If you're planning to install or repave your commercial parking lot, parking ramp, or business road front, you want to make the right choice when it comes to the materials used. Asphalt is an ideal construction material for the job. It's not only a cost-effective option, it's also eco-friendly and highly durable. However, part of the success with any paving project involves choosing the right asphalt mix.
At Doctor Asphalt, we perform high-quality paving and maintenance work for commercial properties. As the trusted asphalt paving contractor in the upper midwest and deep south, we are highly proficient in the various asphalt mix types used and can help you understand their differences, as well as determine which one is most suitable for your site.
In this guide, we list the main types of asphalt mixes available on the market. This information will help you understand your options and manage your paving project more effectively.
Types of Asphalt Mixes and Their Uses
Asphalt Mix Varieties
Many factors account for differences in types of asphalt mixes. Commercial paving contractors usually look at qualities like:
- Granularity
- Stress tolerance
- Thickness
- Temperature (at which the cement is heated)
Based on these factors, we will now go over four types of asphalt mixes: Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA), Cold Mix Asphalt (CMA), Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA), and Porous Asphalt.
Hot Mix Asaphlt (HMA)
First on our list is hot mix asphalt. The aggregate and binding materials in this asphalt mix are heated up to 35000F. The material is laid out when it is extremely hot. HMA is the most commonly used asphalt mix in paving projects because the pavement becomes really sturdy when cooled.
Benefits of HMA:
- Ideal for paving in warmer months
- Cools down quickly for fast asphalt installation
- Melts snow and ice faster
If you are paving in winter, however, HMA can cool quickly before curing fully.
Cold Mix Asaphlt (CMA)
Slightly weaker than hot mix asphalt, CMA is also a viable choice for pavement construction. Additives and oils in CMA allow contractors to pave in winter. It is best for surfaces that receive little wear and tear.
Benefits of CMA:
- Ideal for repair work in winter
- No heating required
- Available year-round for quick asphalt solutions
If you are looking for a middle path between cold and hot mixes, you can always go for warm mix asphalt.
Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA)
Warm mix asphalt is heated up to 25000F and can be used for paving in winters as well. This versatility is making WMA a popular choice among contractors. It is also a safe and eco-friendly choice since it has less petroleum content than HMA.
Benefits of WMA:
- Ideal for paving in any season
- Safe for workers
- Environmentally-friendly
Overall, asphalt mixes offer a 'green' element to construction, mainly because asphalt is 100% recyclable.
Porous Asphalt
When we talk about eco-friendly asphalt mixes, you can also go for porous asphalt. As the name suggests, this asphalt mix has tiny holes that allow water to pour naturally into underground water beds.
Benefits of porous asphalt:
- Keeps your pavement safe from water damage
- Businesses can receive tax cuts by opting for eco-friendly asphalt
These types of asphalt varieties can even be mixed and matched to create countless combinations that meet the unique demands of the environment and traffic. It’s important for business owners, property managers, and facility managers to understand that different asphalt mixes serve different purposes. This awareness can help ensure quality materials are being used when installing or repaving parking lots or roads.
Questions to Ask Your Paving Contractor About Asphalt Mix
A reliable contractor will have no hesitation in explaining the asphalt mix they plan to use and answering any questions you may have. To help you evaluate whether you're working with a knowledgeable and trustworthy team, here are a few key questions to ask.
- Which asphalt mix do you recommend for my specific project (and why)?
- How will this mix perform in our climate and traffic conditions?
- Are recycled materials used in the mix, and how does that affect performance?
- What steps do you take to ensure proper installation with this mix?
Get Durable Asphalt Paving and Dependable Service with Doctor Asphalt
At Doctor Asphalt, we perform a full range of asphalt paving, maintenance and repair services. We use the highest quality materials and will not only help you choose the right asphalt mix, we provide clear, direct communication throughout your entire paving project. When you work with our team, you can rest assured that the job will be done on budget, on time, and to the highest quality standards.
Doctor Asphalt delivers high-quality asphalt paving and maintenance solutions designed for the unique demands of the local climate. With a strong reputation for reliability and expertise, we provide premium services that enhance the safety and longevity of commercial and residential properties. Serving Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Texas, with nationwide capabilities for multi-property clients, we ensure durable, professional results that keep your pavement in top condition.
