Shopping cart
Your cart is currently empty.
Continue ShoppingPave Your Own Way to a Better Driveway
It’s true— there’s a lot of money to be saved by paving and patching your own driveways and lots. Contractors, though incredibly skilled, can exceed the home improvement budget. For that reason, it is important to know your options and the basics of application. While the task may seem daunting at first glance, there are some things to know that can help you along the way. Here are some helpful insights from your landscape supplies experts at Asphalt Materials.
The Difference Between Asphalt and Concrete
Both asphalt and concrete are good options for driveways, walkways and patios. However, there are considerable differences between the two materials. Here are the basics of each:- Concrete- Also referred to as cement, concrete is a material largely made up of crushed/powdered rock, water and clay. There are various concrete aggregates ranging from fine to coarse.
- Asphalt- Also known as bitumen, asphalt is a black or brown petroleum-like material that softens when heated to high temperatures and acts as an effective binder or adhesive.
Because of the inherent properties of both materials, they provide distinct benefits. For example, asphalt is much more elastic than concrete and as a result, can endure harsh weather conditions due to an ability to shrink and expand as the temperature fluctuates. Concrete, however, is more customizable, as colors and embellishments can be easily added for a decorative aesthetic. Asphalt can be walked or driven on immediately after laying while concrete needs to cure for up to a week. However, concrete has slightly more longevity. Both materials are solid landscaping supplies, but at the end of the day, many choose asphalt due to its versatility, durability and elasticity. For more information, feel free to contact us.
Quality Matters
Good supplies yield good, lasting results, which can be hard to come by in the state of Utah. Utah is a notorious pavement cracked and potholed state. Cold winters lead to patterns of melting and freezing that damage pavement. In addition, the contrast between hot and cold is considerable, putting stress on outdoor landscaping materials. At Asphalt Materials, our focus is on quality, that way, we can stand by our products. It can often be tempting to utilize cheaper solutions, but when you choose stock premium materials, the difference is significant and lasting. Our hot Asphalt is perfect for paving and patching and is made to endure. When selecting the optimal asphalt material, it is important to find the right mix. Asphalt can be mixed in a number of ways using a variety of different recipes. The constituent materials used and their proportions directly impact the material’s strength and final appearance. We at Asphalt Materials make sure to provide the right asphalt mixes for the volatile Utah conditions. Find more information on our product selection here.
Proper Maintenance is Key
After pavement is laid, it will see wear and tear over the years. It is important to repair damage as soon as it is recognized to prevent small cracks and chips from proliferating throughout the entire area. Once a crack manifests, it is easy for water to get inside, causing further damage. Luckily, there are a number of very useful repair solutions for both cold and warm weather. One such solution is the reliable UPM pavement repair material. UPM makes patching simple, boasting the following attributes:- Guaranteed in patching both asphalt and concrete
- Custom-formulated, meeting regional requirements
- All-weather application ready
- DOT Approved
- 100% recyclable