Hot Mix Asphalt Paving
Hot Mix Asphalt (also referred to as blacktop or HMA) is a solid surface pavement that is available for both residential and commercial use here in Texas. It has a 20+ year lifespan if periodically maintained - even in the Texas heat!
Hot mix asphalt is a dense mix of stone, fine mineral aggregates, and asphalt cement (which is petroleum based). It is delivered and applied hot, leaving the asphalt plant at over 300 degrees. This means that when the trucks arrive, it's put down quickly. Once compacted and cured, it has a smooth dense consistenty, and a dark grey/black finish. This finish turns more grey from the sun over time.
Just think of a driveway that is black in color like in the photos below. That's hot mix asphalt.
Hot mix asphalt is a dense mix of stone, fine mineral aggregates, and asphalt cement (which is petroleum based). It is delivered and applied hot, leaving the asphalt plant at over 300 degrees. This means that when the trucks arrive, it's put down quickly. Once compacted and cured, it has a smooth dense consistenty, and a dark grey/black finish. This finish turns more grey from the sun over time.
Just think of a driveway that is black in color like in the photos below. That's hot mix asphalt.
What is Hot Mix Asphalt?
Hot mix asphalt is a dense mix of stone, fine mineral aggregates, and asphalt cement (which is petroleum based). It is delivered and applied hot, leaving the asphalt plant at about 300 degrees farenheit. This means that when the trucks arrive, it's put down quickly. Once compacted and cured, it has a smooth dense consistenty, and a grey/black finish.
Hot mix asphalt is a dense mix of stone, fine mineral aggregates, and asphalt cement (which is petroleum based). It is delivered and applied hot, leaving the asphalt plant at about 300 degrees farenheit. This means that when the trucks arrive, it's put down quickly. Once compacted and cured, it has a smooth dense consistenty, and a grey/black finish.
What types of projects can I use it for?
Hot mix asphalt is perfect for driveways, roads, parking lots, parking pads, and walkways. It can be formed into various shapes and can meet right up to cement pads, stairs, etc.
Hot mix asphalt is perfect for driveways, roads, parking lots, parking pads, and walkways. It can be formed into various shapes and can meet right up to cement pads, stairs, etc.
How long will a hot mix asphalt road or driveway last?
Hot mix asphalt has a life span of 20 years or more. Obviously, this is difficult to answer more specifically because of the unknown conditions of soil, usage, etc. With maintenance, we've seen asphalt last much longer, and with poor underlying soil conditions or around dumpsters for instance, we've seen significantly less. A good rule of thumb is that the better the road is under the asphalt, the longer the top layer of asphalt will hold up. You can expect that it will last nearly as long as concrete, and much longer than any other paving method. The benefit to hot mix asphalt is that it can be maintained in such a way that a new layer can be put on top. The problem with old concrete is that it has to be removed at some point, which is very expensive. In contrast, few asphalt drives actually have to be removed because they can often be overlaid with a fresh layer of asphalt.
We highly recommend starting with a good underlying road base, one that is sturdy and compacted, in order to have longevity.
Hot mix asphalt has a life span of 20 years or more. Obviously, this is difficult to answer more specifically because of the unknown conditions of soil, usage, etc. With maintenance, we've seen asphalt last much longer, and with poor underlying soil conditions or around dumpsters for instance, we've seen significantly less. A good rule of thumb is that the better the road is under the asphalt, the longer the top layer of asphalt will hold up. You can expect that it will last nearly as long as concrete, and much longer than any other paving method. The benefit to hot mix asphalt is that it can be maintained in such a way that a new layer can be put on top. The problem with old concrete is that it has to be removed at some point, which is very expensive. In contrast, few asphalt drives actually have to be removed because they can often be overlaid with a fresh layer of asphalt.
We highly recommend starting with a good underlying road base, one that is sturdy and compacted, in order to have longevity.
How it is applied?
Hot mix asphalt is delivered hot in dump trucks and is applied with a professional paving machine, then compacted with a vibratory roller.
Hot mix asphalt is delivered hot in dump trucks and is applied with a professional paving machine, then compacted with a vibratory roller.
How long does it take for hot mix asphalt to cure?
Even though giving hot mix 30 days to fully 'chemically' cure would be a good rule of thumb, it only takes about one day before the surface is hard enough to withstand some pressure. Your paving professional will instruct you on this, but driving on it is possible right away. After about 7 days the surface should be significantly harder and shouldn't be very prone to damage.
We do have situations where roads cannot be closed off and they are driven on right away, so we know that new asphalt can hold up to traffic. Expect imperfections to appear if someone does a hard turn, for example, while stationary. Also, edges remain soft longer, so driving off the edge may leave a tire mark when asphalt has just been paved.
Even though giving hot mix 30 days to fully 'chemically' cure would be a good rule of thumb, it only takes about one day before the surface is hard enough to withstand some pressure. Your paving professional will instruct you on this, but driving on it is possible right away. After about 7 days the surface should be significantly harder and shouldn't be very prone to damage.
We do have situations where roads cannot be closed off and they are driven on right away, so we know that new asphalt can hold up to traffic. Expect imperfections to appear if someone does a hard turn, for example, while stationary. Also, edges remain soft longer, so driving off the edge may leave a tire mark when asphalt has just been paved.
How long before I can drive on new asphalt pavement?
Although the chemical curing process can take up to three weeks or more, driving can generally be allowed on surfaces 24-48 hours after paving, keeping in mind that twisting (especially when at a full stop), driving off edges, heavy vehicle traffic, and even things like lawn chairs could create surface blemishes during the first week or so.
Although the chemical curing process can take up to three weeks or more, driving can generally be allowed on surfaces 24-48 hours after paving, keeping in mind that twisting (especially when at a full stop), driving off edges, heavy vehicle traffic, and even things like lawn chairs could create surface blemishes during the first week or so.
How long does it take to pave a hot mix driveway?
Generally it takes one day to prep and one day to pave, but this is an over-simplification due to some jobs having higher difficulty or are a larger size. Residential driveway overlays are generally done in one day.
Generally it takes one day to prep and one day to pave, but this is an over-simplification due to some jobs having higher difficulty or are a larger size. Residential driveway overlays are generally done in one day.
Is Hot Mix Asphalt affordable?
Hot mix asphalt is the most affordable solid surface available. It is cheaper than concrete and paving stones, but more than tar & chip, gravel or recycled asphalt.
Hot mix asphalt is the most affordable solid surface available. It is cheaper than concrete and paving stones, but more than tar & chip, gravel or recycled asphalt.
How does Hot Mix Asphalt compare to concrete?
Asphalt and Concrete have a lot of benefits overall. They're just different from one another, with specific uses that make each a good value in their own right.
• Concrete is better if exact grade is required, it is also good where heavy loads are concerned, and when done right, it lasts a very long time.
• Asphalt is better in areas with significant grade differences or tricky areas, maintenance is cheaper, and the cost difference offers a ton of value on a solid surface.
See the pro's and con's below:
Asphalt and Concrete have a lot of benefits overall. They're just different from one another, with specific uses that make each a good value in their own right.
• Concrete is better if exact grade is required, it is also good where heavy loads are concerned, and when done right, it lasts a very long time.
• Asphalt is better in areas with significant grade differences or tricky areas, maintenance is cheaper, and the cost difference offers a ton of value on a solid surface.
See the pro's and con's below:
How does Hot Mix Asphalt compare to Chip Seal, Gravel, Recycled Asphalt, etc.?
Hot Mix Vs. Chip Seal: Hot mix asphalt is significantly more durable than chip seal. Chip seal has a lifespan of about 5-7 years while hot mix is 20-25. The benefit of chip seal being that it can cover a lot of ground without a lot of material. Here in Texas that means that very long ranch roads, for instance, can utilize chip seal at a fraction of the price of asphalt or concrete, and perhaps not much more than just adding aggregates. This means that long ranch roads could last longer without re-grading and adding material for a longer period of time.
Hot Mix Vs. Gravel: When comparing hot mix asphalt to gravel, it is important to realize that gravel is the base for asphalt roads. Many times, when we see a property in person, our first recommendation is to build up the road with gravel in preparation for hot mix. What this means to you is that gravel is a good base, is half the price or so of hot mix, and damaged roads often have to start with this step anyway. If you're okay with gravel, adding a few loads could get you the result you're after without too much expense. Gravel is roughly half the cost of hot mix or less depending on what you're doing with it.
Hot Mix Vs. Recycled Asphalt: Hot Mix Asphalt and Recycled Asphalt have some key differences. First off, hot mix is delivered hot and cures quickly. Recycled asphalt is a cold granular that hardens over time when heat and humidity re-invigorate the curing process. The tars in recycled asphalt don't disappear, but they are not fresh hot liquid tars, they are tars that are already stuck to the rock from a cured former roadway. Recycled asphalt is an amazing product, and at half the price or less of hot mix, they are affordable as well. It cures essentially back into an asphalt road, but takes time and would still be considered semi-pourous as opposed to hot mix asphalt which would be solid-surface.
Hot Mix Vs. Chip Seal: Hot mix asphalt is significantly more durable than chip seal. Chip seal has a lifespan of about 5-7 years while hot mix is 20-25. The benefit of chip seal being that it can cover a lot of ground without a lot of material. Here in Texas that means that very long ranch roads, for instance, can utilize chip seal at a fraction of the price of asphalt or concrete, and perhaps not much more than just adding aggregates. This means that long ranch roads could last longer without re-grading and adding material for a longer period of time.
Hot Mix Vs. Gravel: When comparing hot mix asphalt to gravel, it is important to realize that gravel is the base for asphalt roads. Many times, when we see a property in person, our first recommendation is to build up the road with gravel in preparation for hot mix. What this means to you is that gravel is a good base, is half the price or so of hot mix, and damaged roads often have to start with this step anyway. If you're okay with gravel, adding a few loads could get you the result you're after without too much expense. Gravel is roughly half the cost of hot mix or less depending on what you're doing with it.
Hot Mix Vs. Recycled Asphalt: Hot Mix Asphalt and Recycled Asphalt have some key differences. First off, hot mix is delivered hot and cures quickly. Recycled asphalt is a cold granular that hardens over time when heat and humidity re-invigorate the curing process. The tars in recycled asphalt don't disappear, but they are not fresh hot liquid tars, they are tars that are already stuck to the rock from a cured former roadway. Recycled asphalt is an amazing product, and at half the price or less of hot mix, they are affordable as well. It cures essentially back into an asphalt road, but takes time and would still be considered semi-pourous as opposed to hot mix asphalt which would be solid-surface.
Where can I get Hot Mix Asphalt near me?
Hot mix asphalt is available in all areas if the country. As with any aggregate used in paving, it may be harder for homeowners to procure because plants sell mostly to contractors (paving companies), but you may be able to find it on your own.
The best way to get hot mix asphalt is to have your paving professional buy it on your behalf and have them install it.
We do have some customers that just need the mix and can install it. If you're wanting hot mix asphalt in North Texas, we can make arrangements for deliveries with or without installation. Contact us.
Hot mix asphalt is available in all areas if the country. As with any aggregate used in paving, it may be harder for homeowners to procure because plants sell mostly to contractors (paving companies), but you may be able to find it on your own.
The best way to get hot mix asphalt is to have your paving professional buy it on your behalf and have them install it.
We do have some customers that just need the mix and can install it. If you're wanting hot mix asphalt in North Texas, we can make arrangements for deliveries with or without installation. Contact us.
What is a solid-surface pavement?
Anything that is non-porous would be considered a solid-surface pavement. This includes hot mix asphalt (blacktop), concrete and chip seal (tar & chip). Aggregates such as recycled asphalt, gravel, decomposed granite, chip stone, etc. are considered semi-porous, and would not be considered solid-surface paving methods. Slurry paving is also a solid-surface, but as of today, there are not many commercial or residential uses.
Anything that is non-porous would be considered a solid-surface pavement. This includes hot mix asphalt (blacktop), concrete and chip seal (tar & chip). Aggregates such as recycled asphalt, gravel, decomposed granite, chip stone, etc. are considered semi-porous, and would not be considered solid-surface paving methods. Slurry paving is also a solid-surface, but as of today, there are not many commercial or residential uses.
What types of Hot Mix Asphalt are available?
There are several different types of asphalt available, and custom formulations can be made. The names of different mixes is different in other parts of the country. The type of mix will depend on desired use (residential, highway, etc). Generally, we use a course mix under and a fine topcoat mix on top. If you're in North Texas, you can have hot mix asphalt made to any specifications by contacting us.
There are several different types of asphalt available, and custom formulations can be made. The names of different mixes is different in other parts of the country. The type of mix will depend on desired use (residential, highway, etc). Generally, we use a course mix under and a fine topcoat mix on top. If you're in North Texas, you can have hot mix asphalt made to any specifications by contacting us.
Can any paving company install Hot Mix Asphalt?
Most paving companies should be able to install hot mix asphalt. They may not be experts at it, but if they own the equipment they should be able to. Some paving companies do so little hot mix asphalt that the jobs may not be high quality. We do our best to create stunning, long-lasting driveways and roads for our neighbors north of Dallas, TX. and our work speaks for itself, but we have a hard time vouching for others since the finished quality we've seen around town varies so much.
Most paving companies should be able to install hot mix asphalt. They may not be experts at it, but if they own the equipment they should be able to. Some paving companies do so little hot mix asphalt that the jobs may not be high quality. We do our best to create stunning, long-lasting driveways and roads for our neighbors north of Dallas, TX. and our work speaks for itself, but we have a hard time vouching for others since the finished quality we've seen around town varies so much.
Can I pave Hot Mix Asphalt myself?
Because hot mix asphalt is delivered hot and sets up very quickly, it is not easy to install. In fact, building contractors, property managers, and maintenance professionals (with familiarity with pavement and careers in construction-related industries) will still rely on a paving company to prep and install hot mix asphalt.
Unlike some of the other materials Country Roads Paving has written DIY articles about, we do not recommend doing any sort of DIY installation of hot mix asphalt. The difficulty level is incredibly high.
Because hot mix asphalt is delivered hot and sets up very quickly, it is not easy to install. In fact, building contractors, property managers, and maintenance professionals (with familiarity with pavement and careers in construction-related industries) will still rely on a paving company to prep and install hot mix asphalt.
Unlike some of the other materials Country Roads Paving has written DIY articles about, we do not recommend doing any sort of DIY installation of hot mix asphalt. The difficulty level is incredibly high.
How can I save money on asphalt paving?
The real savings many times is found in instances where an existing driveway is already asphalt. If it has damage, it can be repaired in many cases, or can get an overlay of hot mix asphalt right over the existing surface. This means you don't have to completely start from scratch. With concrete starting from scratch is common, but very expensive.
The real savings many times is found in instances where an existing driveway is already asphalt. If it has damage, it can be repaired in many cases, or can get an overlay of hot mix asphalt right over the existing surface. This means you don't have to completely start from scratch. With concrete starting from scratch is common, but very expensive.
Where can Country Roads Paving travel to?
Generally, we stick to North Dallas in places like Allan, Fairview, McKinney, Frisco, Sherman, Little Elm, Pilot Point, Aubrey, Melissa, Anna, Oak Point, Gunter, Celina, Denison, Princeton, Pottsboro, and many more locations in North Texas!
If you're out of the area don't lose hope. Someone in your area is sure to know something about where to get Recycled Asphalt or how to install a driveway or other paving project with it. You can always contact us if you have any project you believe we may be suited for.
Generally, we stick to North Dallas in places like Allan, Fairview, McKinney, Frisco, Sherman, Little Elm, Pilot Point, Aubrey, Melissa, Anna, Oak Point, Gunter, Celina, Denison, Princeton, Pottsboro, and many more locations in North Texas!
If you're out of the area don't lose hope. Someone in your area is sure to know something about where to get Recycled Asphalt or how to install a driveway or other paving project with it. You can always contact us if you have any project you believe we may be suited for.
SUMMMARY:
Asphalt is an amazing product. It's a solid surface, that is priced to offer high value, and usability for a long time. Maintenance is inexpensive over time and there are many solutions for fixing damage if and when it happens.
It is comparable to concrete in many ways, but both asphalt and concrete have their 'best usage'. It's a matter of finding out which is right for you, in your particular situation. It is significantly cheaper than concrete, but because it is more flexible than concrete it has some limitations as to how much weight it can withstand over time, depending on how the base of the drive was constructed.
When compared to gravel, recycled asphalt, decomposed granite, chip seal, etc. it is vastly superior and could be a reasonable step up from those semi-porous surfaces.
Here in Texas, if you have a long driveway, concrete may be unrealistic as far as price. On the other hand, if you have a dumpster on your property, you may just want to spend the extra to ensure the area in front of it is trouble-free.
There is a solution for every situation and in some cases that even means using both concrete and asphalt to accomplish your goals. We also do combinations of asphalt with gravel or recycled asphalt as well when it is warranted.
Regardless of what your needs are, we can consult you as far as the best solution given your resources and requirements. If one or the other is better, we'll let ya know. If hot mix asphalt is the perfect solution, and you choose us, we'll get you a driveway or road that you can be proud of for many years to come!
Asphalt is an amazing product. It's a solid surface, that is priced to offer high value, and usability for a long time. Maintenance is inexpensive over time and there are many solutions for fixing damage if and when it happens.
It is comparable to concrete in many ways, but both asphalt and concrete have their 'best usage'. It's a matter of finding out which is right for you, in your particular situation. It is significantly cheaper than concrete, but because it is more flexible than concrete it has some limitations as to how much weight it can withstand over time, depending on how the base of the drive was constructed.
When compared to gravel, recycled asphalt, decomposed granite, chip seal, etc. it is vastly superior and could be a reasonable step up from those semi-porous surfaces.
Here in Texas, if you have a long driveway, concrete may be unrealistic as far as price. On the other hand, if you have a dumpster on your property, you may just want to spend the extra to ensure the area in front of it is trouble-free.
There is a solution for every situation and in some cases that even means using both concrete and asphalt to accomplish your goals. We also do combinations of asphalt with gravel or recycled asphalt as well when it is warranted.
Regardless of what your needs are, we can consult you as far as the best solution given your resources and requirements. If one or the other is better, we'll let ya know. If hot mix asphalt is the perfect solution, and you choose us, we'll get you a driveway or road that you can be proud of for many years to come!
