It's easy to see how common paving is in the world around us. From using a sidewalk to driving on the highway, paved surfaces surround us in all areas of life. These durable, reliable surfaces call for suitable paving materials. Asphalt is one material that has stood the test of time. It continues to be used everywhere for roads, driveways, and parking lots. Here are a few reasons why pavers consistently choose asphalt.

Speedy Installation

The amount of time it takes to prepare a site and lay either asphalt or concrete is approximately the same. However, asphalt is known for curing much quicker than other materials. According to Going Beyond Wealth, a blog specializing in several different industries, asphalt requires at least 48–72 hours to cure, while other materials can take much longer.

Cost Effectiveness

Asphalt is known for being cheaper than other materials, such as concrete. It’s significantly more affordable than brick pavers, too. The material itself is more inexpensive. The fast installation time also means you’ll pay less for labor.

Durability

Asphalt remains one of the more durable options when it comes to paving. It is flexible, meaning that it can bend slightly under a significant amount of weight without significant cracking and breaking. This makes it ideal for roads, which can last for years. When you properly maintain asphalt, it can last up to 20 years, according to engineering.com.

Easy Maintenance

Maintaining asphalt as the years go by is simple. To maintain asphalt, you’ll need to contact a local company to apply a new seal coat to the top of the asphalt. This helps protect it from weather damage. When asphalt is cracked or has potholes, contact a local paver. Professionals can quickly fill them in without significant reconstruction.

Eco-Friendliness

Asphalt is one of the most environmentally friendly paving choices. When asphalt roads and parking lots are torn up for replacement, the asphalt can be recycled. The old asphalt is usually ground down and used in new asphalt mixes. These mixes are called RAP, which stands for recycled asphalt pavement.

Customization Options

Another great thing about asphalt is that it can be customized. Pavers often wind up laying asphalt parking lots because the black pavement can be customized with yellow parking lines. This material can be stamped or colored to increase visual appeal, too. However, customization options often depend on the pavers you hire.

When it’s time to choose a material, asphalt usually wins. It’s cost-effective, better for the planet than other materials, and provides a smooth surface that is perfect for roads, parking lots, and more. When you’re ready to start a new paving project, call Lee & Sons Paving LLC.