Your Asphalt Project and Winter

As we head into the colder months, you may be thinking about all the things you need to do around the home or office. There may be some projects that you are planning once spring rolls around. Or perhaps there are some things you can tackle even now that winter is here. Perhaps one of those tasks involves asphalt. But can asphalt be poured in winter? Today we are looking at what asphalt projects can and cannot be done in the winter.

Types of Mixes for your Asphalt Project

Did you know that there is more than one type of asphalt? There are two types that we are discussing today: hot-mix asphalt and cold-mix asphalt. Each type has its pros and cons. First, as the names suggest, hot-mix asphalt is mixed hot and must remain that way to spread and compact properly. On the other hand, Cold-mix asphalt is mixed cold and is specifically made to work at almost any temperature.

Hot-Mixes

Hot-mix asphalt is generally heated to a temperature of about 300-350 degrees Fahrenheit. It is most often used for large-scale paving projects like roadways. It is much stronger than other types of paving, and as such, it will last for a long time before needing to be replaced. With proper care and maintenance, you can stretch the life of your hot-mix asphalt significantly. It is also the most expensive type of asphalt, but it is still less expensive than concrete.

Because of the need to remain hot while it is poured, hot-mix asphalt can only be poured in temperatures above 55 degrees Fahrenheit. This means you will need to plan your project around the weather. In Florida, December to May is the drier season, so to prevent your project from being interrupted by cold temperatures or rain, shoot to begin paving in March when the weather has warmed up a bit.

Cold-Mixes

Cold-mix asphalt does not require heating to perform properly; however, it is not suitable for every application. Cold-mix asphalt is most often used for patching or repairing existing asphalt. It is less expensive than even hot-mix asphalt, but it is not designed for long-term projects. Cold-mix asphalt, when applied, will only last a few seasons before needing to be replaced. For this reason, it should only be used to temporarily fill a crack rather than for an entire pavement project.

As previously discussed, cold-mix asphalt is manufactured to work even in lower temperatures. If your goal is to repair some cracks in your asphalt for the winter, cold-mix asphalt may be the perfect temporary solution until you can start a larger paving project. In addition, you can purchase cold-mix asphalt in smaller quantities, so there is no need to blow your budget. Cold-mix asphalt can be bought in bags similar to a concrete mix that you can easily prepare and fill cracks without breaking the bank.

If you are in the market for hot or cold-mix asphalt, the professionals at Hicks APC are here to help you decide what product and project size is right for you. Contact us today.