Asphalt is used to create everything from playgrounds to driveways and has more uses that you may not think of. How much thought do you really give this powerful substance? At MJM Services, they know how versatile this material can be. This family-owned company, based in Wasilla, AK, specializes in reliable asphalt sealcoating and paving services. Below, they share some history and factoids about asphalt.

3 Interesting Facts About Asphalt

1. History

The first recorded use of asphalt was in Babylon in 615 B.C. The substance was mixed with burned bricks to pave roads. It played a major role during other historical periods, too. When Sir Walter Raleigh discovered it in Trinidad, he used it to caulk his ships.

2. Usage

Asphalt is one of the most ubiquitous materials used in the United States. Consider this intriguing tidbit: there are over 2.27 million miles of road situated throughout the country. Of those, a whopping 94 percent are made with asphalt. The substance is also used on airport runways, tennis courts, driveways, and parking lots.

3. Environment

Asphalt is one of the country’s most environmentally friendly alternatives to other paving materials. According to the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA), approximately 99 percent of asphalt is recycled and reused. Usage of eco-friendly warm-mix also contributes to a reduced carbon footprint. This substance requires significantly less heat to produce, so it consumes less energy than other paving options.

4. Composition

Asphalt is made up of roughly five percent of cement and 95 percent aggregate material, which consists of sand, gravel, and stone. The cement is thick, and is heated before mixing so that it can blend properly with the aggregate.

5. Mummies

You wouldn’t expect there to be much of a connection between asphalt and mummification, yet the substance was sometimes used by the ancient Egyptians to preserve mummies. Called bitumen, it was derived from the Dead Sea, and was commonly used on animal mummies.

For all of your asphalt sealcoating and commercial paving needs, you can rely on the team at MJM Services. These professionals are happy to provide you with a free estimate prior to beginning work. Visit their website to learn more about how they can help you, or call (907) 376-5222 to speak with a professional today.