Most people in America use the words blacktop and asphalt to mean the same thing. It is never clear on the meaning or use of either. The two are different in their mixture and uses. They are both made up of similar ingredients, that is; crushed stone and bitumen. While mixing the two elements, the ratio and heating for both asphalt and blacktop vary. So, the places where you can find them differ.
While choosing between the two, it is key to understand what they contain and where you can find them. This info will give you the working knowledge of the two surfaces and help you pick the right one for your project. This article explains factors that you may consider before choosing between the two;
Durability
The Orlando experts from CSG Sealcoating say that asphalt contains lesser amounts of crushed stone compared to the blacktop surface. Even though blacktop works, the low crushed stone mixture, asphalt, is more durable. The mixture is then heated up to at least 250 degrees, producing a strong, long-lasting surface. It can withstand high traffic and heavy loads for a long time. Contractors prefer asphalt to blacktop when constructing highways and high-traffic roads. This feature explains why.
Asphalt is also known to withstand adverse weather conditions. In the winter season, asphalt retains a lot of heat from the sun. The retained heat melts the ice and snow that accumulates in the season. This feature allows motorists to enjoy clear roads in and out of season.
Though it has a shorter lifespan, blacktop is not all that bad either. Though the mixture has a more crushed stone, you have to heat it to 300 degrees, to produce a durable surface. The higher amount of crushed stone also gives it a nice and unique sparkle. You can customize either type to fit the places you want to install. The perfect mixture will help ensure an effective and long-lasting result.
Maintenance
Even though asphalt lasts longer, it requires regular check-ups and maintenance. At first, you surface the road with asphalt. After one year, you have to seal the surface of your driveway. You will again, need to repeat the process of sealing it, to prevent cracks from forming on your driveway. This process should take place three to five years after the first sealing.
For blacktop, you have the option of resealing after a while. This process helps to reduce the chances of wear and tear and prevent severe damage. Its cost of maintenance is lower compared to asphalt. Looking at this and other factors above, you will be able to make the right decision for your project.
Road texture
If you are looking for a smooth ride, asphalt is your best choice. As stated earlier, it has less crushed stone and more bitumen which gives the surface a smooth finish. This feature is convenient as it reduces the noise that car tires produce when the vehicle is moving. Your shoes, car, bicycle, and motorbike tires will also last longer. This is because a smooth road has lesser friction and thus reduces the chance of wear and tear.
On another perspective, smooth roads increase the risk of road accidents. A rough surface provides a firmer grip on the car or bike tires which reduces the risk of an accident. This feature makes it suitable for residential places with many people especially kids.
Places of installation
To begin with, the path you want to surface will determine the choice you make. You will find asphalt on major roads that usually have a heavy flow of traffic. But you find blacktop on minor roads or paths with less traffic flow. Commercial roads such as highways, urban roads, streets, etc. have an asphalt surface. Residential roads, driveways, parking lots, playgrounds, etc. have a blacktop surface. This means if you want to surface your parking lot, your go-to option should be the blacktop mixture.
Asphalt and blacktop in a nutshel
Pros of asphalt
- Easy to maintain – asphalt creates roads that can sustain severe weather conditions. Whether it’s extreme cold or hot weather conditions, asphalt can withstand all that.
- Has smoother rides – since asphalt has fewer crushed stones than blacktop, it reduces the noise that’s produced when driving. Also, it helps to reduce the wear and tear of tires.
- Durability – unlike blacktop roads, asphalt roads are designed to last longer. They can handle heavy loads, which makes asphalt the best paving materials for major highways and roadways.
Cons of asphalt
- Needs regular maintenance – asphalt paved surfaces require regular sealcoating to protect them from cracks and adverse weather conditions. This is by far the major downside of having an asphalt-paved surface.
Pros of blacktop
- Reduces road accidents – since blacktop has a rough surface, it provides a better grip on shoes and tires. This reduces the chances of accidents of surfaces with blacktop paving, thus making it ideal for playgrounds, driveways, parking lots, and residential lots.
- Low maintenance costs – just like asphalt, blacktop is very durable and easy to repair.
Cons of blacktop
- Reduced lifespan – as said earlier, blacktop is ideal for areas with limited traffic like driveways, parking lots, residential roads, and playgrounds. Also, failing to sealcoat your blacktop after every few years can lead to permanent damages.
- Promotes wear and tear – because the rough surfaces of blacktop, tires, and shoes tend to wear out faster, unlike in asphalt surfaces.