To an ordinary person, asphalt pavements look exactly the same. But professional contractors like Wright Construction know that there are two main types of asphalt, and that the process of mixing asphalt is different depending on what the current season is.
Both summer and winter asphalts have unique characteristics that make them the ideal choice for asphalt projects during specific times of year. Knowing which one to use and which contractor to hire will result in a highly successful pavement project.
When & Where to Install
Summer asphalt is used during the months of April to December. It is the ideal asphalt to use for areas with high traffic such as commercial parking lots, long residential driveways, and public roads. During the colder months of January to March, winter asphalt is used only to repair damaged asphalt or to patch holes and cracks in the pavement.
In general, asphalt works best when it is installed during warm or hot days, which is why spring and summer are the best times to start work on your asphalt construction project. However, you can still arrange for pavement installation during the winter season, but it won’t have the ideal working conditions. All the snow and ice will result in longer curing times, extended downtime, and longer road closures.
You can contact us and we’ll help you decide whether you can start your project now, or wait until spring or summer to start.
How to Install
Summer asphalt is mixed at extremely hot temperatures. It's important that the hot asphalt remains at this temperature and is applied on the surface right away after it’s mixed. Once its temperature cools down, the asphalt loses some of its binding and adhering capability and will take longer to cure. The mix is therefore reheated using propane or diesel so that it can still be used.
On the other hand, winter asphalt doesn’t have to be kept at a consistently hot temperature and can be stored for later use. Patching during this time will require smaller batches of asphalt aggregate to be made.
There are many factors to consider in order to get the right asphalt mixture or aggregate for your pavement construction, such as the season of the year, and the purpose for the pavement.
How to Get Your Project Started
Knowing the different types of asphalt will help you determine the right one to use for your asphalt pavement project. If you need more help, consult with the professionals at Wright Construction for immediate assistance.