When it comes to paving your driveway or parking lot, you may have heard the terms “asphalt” and “blacktop” used interchangeably. While they look similar, the two materials have some key differences. In this blog post, we’ll explore the differences between asphalt and blacktop and provide guidance on the best choice for your paving project.
What is Asphalt
Asphalt is a composite material commonly used for paving roads, parking lots, and other outdoor surfaces. It is made up of a mixture of sand, gravel, and a binding agent called bitumen. The mixture is heated to high temperatures, which binds the materials together and creates a durable, smooth surface.
What is Blacktop
Blacktop is another term for asphalt, although it is typically used to describe smaller-scale projects such as driveways and small parking lots. The term “blacktop” comes from the dark, black color of the material, which is achieved by adding certain components to the asphalt mixture.
Differences in Appearance
While asphalt and blacktop are made from the same basic materials, there are some differences in the way they look. Asphalt paving typically has a smoother, more uniform appearance with a near-black color. Blacktop driveway, on the other hand, sometimes has a slightly rougher texture and may have a grayish tint.
Differences in Durability
When it comes to durability, both asphalt and blacktop driveway are designed to last for many years under normal use. However, asphalt tends to be the more durable of the two, especially when used on larger projects like roads and highways. This is because asphalt paving is typically made with a higher percentage of bitumen, which makes it more resistant to wear and tear.
On the other hand, blacktop may be a better choice for smaller projects like driveways and small parking lots, as it is more flexible than asphalt and can better withstand the freeze-thaw cycles that can cause cracks and other damage.
Differences in Cost
Another factor to consider when choosing between asphalt and blacktop is cost. Generally speaking, asphalt is more expensive than blacktop due to its higher durability and more complex manufacturing process.
However, the cost difference may not be significant enough to sway your decision one way or the other, especially if you are only paving a small surface.
Contact Summit Asphalt for Professional Paving Services
If you’re considering a paving project, it’s important to work with a company with the expertise and experience to get the job done right. And that’s where Summit Asphalt comes in.
Here are just a few reasons why you should consider contacting Summit Asphalt for your next project:
Expertise
Summit Asphalt has been providing high-quality paving services for more than 20 years. We have a team of experienced professionals who are experts in asphalt and blacktop paving. We use only the highest quality materials and equipment to ensure a durable, long-lasting surface.
Range of Services
At Summit Asphalt, we offer a wide range of paving services to meet the needs of our clients. Whether you’re looking to pave a small driveway or a large parking lot, we have the tools and expertise to complete the job.
Customer Service
At Summit Asphalt, great customer service is crucial to our success. That’s why we prioritize communicating clearly with our clients at every step of the paving process, and we always strive to exceed their expectations.
Contact Us Today
If you’re considering a paving project, don’t hesitate to reach out to the experts at Summit Asphalt. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about our services. We look forward to helping you achieve your paving goals!