Asphalt is used everywhere! Asphalt is used for our parking lots, roads and driveways. Asphalt has been used for a long time and even forms naturally. There are a lot of unknown and interesting facts about asphalt. As there are a lot of interesting facts about asphalt, Andersen Asphalt & Striping would like to share some unknown facts about asphalt with you.
How is Asphalt Formed Naturally?
Asphalt is made of a number of elements and or components. Basically, the two main components is rock and a tar like substance that holds the rock and soil together. In nature, tar and rocks can come together to create asphalt. One of the best examples of asphalt occurring in natures is at Pitch Lake on the Caribbean Island of Trinidad. At Pitch Lake there are about 100 acres and 10 million tons of asphalt that was naturally formed. Another site where asphalt develops naturally is also in the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea was a prime site for asphalt that was collected and used by the ancient Egyptians for mummification. The mummification wrapping was covered in the asphalt’s liquid tar to help protect the person from insects, fungi, bacteria, and moisture.
When Was Asphalt First Used for Paving?
In the U.S., the decision to make permanent roads was made in the late 1800’s. Asphalt was the primary choice of material to create these roads. The very first American asphalt paved road was William Street which was outside City Hall in Newark, New Jersey. The second asphalt paved road was Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington D.C., right outside the White house. Form this point on, asphalt paved roads were used more and more and have been the primary method of creating roads for over 150 years now. Asphalt has proved to be long lasting and a durable material for roads and more.
Road Quality Affects Gas Mileage?
Studies have been conducted that prove that asphalt roads can help improve gas mileage. When you have well managed, smooth paved asphalt roads, it helps to improve gas mileage by 4.5%. When there is less rolling resistance, this helps improve your vehicle’s momentum which only increases your fuel economy. When planning your route home, to work and other destinations, choose the smooth paved roads.
Asphalt Develops Different Types of Cracks
When we see a crack in the asphalt, most of us just see a crack. However, when asking an asphalt paving service what they see, they’ll tell you they see certain types of cracks and an underlying problem that needs repair. Depending on the types of crack that formed in the asphalt, the asphalt is experiencing an issue that needs correcting. Some of the common types of asphalt cracks are:
• Alligator Cracks
• Transverse Cracks
• Block Cracking
• Edge Cracking
• Slippage Cracking
When cracks form in asphalt they pose a major problem to the overall health and longevity of the asphalt. For anyone who is responsible for maintaining asphalt, never ignore or put off crack repairs.
Asphalt Parking Lot & Road Pavement Resurfacing, Replacement & More in Reno, Elko, Henderson, North LV, Paradise, Spring Valley, Sunrise Manor, Las Vegas, NV | State of Nevada
There are a lot of unknown facts about asphalt and asphalt roads. When you need help maintaining your business’s or home’s asphalt, contact Andersen Asphalt & Striping today.
