How Does Summer Asphalt Differ from Winter Asphalt?

tri-state paving winter and summer asphalt

The type of asphalt mixture differs depending on the specific times of the year such as winter and summer.

Did you know that various types of asphalt are used across the paving industry? To the untrained eye, asphalt pavement looks the same. But to experienced asphalt contractors, the texture, gradation, and material ratios significantly differ in the type of asphalt mixture used during specific times of the year.

What is Hot (Summer) Asphalt?

Hot or hot mix asphalt is usually used for summer paving projects. It’s typically available from April until December. Also, hot mix asphalt is ideal for paving large surface areas like long residential driveways, commercial parking lots, and major and minor side roads. Plus, the asphalt mixture must remain at its mixing temperature of around 270-275 degrees Fahrenheit or higher so it can stick entirely to the ground.

What is Winter Asphalt?

In contrast, winter asphalt is composed of cold mix aggregate. It’s typically available during the coldest months of the year in the Northern hemisphere: January, February, and March. Winter is also the season for patch jobs in the asphalt pavement industry. Patching requires smaller batches of asphalt than paving a whole parking lot, driveway, or road.

Moreover, asphalt paving projects halt during winter since the snow and ice don’t make for excellent working conditions. Unlike summer asphalt, winter asphalt doesn’t have to remain at a specific temperature to be usable. If your asphalt parking lot needs maintenance work due to winter damages, then you can schedule to have repairs done during your closing or off-peak hours to reduce your downtime.

Selecting the Right Asphalt Mixture for Your Property

In addition, three primary factors determine the asphalt type mix you need for your property.

·  Whether you need winter or summer asphalt depends on the time of year.

·  The type of the paving project impacts the applications of hot and cold mix asphalt.

·  Your exact location also makes a difference because countries in various time zones have different summer and winter climates.

So, are you ready to call on the help of a professional asphalt paving company for your project?

Call Tristate Paving. We’re a seasoned hardscaping company based in Maryland and have the experience and knowledge to help you turn your backyard into the perfect retreat quickly and affordably. Our experts will work with you to find a design and layout for the outdoor kitchen and dining area that you’re sure to love for years and years to come.

Our area numbers are:

West Chester: 610.563.9456

Oxford: 610.932.3566

Delaware: 302.757.4100

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