Asphalt paving can be used for so much more than a driveway. Graffiti artists have found that asphalt enhanced paint makes for a stronger pigment and more attention-grabbing pieces of art. The residents of Ohio have figured out how to harness the solar power properties of asphalt to create the country’s first solar power highway.

Roofing contractors have long been using asphalt to waterproof shingles. Beausoleil & Sons of Cranston, a leading Rhode Island paving company, spotlight three surprising uses.

3 Surprising Uses for Asphalt Paving 

Solar Power

Anyone who’s ever walked barefoot across their driveway on a hot summer day knows how hot the pavement can get. While not ideal for bare feet, asphalt’s ability to absorb and transmit heat makes it incredibly useful for harnessing solar power. In areas where water pipes are laid beneath asphalt paving, the blacktop absorbs the heat and transmits it to the water in the pipes. The water then passes through a thermoelectric generator and is delivered to homes and businesses.

Recreation

If you’ve been to a local playground or outdoor recreation center, you’ve likely experienced the many uses of asphalt paving. Bike paths, playgrounds, and tennis courts are often paved with the material. Asphalt is often the material of choice in these recreational areas because of the ease of paving the area and its ability of the material to withstand extended wear and tear.

Property Construction

There are a number of surprising uses for asphalt in property construction. By far, waterproofing is the biggest use in this arena. In fact, the oldest know use of asphalt comes from the Tibetans use of the material to protect their crops from water damage. Beyond looking aesthetically pleasing, hiring a roofing contractor to install asphalt shingles offers homeowners unbeatable protection from rain.

Whether you’re looking for eco-friendly ways to heat your water or want a roof that is guaranteed not to leak, asphalt paving is an inexpensive and reliable solution. Call (401) 632-0203 or visit the Beausoleil & Sons Facebook page for more information.