What is the first thought that comes into your mind when you think about the asphalt industry? Is it that it’s expensive? Not safe, or terrible for the environment? Whatever comes to mind, it’s probably not a positive perception.

3 Facts about Asphalt You Should Know

However, asphalt industry players like Tar King and the companies that work within it have worked tirelessly to improve their image and make this method of paving more attractive to potential customers. Therefore, it’s now time to debunk the asphalt myths for good and open your eyes to the benefits of asphalt over other paving materials.

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Myth #1: Asphalt is Too Expensive

For large surface areas, asphalt is actually cheaper than its counterparts which is why you tend to see it more on roadways. However, the initial cost can be higher for smaller areas such as driveways, but in the long run, the cost of asphalt on your driveway is cheaper than the alternatives such as tarmac.

Fact: Asphalt is More Durable

Once your asphalt paving has been laid, it will last a lot longer than other materials as it is less susceptible to tire damage. Concrete, on the other hand, is much more likely to become worn and the repair costs can be expensive.

Myth #2: Asphalt is Bad for the Environment

In fact, the opposite is true. Asphalt is actually an incredibly green product and is currently the most recycled product in the whole of America; beating paper and plastic hands down with 60 million tons of asphalt being recycled compared to only 2 million tons of plastic.

Fact: Asphalt has been Removed from the EPA List of Environmental Risks

The asphalt industry has worked hard in conjunction with the Environmental Protection Agency to lower the number of emissions made during asphalt production.

Fact: Asphalt Uses Little Energy During Production

Not only is asphalt easy to recycle, but it also uses little energy to be produced and helps conserve our natural resources.

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Myth #3: Asphalt Can be Laid Without a Foundation

In the same way that concrete does, asphalt needs a solid foundation before it can be laid, otherwise, you run the risk of potholes and cracks.

Fact: Preparation is Key

Installing asphalt straight onto wet, soggy clay or even just soft dirt is a recipe for disaster; with the chance that traffic will ruin your driveway and the paving will simply buckle underneath.

Lay a solid foundation of rock, at least 2 inches thick, to ensure that your asphalt paving goes the distance and requires little or no maintenance for many years to come.

Fact: Do Not Try to Do it Yourself

Even if you have watched 100 different YouTube videos showing you how to install asphalt, you should not try to do it yourself. It will most definitely cost you more money in the long run. Instead, leave the installation and maintenance of asphalt to the professionals. We have experts within our dedicated team who can lay your asphalt down without any problems, so we are sure to get in contact with us today to discuss what you want!

Call in the Asphalt Professional from Tar King

Check out our blog and explore the rest of our website to learn more about us and our services and get in touch with us to request a free quote.

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