When it comes to discussing pavement there are several terms that may be confusing as to which one refers to which type of pavement. A more common confusion of terms is the difference between asphalt and blacktop. In the United States, those terms are highly interchangeable. It is easy to see where confusion arises.
The Difference
Let’s clear up any confusion you may have. The short answer to the big question: “What is the difference between asphalt and blacktop?” The difference is in how the terms are used and what precisely they are referencing. The term asphalt tends to be used when discussing major roadways such as highways or streets. While the term blacktop is more commonly used to discuss residential roads, parking lots, and driveways.
Blacktop
Blacktop is actually a type of asphalt. Since asphalt is a mixture of water, aggregates, and emulsifiers, the type of asphalt can be modified to fit a projects specific needs. When we look at blacktop, this is one of those special mixtures. It contains a higher amount of crushed stone and bitumen than regular asphalt. This gives blacktop the tell-tale sparkle on its surface.
Blacktop also requires a higher temperature to be applied. Typically, it requires around 300 degrees Fahrenheit. However, a normal range for asphalt is 220 to 290 degrees Fahrenheit.
Experts need to pre-mix both asphalt and blacktop. Then, they pour the substances onto the road, in cracks, or potholes. The asphalt on high traffic roads is much more durable than the blacktop we see in parking lots, driveways, playgrounds, paths, and less traveled roads.
The reasoning for this is that blacktop is less durable than asphalt, so does not make a great option for commercial highways. Despite these differences, both asphalt and blacktop mixtures are able to be adjusted to better fit the needs of any paving project.
Once laid, compacted and cooled, asphalt and blacktop both leave a smooth – but not slick – surface for vehicles to drive on and pedestrians to walk on. Sounds are muted which makes this a great option for neighborhoods or subdivisions and park paths where noise pollution from driving vehicles may be a concern.
Asphalt
Smooth asphalt is additionally great for the prevention of damage to vehicles and adds an added safety measure for drivers, passengers, and any transported goods that would otherwise be jostled around with the potential for an accident to occur. Asphalt helps to reduce any wear and tear on vehicles – especially the tires – and provides a safer means of transportation in cooler weather conditions as snow tends to melt quickly, and ice has difficulty forming on both asphalt and blacktop. Thus improving the overall safety of paved areas in both commercial and residential areas.
A benefit of both blacktop and asphalt is the speed in which each can be laid and then tread upon. Unlike concrete, depending on the weather conditions when paving, asphalt and blacktop have around a two-day turnaround from when it was poured.
Concrete
Concrete, on the other hand, takes double the time to both pour and dry. The downside of concrete is the mixture isn’t always spot on. This means that the mixture has the potential to quickly lose its durability with flaking and cracking. Without any options for upkeep, concrete has the potential to deteriorate faster than asphalt. Both asphalt and blacktop can be maintained and have their lifespan extended with regular seal coatings.
Contact Us
If you are in the market for laying asphalt, give our professional team a call! We handle both commercial and residential paving. We will be able to provide you with an estimate along with the correct mix for your professional paving needs.
