Although asphalt paving can be used for many different things, not all mixes are created the same. Asphalt can be created and mixed for a variety of purposes and most often come in two types- hot mix and cold mix. Cassidy Paving is here to help you understand the differences between the two and the best uses for them. The more you know about the services you receive, the better off you’ll be when it is time to call in the professionals.
What Is the Difference Between Hot Mix and Cold Mix Asphalt?
All About Hot Mix Asphalt
The New Jersey Department of Transportation definition of hot mix asphalt is “a mixture of asphalt binder and graded mineral aggregate, mixed at an elevated temperature and compacted to form a relatively dense pavement layer”. Often, this consists of about 95 percent aggregate and 5 percent binder. Hot mix is often used for large-scale paving jobs like roads, parking lots, and driveways. You can tell if someone is using hot mix by the steam that is emitted from the asphalt as it is applied. The steam comes from the high temperatures (usually from about 300 to 350 degrees) used when applying it. Because of these hot temperatures, it tends to cool at a much faster rate than a cold mix would. Being in Massachusetts, hot mix asphalt would not be a great choice when temperatures begin to drop in the fall and winter. We suggest that if you have a large asphalt pavement job, that you should wait until the warmer spring temperatures to do it. If the hot mix cannot be properly applied and cured, your asphalt pavement will not be in the best condition to last long-term.
All About Cold Mix Asphalt
Cold mix asphalt is asphalt in its most basic form. Unlike hot mix, there is no heating required for the application process. Because cold mix will be technically applied as-is, it is best for patching and other small jobs. If you have a pothole that needs to be addressed before winter, cold mix will be the way to go. These small-scale and temporary fixes should be the only projects cold mix is used for because the lifespan of this type of asphalt is much shorter compared to hot mix. This is a very affordable option for those looking for pothole and crack repair. Cold mix asphalt is also relatively quick compared to hot mix.
Choosing Your Asphalt
When you call in the Cassidy Paving crew we will take a few factors into account prior to deciding on what kind of asphalt to use. A few things that will help make our consideration include:
- Season/Temperature
- Size of project
- Type of project
- Budget
When making our final decision for hot or cold mix asphalt, there may be even more factors. We will work with you to make the best choice for your needs.
Hire the Pros
If you are in the Massachusetts area and are in need of asphalt paving and repair, Cassidy Paving is here to help. Give us a call today at 866-978-9788 for a free estimate and more information.