When it comes to paving roads, driveways, and parking lots, asphalt and blacktop paving are among the most common options. While the terms asphalt and blacktop are often used interchangeably, they actually refer to two different materials. Here’s a closer look at what sets these two paving options apart so that you can decide which is best for your driveway.

Asphalt

Asphalt is primarily made of crushed stone and a viscous material known as bitumen. This crude oil byproduct is derived from refined petroleum.

Asphalt is mixed at temperatures exceeding 250 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure the right consistency.

Asphalt is extremely durable and can withstand significant weight. As such, it’s most often used for public roads and parking lots. It can even be used for airport runways.

Because asphalt is water-resistant, it is even used in pool linings and reservoirs. Asphalt’s durability also makes it a popular option for driveways.

Blacktop Paving

Blacktop paving uses the exact same materials as asphalt — crushed stone and bitumen. However, the ratio of the materials is about 95% stone and 5% bitumen. Blacktop has a higher percentage of natural stone in its mixture, which results in a surface that sparkles a bit in the sun.

Due to the different material ratio, blacktop is heated to 300 degrees Fahrenheit during the mixing process. Though still quite durable and flexible under changing weather conditions, the lower bitumen content means that blacktop typically can’t handle as much weight as asphalt. Because of this, blacktop is primarily used for residential driveways, which don’t receive as much traffic as public roads.

For blacktop paving and other surface work, contact Billy S. Young’s Blacktop Paving in Waynesboro, VA. Serving Nelson, Augusta, and Rockbridge counties since 2000, these paving contractors provide durable, aesthetically pleasing work for both residential and commercial properties. Call (540) 949-0432 to request a free estimate.