5 Myths About Asphalt Pavement

Asphalt makes up the majority of the paved roads in Minnesota. However, there are some myths about asphalt pavementthat make people skeptical about using it for their driveways or commercial parking lots. We debunk the five most common asphalt myths that our asphalt pavement contractors have encountered in our twenty years in the business.

Myth #1: Asphalt plants cause air pollution.

At one point in time, this myth was true. However, it was also true of other types of factories in their early days, including the electrical plants that powered thousands of homes and businesses. After this period of industrialization in American history, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) set standards to help companies reduce air pollution.

Today, the asphalt industry follows the EPA’s standards in addition to their own stricter set of standards to reduce the contaminates they release into the air. As a result, the EPA no longer lists asphalt production as a major contributor to air pollution.

Myth #2: Recyclable asphalt isn’t that durable.

Did you know that asphalt is 100% recyclable? This means that asphalt millings and chunks are able to be reused for future paving projects. Contrary to popular belief, recycled asphalt is just as durable as virgin asphalt and significantly decreases how much waste goes into U.S. landfills each year.

In fact, the Federal Highway Administration reports approximately 75 million tons of recycled asphalt are used each year, making it the most recycled material in the United States. Given proper maintenance, asphalt pavement can last up to 20 years before being recycled and used again.

Myth #3: Asphalt can be installed without a foundation.

Just like concrete, asphalt requires a solid foundation. It’s important to hire an experienced asphalt paving contractor who will be able to properly compact and install asphalt so it will last for years to come. No one wants to keep re-doing their asphalt

Asphalt that is installed over an unstable foundation will quickly show asphalt cracks and potholes before needing premature replacement. This is why foundation is one of the most important parts of the asphalt paving process.

Myth #4: Asphalt is expensive.

Asphalt is affordable, especially when you use recycled asphalt. According to AsphaltRecycling.com, the average cost of virgin asphalt is $78 per ton while the average cost of recycled asphalt is just $18 per ton. Asphalt recycling benefits asphalt paving companies and their customers because it’s just as durable as virgin asphalt, but costs significantly less.

Myth #5: Asphalt is outdated.

Asphalt is used in more than 94% of paved roads in the United States. In fact, we feel confident in saying that if you have stepped outside your home today, you have probably walked on asphalt. Asphalt is used for a variety of purposes that include asphalt residential driveways, asphalt parking lots, and more.

Asphalt isn’t going away anytime soon. It’s such a versatile material. What else is not only affordable, but also 100% recyclable, durable to last decades on its first use, and doesn’t have a major impact on air pollution?

Call Us Today!

The Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN asphalt paving contractors at ACT Asphalt Specialties Co. have years of experience in the asphalt business. To request an estimate for asphalt paving or any of our other asphalt services, give us a call at (651) 484-1696.

This blog post has been updated.