Everything You Should Know About Asphalt Materials Before You Buy

Before you jump into your next paving or landscaping project, it's worth understanding the backbone of so many durable surfaces—asphalt materials. From roads and driveways to parking lots and walkways, this reliable material keeps things running smoothly (literally). But not all asphalt is created equal, especially in a state like Utah, where heat, snow, and seasonal shifts can wreak havoc on poorly planned projects.

At Kilgore’s Landscape Center, located in West Jordan, we help homeowners, contractors, and DIYers choose the right products from start to finish. This guide explains how asphalt materials work, what to look for when buying, how Utah’s climate plays a role, and why our center is a top destination for your next job.

Why Asphalt Materials Matter in Utah

Asphalt isn’t just blacktop—it’s a careful blend of aggregates, binders, and fillers designed to hold up under stress. But Utah’s unique conditions make asphalt performance even more critical.

Utah summers regularly hit 90°F or higher, while winters bring sub-zero nights and significant snowfall, especially across Salt Lake and Utah Counties. According to the National Centers for Environmental Information, Salt Lake County averages 21 inches of snow annually, while Utah County sees roughly 45 inches, creating repeated freeze-thaw cycles that degrade pavement faster than in warmer climates.

That’s where Kilgore Landscape Center steps in. Our staff understand how to match asphalt materials to the local environment—offering options that flex with temperature swings, reduce cracking, and extend the life of your paved surfaces.

Kilgore Landscape Center: Your Salt Lake Landscape Center for Asphalt

Conveniently located in West Jordan, Kilgore isn’t just a supply stop—it’s a trusted partner for everything from driveways to development sites. As a leading Salt Lake landscape center, we provide expert advice and superior products for residential and commercial projects alike.

Whether you’re sourcing in bulk or need a few tons for a weekend upgrade, our team helps identify the best asphalt materials for your needs. We guide customers through application types, curing times, patch repair options, and long-term maintenance—because buying the right product is only the beginning.

Asphalt vs Concrete: The Pros and Cons

If you’re comparing options, the asphalt vs concrete debate comes up quickly. Here’s what to consider:

• Asphalt is faster to install and less expensive upfront. It performs better in cold climates due to its flexibility and can be repaired more easily.
  
  

• Concrete lasts longer overall but may crack under temperature extremes. It’s a better choice in mild, steady climates—not those with snow, heatwaves, and ice storms in the same year.
  
  

Utah’s frequent freeze-thaw cycles mean that for most projects, asphalt materials win out. They’re designed to shift and settle without crumbling, and with routine maintenance, they can last 20–30 years.

Sustainability: What to Do With Old Asphalt

Tearing out an old driveway or road? Don’t dump it—recycle it. Asphalt is one of the most recycled materials in the U.S., and Kilgore Landscape Center proudly supports sustainable practices.

We operate an asphalt disposal site to help contractors and homeowners keep waste out of landfills. We’re known as a top asphalt disposal site and recycling resource for the greater Salt Lake area. Repurposing this material doesn’t just reduce environmental impact—it also cuts costs for future paving.

Whether you’re repaving or repairing, using recycled asphalt materials can improve compaction and lower the carbon footprint of your project. It’s a win-win.

What to Know Before You Buy Asphalt Products

You don’t have to be an expert to shop smart—but it helps to know what questions to ask. Here are a few quick tips:

• Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA): Used in roads and high-traffic zones. It’s laid and compacted while hot, offering strong durability.
  
  

• Cold Mix Asphalt: Perfect for winter repairs and patching when temperatures are too low for hot mix.
  
  

• Recycled Asphalt Pavement (RAP): A sustainable option often blended with new mix for eco-friendly performance.
  
  

At Kilgore Landscape Center, we offer all three types of asphalt products. Our team is ready to explain which blend suits your needs, how much you’ll need, and how to transport it safely. Every project is different—but we’ve seen them all.

How Utah Weather Impacts Asphalt Materials

Asphalt lives and breathes with the weather. In summer, it absorbs heat and can soften under direct sun—especially on south-facing slopes or unshaded areas. During winter, water seeps into cracks, freezes, and expands, pushing materials apart.

The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) continually tests and updates paving specifications to deal with these challenges. Their cold-weather paving protocols are considered some of the most effective in the Mountain West.

When you buy asphalt materials from Kilgore, you’re getting options that match these standards and meet Utah’s high-performance demands.

From Delivery to Disposal Site in Utah: We’ve Got You Covered

Whether you're building a backyard path or managing a subdivision, Kilgore Landscape Center offers more than just products—we offer full-circle support.

Need material delivered? We’ve got reliable, scheduled transport. Not sure what to do with the old stuff? Drop it off at our disposal site in Utah—we’ll take care of the recycling. Need a last-minute fix during a freeze? Our cold mix will hold you over until spring.

And if you’re planning a larger build, we’ll help you map out quantities, mix types, and expected timelines—so there are no surprises halfway through your pour.

Supporting Utah Landscape Projects With Local Knowledge

Kilgore Landscape Center has been part of the community for years, supplying materials and insight for everything from school parking lots to residential driveways. We’re proud to support the Utah landscape with resources that perform in local soil conditions and regional weather patterns.

We’ve worked with contractors, cities, school districts, and homeowners—and we’re always happy to share what we’ve learned. From elevations to edge restraint, we speak the language of landscape and paving.

Get Expert Help From Kilgore Landscape Center

If you’ve been researching asphalt materials, you know the options are endless. But you don’t have to make those decisions alone.

Call us at (801) 561-4231 or visit Kilgore Landscape Center at 7961 S. 1300 W., West Jordan, UT 84088. Whether you’re patching a pothole or paving a parking lot, we’ll help you make the right choice—with high-quality materials and trusted advice from people who know Utah’s roads, yards, and weather inside and out.