There are a lot of strange myths surrounding asphalt, and most of them have no rhyme or reason but are firmly entrenched in the minds of those who believe them. Asphalt gets a bad rap because of these beliefs, and it’s one that it doesn’t deserve. Here is a comprehensive list of seven of the most commonly held beliefs about asphalt that just aren’t true!
Asphalt has a short lifespan
There is this idea that asphalt is not very durable and that it will fall apart quite quickly after it has been laid. While there was a certain amount of truth to this myth in the past, modern asphalt that has been properly laid and engineered can last for 25 years or more. This stuff is long lasting.
Asphalt has a high carbon footprint
Asphalt production is actually less damaging to the environment than its counterparts production. It also requires less energy to make and fewer resources during production. Another neat thing about asphalt is that a lot of it is recycled, which makes it even more eco-friendly. The idea that it has a high carbon footprint seems to come from the fact that it doesn’t smell very nice.
Asphalt is expensive
Asphalt is not expensive. In fact, it is one of the least expensive paving options out there. This myth mainly comes from the idea that asphalt is not very durable. The thought is that even though asphalt has a very low original cost, that it will need to be redone in a couple of years so those costs will add up over time. Once you understand how long-lasting asphalt actually is you know that this is a myth.
Asphalt is difficult to repair
This one is quite funny for just how false it actually is. Asphalt is very easy to repair, and asphalt as a patching tool is one of the best materials you can use to fix a road, whether the road was originally made from asphalt or not. Ask any contractor in the business if asphalt is easy to repair and they’ll tell you the truth: it is.
Asphalt doesn’t need a solid foundation
Asphalt can be laid down fairly easily in comparison to other types of road, and because of this ease of application, there is this idea that asphalt can be laid down just about anywhere. Asphalt is like any other paving material, it needs to be put down on a solid foundation so that it can support the vehicles that drive on top of it.
Asphalt can contaminate water supplies and leaches into soil
This is false. Asphalt is actually not water soluble so it cannot actually contaminate a water supply. Likewise, because it is insoluble, it cannot be leached into the water and get into the soil.
Asphalt can only be installed in the summer
The optimal temperature for asphalt to be installed is 21 degrees Celsius. So whenever it is 21 degrees where you live asphalt will be optimally laid down. That does not mean it can’t be laid down at other times, however. Asphalt can be laid at any time as long as the ground is not frozen.
At West York Paving we are happy to dispel these asphalt myths and welcome any questions that you have regarding paving. We want to help you make the right choice for your residential or commercial paving project.