January 29 2022 0Comment
asphalt-mix

What Type of Asphalt Mix is Used in Your Parking Lot?

The best asphalt mix for commercial parking lots.

The type of asphalt mix used in your parking lot pavement is important to know and understand. Knowing what kind of asphalt mix is used in your parking lot will allow you to better understand the repairs and maintenance necessary to keep your parking lot functional.

Hiring a local company specializing in parking lot paving services is always a good idea for completing repairs and maintenance. Asphalt paving professionals understand which types of asphalt mix will work best while withstanding the wear and tear of a commercial property parking lot.

Here is an overview of the different types of mixes available for parking lots.

Hot Mix Asphalt

Hot mix asphalt is often one of the most common mixtures used for a parking lot. The asphalt mix is heated and eventually poured between 300°F to 350°F before it’s compacted. One of the main reasons hot mix asphalt is such a popular choice is due to it being cost-effective, as it’s a great option for warm climates. However, it’s not recommended to use hot mix asphalt during the winter, as the colder temperatures will cause the materials to cool too quickly, which results in cracks. The biggest drawback of using hot mix asphalt is that it isn’t as eco-friendly during the installation process compared to other alternatives.

Warm Mix Asphalt

Warm mix asphalt is another popular option for installing a parking lot. This type of asphalt is installed at a lower temperature than hot mix asphalt, and it doesn’t cool down as fast. One of the advantages of warm mix asphalt is that it doesn’t produce as many greenhouse gases, and it also consumes less amount of fuel. Warm mix asphalt can also be hauled for longer distances, which makes the installation process much easier. You can also reach out to an asphalt parking lot company if you have any questions about the best installation process for your paving project.

Porous Asphalt

Investing in porous asphalt is a great option for areas with plenty of rainfall. This eco-friendly material offers much better drainage due to the small holes within the surface, which allows water to reach underground. Another advantage of porous asphalt is that it can last up to 20 years with proper maintenance. You will need to sweep your parking lot on a regular basis to avoid spaces getting clogged. However, porous asphalt is more expensive compared to other options, as it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of using this type of asphalt.

Cold Mix Asphalt

Cold mix asphalt is often used for asphalt repairs in colder climates. Using this mixture is perfect for making temporary repairs, as it’s a fairly simple process compared to other combinations. However, cold mix asphalt doesn’t have the same level of durability, which is why it’s considered a temporary solution. Many business owners choose to use a cold mix during the winter for immediately repairing an asphalt crack or pothole to avoid further damage. Eventually, you will need to use a different mixture for making a long-term repair on the asphalt pavement.

Contact PLS to Learn More About Asphalt Mixes and Basic Repair and Maintenance Services

Parking Lot Services (PLS) works with a variety of businesses and commercial property owners throughout the Tampa area. Our experienced team can help you choose the best asphalt mix to ensure your parking lot will last for decades with proper maintenance. We also provide numerous other pavement services, such as parking lot striping, asphalt repair, parking lot sealcoating, concrete installation, and much more.

Give PLS a call or send a message to learn more about using our services in Tampa Bay and schedule a free consultation.