When you drive around during an asphalt installation, you can’t help thinking that the dark fumes and less pleasant smells are anything but green. How can that smell be environmentally friendly? You cover your nose when you walk by an asphalt road repair. You tell your kids to hold their breath because the fumes could be bad for their lungs. And while asphalt may not exactly be the safest for one’s health, it’s one of the most environmentally friendly materials you can use for your pavement needs.
Whether it be asphalt patching or installation, contractors recommend using this material for your driveway and parking lot because of its cost, durability, and environmental friendliness. Even governments choose asphalt to construct roads and highways. Asphalt does as little damage to the environment as possible. Here are the reasons asphalt is the best choice for governments, homeowners, and commercial property owners:
Fully Recyclable
Asphalt can be recycled 100%. It can be used over and over without losing its value. The road you are driving on could be recycled asphalt from years ago. The process of recycling asphalt is so easy, too. It needs to be reheated and applied with the appropriate binder.
Because of this, asphalt is cost-efficient, too. You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars every time there’s a new asphalt installation for your parking lot or driveway. You can get an asphalt road constructed for half the price of a concrete one. That’s all because asphalt is easier to source because of its recyclable nature.
Incorporates Other Waste
Not only can asphalt be recycled, but it can also incorporate other waste. Recycled asphalt can include concrete, waste oil, and other hard-to-dispose-of materials found in demolition and construction sites. This means that asphalt has the power to minimize the impact of these toxic materials on the environment. It also reduces the burden on landfill sites and garbage disposal units.
Less Burning of Fossil Fuel
The fact that asphalt is completely recyclable means that there is less burning of fossil fuel. But here’s another thing that proves that asphalt is an environmentally friendly pavement material: it also reduces needless repairs. Perpetual pavement is a form of green asphalt wherein only the top layer needs maintenance and occasional replacements. Most of the asphalt used for the road or driveway never gets replaced.
Porous Material for Water Runoff
During winter and rainy seasons, the problem that hard surfaces have to face is water runoff. Asphalt is a porous material, which means that it allows water to pass through it. The water gets into the surface layer and down to the soil below the asphalt. The natural treatment process of the soil takes care of recycling the water runoff. That even includes the toxic substances that the runoff might contain.
Aside from being environmentally friendly, asphalt is also durable. It lasts way longer than other types of pavement material such as concrete. It’s best to talk with pavement contractors. They know best what your driveway, parking lot, or road needs.
