Asphalt and blacktop are two popular surface materials used in driveways, parking lots, and roads. While the two terms are often used interchangeably, they are not exactly the same material. Here are a few facts about what makes them different and the benefits each option provides.

Asphalt

Asphalt is made of crushed stone and bitumen, a black and semisolid form of petroleum. The bitumen holds the crushed stone together. A paving contractor combines this mixture in a large drum, where it must maintain a temperature of at least 250 degrees Fahrenheit. This keeps the mixture in a malleable state so that it can be poured into the desired shape. Once it is poured, the mixture hardens and provides a durable surface.

Surfaces of this kind are flat and smooth, and they have natural sound absorption capabilities that make them quiet to drive on. The uniformity and smoothness of the surface also decrease the likelihood of road-related damage and excessive wear and tear on your vehicle. The material is highly versatile and can be used for more than just major highways, including pool linings and building waterproofing.

Blacktop

Blacktop also consists of crushed stone and bitumen, but in different concentrations. It contains more crushed stone than asphalt, which gives it a more sparkly appearance. It also requires a higher heating temperature of at least 300 degrees as it is being mixed in the drum.

Because of its higher stone content, blacktop can feel a bit rougher. However, it offers a sleek black surface that is both visually appealing and comfortable to travel on. Blacktop is more malleable than asphalt, and it lasts longer and is more easily repaired than concrete, making it an ideal material for surfaces such as parking lots, residential roads, and playgrounds.

When you're in the market for an asphalt or blacktop surface, contact Bryer & Son Asphalt Paving Co. in Harrisburg, NC. Since 1979, they have been serving property owners throughout North and South Carolina with quality asphalt and blacktop installations and repairs for all kinds of surfaces, including commercial parking lots. Call (704) 542-9177 or visit them online to request a free estimate.