At Cassidy Paving, our goal is to give you as much information on asphalt pavement as possible so that you have a full understanding of your driveways or parking lots. This understanding will allow you to make the best decisions when it comes to the construction and maintenance of your asphalt structures. Since we are now well into the colder months, comprehension of how asphalt is mixed and what effects cold weather has on it can help save you both time and money over your asphalt’s lifespan. Here are the top reasons aggregate properties are affected in the cold.
What Are Asphalt Aggregate Properties?
Asphalt Aggregates
The European Asphalt Pavement Association provides a great definition of asphalt: “asphalt is a mixture of aggregates, binder and filler, used for constructing and maintaining roads, parking areas, railway tracks, ports, airport runways, bicycle lanes, sidewalks and also play – and sport areas”. By understanding that asphalt at its root is just a mixture of different types of aggregates like sand, gravel, stone, slag, or rock dust, you can learn what temperatures and processes work best with each kind of asphalt mixture. Each of these is categorized into either pit, processed, or synthetic with different desirable properties including texture, absorption, and grading to name a few.
Cold Asphalt Mixtures
Traditionally, the most durable asphalt mixtures will be done so in high temperatures. The colder the temperatures, the more selective you must be with the aggregates in your asphalt. Cold mix is something that most certified asphalt contractors, like Cassidy Paving, can provide. During the harsh winters in Massachusetts, there will not be enough compaction time available for hot mix before it cures, therefore if there are repairs that must be done during this time, the cold mix will be used. Cold asphalt aggregates are only recommended for small area paving and patching. In a perfect situation, you would be able to hot mix aggregates for large-scale projects.
Best Time to Pave
Because cold weather does impact the way we can mix and apply asphalt, there is a preferred time to pave. For those across New England, we prefer to wait until springtime to do most asphalt paving. Once the ground begins to thaw and snow melts, better paving can be done. Well into the summer is absolutely the best time to pave. Cold weather limits the application and mixing of asphalt, therefore you will not get the full-scale options you would in the warmer months. Summer will allow us to pave in a timely manner and be assured that compaction will happen correctly. Certain aggregates only mix in warmer weather/processes.
Get More Information
If you have an asphalt issue that cannot wait to be repaired or you want to plan for your spring and summer paving projects, our expert technicians are here to help. Give us a call today at 866-978-9788 to get information on residential, commercial, and industrial paving. Estimates with us are always free. You don’t have to wait for the warmer months to make a plan for your asphalt paving needs.