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What Are The Types Of Mix For Houston Blacktop Paving Companies?

To those who aren’t familiar with asphalt, all black top paving looks the same. However, the reality is that Houston Blacktop paving companies can use various mixes to complete a project. While the core ingredients are the same, differences in manufacturing processes, mix ratios, and additives give asphalt mixes unique properties. Read on to learn more about the mixes that blacktop paving companies can use.

What Type of Asphalt Do Houston Blacktop Paving Companies Use Most?

The most commonly used material that asphalt companies in Houston use is hot-mix asphalt (HMA). It’s the standard because it offers superior strength and high workability.

Hot asphalt contains a mix of aggregates and a binder called bitumen. During production, manufacturers heat those ingredients to temperatures up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. The bitumen goes molten, effectively fusing everything into a highly workable mix. It arrives at the project site still hot, and blacktop paving companies quickly work to lay and compact the material.

HMA becomes rigid as it cools, and if its temperature drops below 185, it becomes difficult to manipulate. The finished surface suffers if your asphalt paving company can’t complete compaction before it reaches that point, so contractors need to work swiftly.

What Unique Mixes Can Houston Blacktop Paving Companies Utilize?

Your blacktop paving company will use standard HMA for most projects, but it’s certainly not the only option available.

•Cold-Mix Asphalt (CMA): An experienced asphalt company in Houston will use cold-mix asphalt for temporary repairs, typically during the winter season. When manufacturing this material, asphalt companies in Houston use an asphalt emulsion and combine the ingredients at room temperature. The emulsion cures with air exposure, so temperature isn’t as big a factor for black top paving. CMA is the go-to for repairs and patching when cold wintertime conditions prevent a blacktop paving company from using more permanent HMA.
•Warm-Mix Asphalt (WMA): An asphalt paving company may use WMA for more environmentally conscious projects. This material only reaches temperatures of around 200-250 degrees. Thus, it’s more fuel-efficient to produce, and the production process releases fewer emissions. It’s also more workable over a wider range of temperatures than standard hot-mix asphalt, providing greater flexibility for blacktop paving.
•Porous Asphalt: Porous asphalt has tiny holes between the aggregates, allowing water to flow right through and refill groundwater rather than sitting on top of the pavement. A blacktop paving company may opt to use porous asphalt when working in flood-prone areas. It’s also a fine choice for highways, as water can seep through rather than forming puddles that increase the risk of hydroplaning. Porous asphalt is also suitable for environmentally conscious projects because it helps refill groundwater while reducing stormwater pollution.
•Dense-Grade Asphalt: Your asphalt paving company might recommend using dense-grade asphalt if you need the surface to have exceptional strength with a high load-bearing capacity. The aggregates in this mix vary in size, allowing smaller pieces to fill gaps between larger ones. After compaction, the aggregates lock together to create an ultra-dense surface with virtually no air gaps. The result is a super-strong pavement perfect for highways or industrial properties.

How Do Asphalt Companies in Houston Determine What Mix Is Best for a Project?

What’s right for your project will depend on many factors. The best asphalt company in Houston will consider:

• Intended Traffic Volume
• Load-Bearing Capacity Needs
• Environmental Conditions
• Weather
• Drainage
• Budget
• Longevity

Hot-mix asphalt might be the standard choice for black top paving projects, but many situations may warrant something else. Porous and warm-mix asphalt are superior choices if environmental impact is a concern. Meanwhile, dense-grade asphalt is perfect for heavy-duty surfaces. Many blacktop paving companies also have cold-mix asphalt on hand for emergency “throw-and-go” repairs, providing a quick, temporary solution until property owners can schedule more permanent work later.

Don’t be afraid to discuss your options with your asphalt paving company. The best contractors will work with you, considering these factors to determine what’s right and why.

Pelagic Paving is an asphalt company in Houston that’s ready to deliver the results you deserve. Our services are comprehensive, including new asphalt paving, sealcoating, crack sealing, repairs, parking lot striping, ongoing maintenance, concrete repairs, and more. No matter your needs, we promise to do things right and take a personalized approach that exceeds all expectations.

Call Pelagic Paving at (346) 200-9537, email Info@pelagicpaving.com, or submit your information through our online form to get in touch and receive your free, no-obligation quot