Asphalt paving is a ubiquitous part of modern life—you can find it on airport runways, highway roads, driveways, and even on tennis courts. Although this material is becoming increasingly popular, most people don’t know where it comes from and why it’s so widely used. Here’s a closer look at asphalt paving.  

Little-Known Facts About Asphalt Paving

1. Interesting History

The first records of asphalt paving were in 615 BC during the reign of King Nabopolassar of Babylon. An inscription described the road to the palace as something made ‘with asphalt and burned brick.’ Aside from the Babylonians, the Greeks also used asphalt as a construction substance. It was utilized primarily for binding materials together because of its stickiness. The Romans eventually used it for sealing their baths, reservoirs, and aqueducts, calling it ‘asphalton’ from the ancient Greek word ‘asphaltos.’  

2. Eco-Friendly

Asphalt is either sourced naturally from rock deposits, known as bitumen, or manufactured from petroleum by-products. Most commercial asphalt paving projects use man-made materials rather than mined bitumen, preserving natural resources. Additionally, reclaimed asphalt can be recycled and reused for other pavements after processing, clearing out a bit of space in the landfills. It’s not surprising that reclaimed asphalt pavement is among the most recycled paving materials in the country.

The development of warm-mix asphalt has allowed the paving material to be produced at lower temperatures. As such, it reduces energy requirements and decreases fuel emissions, keeping its environmental impact relatively low.    

3. Extremely Durable

Asphalt is durable and can last as long as concrete. And since it’s more flexible, it can withstand extreme temperature changes under pressure. Repeated cycles of freezing and thawing will not damage the material; however, it requires a sound drainage system to prevent water from seeping through and weakening the base. Once the poured asphalt mix cures and hardens, the surface can be used almost right away without damaging it.

 

When you need asphalt paving services, contact Guarco Construction. Since 1974, their team has provided an extensive range of services using asphalt—from driveway replacement to pavement resurfacing—to homes and businesses across Hartford County, CT. Call (860) 278-5558 to request a quote on commercial or residential paving, or visit their website to view their services.