Asphalt is one of the most used paving materials for both commercial and residential properties. It’s estimated that approximately 90% of commercial and residential properties today have some form of asphalt paving.
Why is asphalt so popular around the world? Not only is asphalt durable and resistant to weather damage, but it’s cost-effective, easy to install, and lasts about 30 years.
If you’re looking to pave your commercial or residential property, your best option is to call an asphalt paving contractor in Toronto.
Here’s what you need to know about asphalt paving in Toronto and why asphalt is the best material for your parking lot, driveway, or roadway.
What Is Asphalt?
Asphalt is a dull-black mixture that is made up of aggregates (gravel, sand, crushed rock, and slag), binders, and fillers.
The most common binder is bitumen—a derivative of crude oil—and it is an important component of the asphalt mixture, because it holds the aggregates together.
Once the ingredients are mixed, the asphalt is heated up. In most asphalt paving projects, the hot asphalt is poured onto the roadbed or parking lot, raked so that it is level, and then compacted with a steamroller.
Asphalt can be used for a variety of paving projects, such as roadways, airport runways, tennis courts, playgrounds, driveways, and parking lots.
Things You Should Know About Asphalt Paving
Asphalt Paving Is Cost-Effective
Installing asphalt in your commercial parking lot or on your driveway can save you a ton of money in the long run. Compared to concrete and other paving materials, asphalt is one of the most affordable materials to install. It’s also the more budget-conscious option in the long run.
Under most conditions and with regular care and maintenance, asphalt pavement has a lifespan of over 30 years. This means that you won’t have to keep contacting asphalt paving contractors in Toronto to replace your asphalt, because the material can withstand a lot of wear and tear and is very cost-effective.
In the long run, opting for asphalt paving in Toronto provides you will the biggest bang for your buck.
Asphalt Paving Can Easily Be Repaired
While asphalt is long-lasting and doesn’t need to be replaced often, over time, minor repairs are needed to maintain the integrity of the surface.
The good news is that asphalt can easily be repaired and won’t cost you an arm and a leg. If you notice small cracks and divots in your pavement, an asphalt paving contractor in Toronto can fill those cracks with hot crack sealant in order to prevent the cracks from getting larger or turning into more serious problems.
If the cracks or divots have escalated to potholes, you can also opt for pavement resurfacing, which involves patching the damaged area with new asphalt. Resurfacing is much less complex and expensive than total replacement.
Asphalt Paving Is Safe
As a commercial property owner, the safety of your employees, customers, and visitors is paramount.
When you install asphalt paving in Toronto, you can rest assured knowing that your parking lot, driveway, or other asphalt surface is safe for both foot traffic and vehicular traffic. Due to the ingredients that make up asphalt, it’s one of the best materials to prevent skidding and slipping, even in wet conditions.
Asphalt is also available in many different forms, depending on the needs of your property. Perpetual pavement is great for areas that get a lot of traffic from heavy vehicles, such as roadways or industrial loading docks. Meanwhile, quiet asphalt is designed to reduce noise, making it a great option for municipal roadways.
When you hire an asphalt paving contractor in Toronto, they will be able to help you decide which type of asphalt is the safest for your property.
Asphalt Should Be Laid in the Summer
Asphalt is best laid in the summer months, because, for it to set properly, the temperature outside must be warm. Typically, asphalt paving contractors in Toronto will use hot mix asphalt or warm mix asphalt, as they are the more durable options and produce the best results.
It is possible to do minor asphalt repairs in the winter months by using cold mix asphalt, but the results may not be long-lasting. It’s best to touch up any emergency winter repairs you need to do with hot mix or warm mix asphalt once the weather warms up.
Asphalt Can Be Recycled
Did you know that asphalt is one of the most recycled products in the world, with more than 80% of old asphalt being recycled?
In fact, recycled asphalt performs just as well a new, virgin asphalt, if not even better. The binder that holds the aggregates together retains its ability to function as a glue, even after the asphalt has been recycled, so the pavement can be reused repeatedly.
Asphalt paving has a low environmental impact and is a renewable resource, which makes it a great paving option for homeowners and property owners who are looking to reduce their carbon footprint.
New Asphalt Needs to Be Protected
Even though asphalt is highly durable and long-lasting, it still needs to be protected from harsh weather conditions, water, and general wear and tear.
Over time, asphalt will begin to fade and turn grey due to its exposure to the elements. The best way to protect your asphalt paving in Toronto and extend its lifespan is to sealcoat it.
Sealcoating protects your asphalt against water penetration, which can erode the substructure of your parking lot, and it keeps your pavement looking brand new longer.
Also, keep in mind that fresh asphalt is more likely to show marks and dents within the first year. As such, try not to park in the same spot every day, make sure to clean up oil stains immediately, and don’t drag heavy equipment across the pavement.
Contact Ivy Property Services Inc. for Asphalt Paving in Toronto
Ivy Property Services Inc. provides high-quality, dependable asphalt paving services in Toronto, including asphalt routing and crack sealing, parking lot line painting, and parking lot paving. As an asphalt paving contractor in Toronto and the GTA, we are a one-stop-shop for all your asphalt and pavement needs. Regardless of the size and scope of your asphalt paving project, we can handle it with efficiency. Contact us today to get a free quote and to learn more about our asphalt paving services in Toronto.
