RAP vs. traditional asphalt: We can help you determine the best solution and provide what you need.
Asphalt is one of the most affordable and durable materials used on a large, global scale. It is used for all the roads that make up our nation–that’s a lot of asphalt! This combination of bitumen, gravel, and other aggregates comes in more than one form, though. While there are different types of asphalt mix, such as hot, warm, and cold, you also have recycled asphalt vs. new asphalt. How do they apply to road construction?
Recycled Asphalt vs. New Asphalt for Roads
Asphalt is one of the most recycled materials in the world, and one of its uses is road construction. Recycled asphalt is old asphalt reheated and reformed for new pavements or pavement repairs. It uses its existing gravel, bitumen, and other aggregates; it is truly a completely renewable product. As for its performance, it could be slightly more brittle than new asphalt, but it will still last over a decade on average. It is less expensive than new asphalt and costs less to maintain. It lasts a shorter time, but it offers savings in other ways, aside from the environmental benefit.
New asphalt, especially hot and warm mix asphalt, is the most resilient and long-lasting. With its longevity, which can be as long as 25 years, it does need sealcoating every few years and routine upkeep, such as crack filling and pothole repairs. When installed right, however, traditional asphalt performs very well.
Uses for Recycled Asphalt
Recycled asphalt doesn’t only go toward new roads. It can also find new life in residential driveways, parking lots, hiking paths, and road bases. Contractors can also use recycled asphalt for drainage and erosion control in a wide range of settings, from landscapes to landfills.
Mixing New and Recycled Asphalt for Roads and Other Pavements
Recycled asphalt has yet another popular use: creating a mixture with new asphalt that saves money, promotes the efficient use of materials, and does not compromise on quality. Recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) can be mixed with new asphalt at the asphalt plant. Another option is to reheat existing asphalt on site and restore it with other agents. If you have a paving project in mind in Maryland, Reliable Contracting will know how to handle it.
ABOUT RELIABLE CONTRACTING
Reliable is dedicated to delivering quality products, displaying professionalism within the firm, seeking new opportunities for expansion and profitability, and providing an environment for individual success. If you have a commercial or residential construction project that you need taken care of, please contact Anne Arundel County’s largest site-work contractor today by calling 410-987-0313 or visiting our website. You can also follow Reliable Contracting on Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Twitter!
Reliable Contracting Company serves the following and surrounding counties and areas: Annapolis, Queen Anne’s, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Baltimore City, Calvert, Caroline, Charles, Howard, Prince George’s, St. Mary’s, Talbot, and Washington D.C.