asphalt manufacturing begins with the extraction of bitumen from crude oil reservoirs located beneath the earth’s surface. The bitumen is heated until it reaches a liquid state before being mixed with aggregate materials like sand or gravel. Once these two components are mixed together they are sent through an asphalt mixing plant which heats them to over 300 degrees Fahrenheit before dispersing them evenly across a conveyor belt system. This hot mix is then transported to job sites where it can be laid down in layers; each layer cooling off after being compacted using specialized equipment such as rollers or steamrollers.

Once the asphalt has been laid down and cooled off it will need to be sealed with an emulsion sealer which helps protect the underlying pavement from water infiltration and ultraviolet damage caused by continuous exposure to sunlight. Sealing also helps prevent cracking and crumbling due to changes in temperature throughout the year or heavy loads applied by vehicles driving on top of it. Asphalt paving contractors like Custom Construction Paving LLC are experts at providing professional sealing services for all types of commercial and residential surfaces including driveways, parking lots, pathways, sidewalks, etc..

Conclusion

With proper installation from an experienced paving contractor like Custom Construction Paving LLC, your asphalt-paved surfaces will last for years! Now that you know more about how asphalt is made, you'll have peace of mind knowing exactly what goes into keeping your paved areas looking great for years to come! Reach out today if you're looking for help with any kind of paving project in Clermont—we'd love to hear from you!