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You see asphalt every time you drive down a road or into a parking lot, but do you know exactly what it is? Hilltop Basic Resources, based in Cincinnati, OH, has been supplying the Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky tri-state area with quality building materials since 1941, including those needed to make asphalt. They can explain everything you need to know about the substance, including how it's made and projects for which it most often is used.

The Basics of Asphalt

Asphalt is a pitch derived from petroleum. It can be found in nature but typically is produced through a boiling process. Crude oil is heated to a high temperature to separate the sticky substance from other elements. At this stage, asphalt is a liquid that’s ready to be mixed with other components for commercial purposes.

While asphalt is the term commonly applied to building materials used to create roads, that substance is asphalt concrete. To create it, liquid asphalt is mixed with aggregates like gravel, sand, and concrete. The sticky asphalt serves as the binder for the other ingredients, creating a thick, durable surface once it dries.

How Asphalt Is Used

Building materials Cincinnati OHAsphalt concrete is commonly used as a surface material for highways, parking lots, and driveways. Since asphalt's melting point is so high, there’s no chance of it softening in midday temperatures or disintegrating with daily use, which makes it a popular choice for paving.

Asphalt also is a common component of roofing materials. In liquid form, it’s used for waterproofing commercial roofs. Its durability and water resistance make it a common element used in residential roofing shingles.

If you need high-quality asphalt for your project, contact Hilltop Basic Resources. This Cincinnati-based company offers a variety of building materials, including limestone, sand, and gravel aggregates. Visit their website to learn more about their supply services and call (513) 684-8200 to speak with a representative of the business.

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