Many people believe that blacktop and asphalt are the same thing, but that isn’t entirely true. While both materials are used for constructing roads and other surfaces, the two materials do have some differences associated with them. We’ll look at what those are and why it matters below. Any professional asphalt paving company in Jacksonville will offer one or both of these options.
Asphalt
Asphalt is a composite material that is often used for the surface of pavements and roads. Minerals like rocks and sands are bound with asphalt, which is a black, viscous liquid that is a semi-solid form of petroleum. The asphalt is then compressed by using a steamroller. It is a solid, smooth, water-resistant material that is known for its durability. There are various types of asphalt for different purposes, mixed to offer the best composition for the project.
Blacktop
Blacktop is a type of asphalt. It is also a composite material that is made of bitumen and mineral aggregates. The mixture is 5% liquid asphalt and 95% minerals which are combined at a high temperature to coat the stones. After this is complete, the asphalt is allowed to harden. It is then used as a binder to hold the stones together firmly. Blacktop is an option mainly used for paving streets and roads today.
Differences Between Asphalt and Blacktop
While asphalt and blacktop are quite similar, there are differences. The first is that asphalt is a composite material that is often used for constructing pavements and roads. It can also be used for the core of embankment dams. On the other hand, blacktop is a sort of asphalt that is most commonly used for paving streets and roads.
With asphalt, there are various mixed and methods of concrete asphalt which are used for many different purposes. Blacktop is a single one of those asphalt mixtures that contains mainly stone combined with liquid asphalt. As such, asphalt is a large category of material options, and blacktop is one of those single options.
Asphalt is largely used for commercial roads, parking lots, and other surfaces. Blacktop is less durable and mainly used for driveways at residential dwelling.
While these two items are often called by the same names, it’s important to know the differences between the two. If you are looking for an asphalt paving company in Jacksonville, Vallencourt can help. We’d be happy to answer your questions and help with your next project. You can find out more at www.VallencourtInc.com.