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Does Asphalt Affect the Colorado Environment?

Asphalt has been used for centuries as a paving material. It is durable and weather-resistant. Asphalt in Colorado is used to create a variety of surfaces. But what are the environmental effects of using asphalt? Does it affect air quality? Water resources? How does the use of asphalt in Colorado impact city living? This blog post will take a closer look at asphalt and its effect on the Colorado environment.

The Asphalt Creation Process

Asphalt consists of two main ingredients: rock and bitumen. Rock is the foundation of asphalt pavement. It makes up 85-95% of asphalt pavement by weight and provides structural support for the pavement. The asphalt creation process begins with mining or quarrying rock. The rock is then transported to an asphalt plant, where it is crushed and

mixed with bitumen. Bitumen is a black or dark brown viscous material that binds the asphalt pavement together. It is made up of asphalt cement, a by-product of crude oil refining, and aggregate, a mixture of sand, gravel, and crushed stone.

The asphalt pavement is then placed on a road surface and compacted.

Is Asphalt Reusable?

Asphalt is a sustainable material that can be reused and recycled. It is the most recycled material in the United States. Asphalt companies in Colorado are committed to recycling asphalt pavement (RAP) and milling, which reduces waste and conserves resources.

When asphalt is removed from a road surface, it is crushed into smaller pieces and used as a base for new asphalt pavements. This process is called milling. Milling asphalt can be used to create various surfaces, such as:

  • A temporary road surface while permanent repairs are being made
  • A stable foundation for asphalt paving
  • A drainage ditch lining
  • A material to fill potholes

Asphalt companies in Colorado are also committed to using recycled asphalt shingles (RAS) in asphalt pavements. RAS is a sustainable material that can be used as an additive to hot mix asphalt (HMA). Adding RAS to HMA increases the pavement’s resistance to cracking and rutting and extends the pavement’s life. Asphalt companies in Colorado use RAS in the asphalt pavement to create a more sustainable product.

Asphalt’s Effect On Air, Water, And City Living

Air

While asphalt pavement is not a significant source of air pollution, asphalt production and asphalt paving can release emissions into the air. These emissions include: 

  1. Carbon monoxide
  2. Nitrogen oxides
  3. Particulate matter
  4. Volatile organic compounds

Water

Asphalt production and asphalt paving can also affect water resources. The asphalt creation process uses a significant amount of water, and asphalt pavement itself can contaminate stormwater runoff if not maintained correctly.

City Living

Asphalt pavement can also impact city living as it is a significant source of noise pollution in cities. In addition, asphalt pavement can be a trip hazard, especially for pedestrians and cyclists.

In conclusion, asphalt pavement can impact the environment, but any asphalt company in Colorado is going to be part of the effort toward working to reduce the environmental impact of their products. They are exploring new methods of production that use recycled materials and are developing ways to reuse and recycle asphalt products. These efforts will help reduce waste produced by asphalt companies and contribute to a cleaner environment.

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The Importance of Grading & Excavating Asphalt

It is always important to be prepared to learn something new, and when matters related to asphalt installation are concerned, there are a few things that many asphalt contractors, commercial property owners, homeowners, asphalt companies and even municipality employees may need to learn.

This article will give an easy and clear step-by-step overview of what a good quality asphalt installation requires.

Step 1: Demolition and Removal

The first thing you need to do is remove the existing surface, whether it’s concrete, asphalt or pavers.

  • For the required efficiency, demolition is done using heavy machinery that includes forklifts, front loaders, bobcats and large dump trucks when necessary.
  • The debris is then removed to make the place fresh for a new immaculate installation.

Step 2: Grading and Sloping

Technology plays an integral role in helping you get the perfect surface for the most appropriate water drainage.

  • Using automatic motor graders and laser-guided transits, ensure that you grade the surface you want paved to see to it that water will run off properly without creating unnecessary swamps.
  • When you get good water drainage for your asphalt, you will prevent future damage that includes cracks, water potholes and heaving. It will also add a lot of aesthetic appeal to your space.

Step 3: Prepare the Sub Base

The most integral part of your asphalt surface is the sub-base for the following reasons:

  • It provides a stable environment for maximum support of the new pavement.
  • It is a frost barrier and plays an integral role in reducing water damage because of thawing and freezing during winter.
  • The base stability, thickness, and compaction are very important steps when installing. If one thing goes wrong and the base is not properly compacted, the asphalt surface will not produce maximum durability.

Step 4: Undercutting, Sub Base Repair and Proof Roll

When the sub is well compacted and graded, you need to provide the next step, called the proof roll, to ensure that the underlying surface base is strong enough and ready to offer solid support to the new asphalt.

  • You can drive a heavily loaded quad axle dump truck row by row over the whole surface for the best results.
  • If the gravel happens to flex more than an inch under the truck’s weight, it means the base is not so well supported.

Step 5: Binder and Surface Course

Once you lay the sub, identify any soft areas and repair them, you can add the binder.

  • The binder is a large aggregate usually mixed with oil and, therefore, very durable and strong.
  • The binder layer is the ultimate strength of any asphalt surface.

Step 6: Install New Asphalt Surface

When you lay all the supportive structures of your new asphalt surface, you can add the top asphalt layer.

  • Surface asphalt is usually made of sand, oil and small aggregate.
  • The material combination provides a smooth and shiny surface when applied properly.

Step 7: Butt Transition and Joints

It is unusual to install an asphalt surface that does not connect to parking lots, existing driveways and busy parking lots. It is, therefore, important to do the following:

  • Give maximum attention to the butt joints and ensure that old asphalt and new asphalt are compacted.
  • Ensure that the area has proper water-run off.

Final Roll

Once the asphalt and the butt joints have been well laid, you can go ahead and make sure that the entire surface is compacted and smoothened by using a roller truck. This process ensures no small bumps and stones left poking through the new surface.

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Chipseal, Gravel and Aggregate: Same or Different?

Chipseal, gravel, and aggregate are 3 excellent options for keeping a firm ground and building sturdy foundations. But, as anyone who has poured the wrong kinds of rocks into a driveway, drainage field, or pool can tell you, the end results can be devastating if you use the wrong time.

Some differences are subtle, with aesthetics and traffic quality sticking out the most. Some thing just feel better. What’s more important is when you use the wrong material.

Here are your best uses for chipseal, gravel, and aggregate. Know their potential and tailor their benefits for your projects with safety, efficiency, and convenience in mind.

What Is Chipseal Best For?

Chipseal is asphalt that goes through a few processes for the final product. A thin layer of heated asphalt is sprayed on a surface, and then smaller chips of aggregate are added on top. A compactor follows, pushing the chips into place and making their positions more uniform.

After compacting, the chipseal needs to be swept or lightly bugged to remove excess chips. This isn’t a heavy, firm buffing that yanks the chips and scrapes up the cooling asphalt–it’s just enough to remove pieces that aren’t firmly stuck to the project.

Chipseal is great for roads, and it’s 1/4th or 1/5th more affordable than standard asphalt spreading techniques, with a life extension of about 5 to 7 years according to the Department of Transportation.

If you’re repairing a road and need a maintenance plan for anything that has general use traffic, chipseal is a great option. It’s all about correction, preservation, and maintenance.

What Is Gravel Best For?

For people who aren’t used to foundation and paving materials, everything is gravel. It has become a general term, but if you want to avoid buying the wrong kind of rocks, stones, or crumbly bits–whatever you call them in your head–it’s time to look at gravel specifics.

Gravel is measured by its particle size, or the size of the materials in the gravel pack you buy. There are two scales to keep in mind:

Udden-Wentworth Scale

  • Granular – 2–4 mm or 0.079–0.157 inches
  • Pebble – 4–64 mm or 0.2–2.5 in

ISO 14688

  • Fine – 2.0 to 6.3 mm
  • Medium – 6.3 to 20 mm
  • Coarse 20 to 63 mm

Gravel is best used for walking paths, driveways, or if you want the rolling, smaller rock features in your hardscaping. It’s easy to walk on, provides decent grip for parking areas, and is easy to replace.

What Is Aggregate Best For?

Aggregate is a combination of different materials. In most products, it means having coarse and medium grains mixed together.

The size isn’t the only difference–different aggregate packs can include different material types. Sand, crushed stone, recycled concrete, slag, and gravel can be included. Aggregate may combine both of the previous materials and add a bit more.

It’s important to know what kind of aggregate you’re using. For foundations where standard rocks are fine as long as the proper filler is involved, you can use any type you want. If you can’t find a supply for a specific, single pack of materials, you might want to find an aggregate supplier that delivers a close enough mixture.

How do you find out? Along with reading the packaging, ask the supplier. Some people will ask where the aggregate comes from, such as a specific quarry or recycled from another construction project. You might even figure out if they can source the actual materials you need, or guarantee a close enough mix.

If you need help figuring out which material to use for your next project, get in touch with a construction and landscaping materials professional today.

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5 Types of Asphalt Pavement

Did you know that asphalt is the most reused, recycled, and most versatile pavement material? Well, 94% of the 2.6 million American paved roads are made with asphalt. It has been known to be smooth, quiet, safe, and durable.

The pavement structures can be developed in such a way that they can handle any kind of load from passengers to cars and heavy trucks. During asphalt construction, the surface mixes can be customized to reduce splash, absorb noise, and even treat rainwater.

If you are a business owner planning to take on a pavement project, here are five asphalt types that you may want to check before making a decision.

1. Porous Asphalt

The porous asphalt has been there since 1970. It is majorly used in parking lots to allow smooth drainage of rainwater after heavy rainstorms. If storm water isn’t appropriately drained and pools on an asphalt surface, it may cause other defects like potholes, which are dangerous to both pedestrians and motorists.

Porous asphalt prevents potholes and other water-related damages by offering the rainwater a channel to drain. The asphalt companywill place a layer of porous asphalt over a reservoir of the pen graded stone. This way, the water will travel through the pavement, to the stone bed, and eventually infiltrating the soil. When carefully done and maintained, porous asphalt can last over 20 years.

2. Perpetual Pavement

This is a combination of the several layers type of design process and asphalt. From that collaboration, you can tell that they’re long-lasting, smooth, and durable. The process begins by applying a base layer that is base crack-resistant, flexible, and strong enough to handle traffic tension.

The mid-layer offers structure, and the top layer provides that rut-resistant surface to give asphalt the required durability. Installing perpetual pavement is quite straightforward for any experienced asphalt company. It is fast and does not disrupt traffic. If well maintained and given that restorative care, perpetual pavements can last more than 50 years.

3. Quiet Pavement

From its name, quiet pavement is a unique type of asphalt that helps reduce traffic noise. Paving roads with asphalt reduces noise both outside and inside homes and workplaces.

The porous and the open-graded asphalts are popular quiet pavement mixtures as they dissipate the sound energy made by tires. Finely mixed asphalt mixtures can significantly reduce noise as they can decrease contact between the tire and the pavement.

4. Warm-Mix Asphalt

The warm-mix asphalt is made the same way as the hot-mix asphalt only that it is about 50 -100 degrees cooler than the hot-mix asphalt. Reducing asphalt temperature has a number of benefits, including lowering greenhouse gas production during manufacture and mixing, and also reduce fuel consumption.

Other benefits include increased production, improved long-term durability, extended paving season, and the ability to incorporate the reclaimed asphalt pavement.

5. Thin Overlays

Thin overlays reduce pavement distress, lifecycle costs, noise levels, and improves ride quality. Thin asphalt overlays were the most commonly used in preventative maintenance treatments according to a 1999 survey by AASHTO. They provide functional improvements that increase smoothness and safety.

However, it is essential for a business owner to understand that thin overlays aren’t appropriate for all pavements. You may need to carefully examine the existing pavement to determine the functional, structural, and drainage conditions of that pavement.

 

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5 Reasons Why Your Business Should Install Asphalt Paths And Sidewalks

In business construction, there are a lot of things to consider. One of them is providing walkable access to the storefront. After all, there are numerous benefits to doing so. Here are 5 reasons why your business should install asphalt paths and sidewalks.

It Increases Security

Security is a vital concern for any business owner. After all, keeping employees and customers safe is important. So is safeguarding your business against a break-in and theft or vandalism. A common security measure for businesses is to use a security camera. However, these aren’t always successful. The low quality of the picture that most commonly-used cameras produce renders the devices ineffective as evidence. Plus, they don’t really deter criminal activity.

On the other hand, pathways in front of a business bring eyes to the street. You can easily see people approaching, so can your neighbors. Knowing they’re being watched is a proven deterrent for would-be criminals. Plus, these features have been shown to instill a sense of community and to decrease littering and speeding.

It Helps the Local Economy

When you add walkable access to your business, it often creates a domino effect with your neighboring businesses following suit. When that happens, your commercial neighborhood becomes more walkable and boosts the number of patrons to your businesses. Studies indicate that pedestrians spend at least 65 percent more than those who drive. Such projects boosted retail sales in Brooklyn 172% and infused more than $1 billion into local Portland, Oregon businesses.

Along with that comes an increase in employment in the area. Researchers found that when a commercial neighborhood was redesigned to be pedestrian-friendly, employment spiked to 300%. It’s a sound investment with businesses installing asphalt pathways or sidewalks received an average return of $11.80 for every $1 they invested in such projects.

It Stimulates Tourism

Tourists enjoy experiencing an area they visit by walking it. When they do so, they more easily visit businesses that are easily accessed by walkways. The benefit is that it creates an impression that will have them coming back and recommending visits to friends and family. Studies show that walkable commercial neighborhoods can increase tourism by as much as 300%. So it makes good sense for businesses to get in on this benefit when they add walkable accessibility to their front doors.

It Stimulates Additional Investment

When municipal governments notice the benefits of having businesses accessible by walkways, they often invest additional improvements to the area, such as parks and seating areas.

They also begin attracting additional private investment in the neighborhood. That’s a really good thing because neighborhoods with walkways have much fewer empty storefronts. A good example of this is New York City’s expansion of walkable space in Union Square, which decreased storefront vacancies by 49%.

It Boosts Property Values

When a neighborhood becomes more walkable and safe, a final benefit is that its property value increases. For home values, that can spike as much as $82 a square foot, which increases the equity of those homes.
For landlords, that often translates to being able to charge $300 per month more for rent. With that comes renters better able to afford to pay higher rent.