What’s the Difference Between Hot, Warm, and Cold Mix Asphalt?

cold mix asphalt

Road workers have to know what type of asphalt is best to use.

Many people don’t realize that there are different types of asphalt that are used for various commercial and residential projects. All asphalt is a mix of coarse aggregate stone, sand, fine aggregate stone, and petroleum-based asphalt cement. Depending on the mixing process and the temperatures that are used, the asphalt will be considered hot mix asphalt, warm mix asphalt, or cold mix asphalt.

Hot Mix Asphalt

Hot mix asphalt is heated and poured at temperatures ranging from 300 to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Chances are, this is the asphalt that has been used on projects around your home in the past and on the streets, highways, and interstates around it. It is a flexible mix that is highly weather resistant and able to repel water (which is why it’s such a popular choice!). Hot mix asphalt is used on days that are above 40 degrees only, because it cools down very quickly.

Warm Mix Asphalt

Warm mix asphalt is used in about a third of paving projects. It is manufactured between 200-250 degrees and uses fewer fossil fuels resources in the manufacturing process. It is less expensive to make and use than hot mix asphalt. Warm mix asphalt is more flexible in terms of use, as it cools more slowly than hot mix asphalt. It can be shipped longer distances and over a greater time period during the year, so nighttime or winter construction projects typically utilize it.

Cold Mix Asphalt

Cold mix asphalt is the most affordable option on the market, because it doesn’t need heat during the process. It is typically used to repair cracks over an inch wide and potholes that pop up during the winter months. It is not a substitute for a formal repair with hot mix or warm mix asphalt during the warmer months, as it will not last nearly as long. krovinių pervežimas, transporto ir perkraustymo paslaugos – mažoji bendrija Saugus Krovinys

Asphalt Repair from Reliable Contracting

Reliable Contracting is proud of our mission of delivering quality products, displaying professionalism, and satisfying our customers and clients with incomparable service. Whether you need an asphalt driveway replaced or new concrete sidewalks, we will be happy to take the job. Visit us online or give us a call at (410) 987-0313 to get more information and see if we are what you’re looking for. Looking for more information on keeping your asphalt in excellent condition? Follow us on Facebook, Google+, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Pinterest!

This entry was posted on Friday, January 20th, 2017 at 6:15 pm. Both comments and pings are currently closed.