Bitumen is a substance in bituminous coal, also called black coal. Bitumen is mixed with sand and small pieces of stone to form asphalt. Companies like Sullivan Paving in Waterford CT pave driveways, parking lots and private roads with this material. People often call the pavement blacktop because of the original rich dark color that makes it distinct from concrete.
A Brief History of Asphalt Use
Asphalt covers about 94 percent of U.S. paved roads, according to the National Asphalt Pavement Association. In one form or another, asphalt has been used to pave surfaces since at least 600 years before the Common Era. Historical records show that the Babylonians, Greeks and Romans all used the material. In the United States, asphalt paving became prevalent in the late 1800s, initially for building smooth surfaces for city streets.
Surface Treatments
Adding a surface treatment to seal the blacktop significantly slows the natural deterioration that occurs over time. Property owners can do their own seal coating or other surface treatments, but it’s a time-consuming project and specific techniques must be used for best results. Most people prefer to have workers from a company like Sullivan Paving in Waterford CT complete this task. They have state-of-the-art equipment and the training necessary to apply the material evenly and thoroughly.
The Best Weather for Seal Coating
If possible, sealing the asphalt should be done when the weather is relatively warm, and certainly above freezing temperatures. The blacktop must be dry, so it may be best to wait for at least a day or two after rain falls. Click Here for information on one particular pavement installation and maintenance contractor.
Longevity
Seal coat lasts for several years on well-traveled roads, and the work may never need to be repeated on a driveway. Busy parking lots can be treated as needed. Patching of cracks and holes can be done without sealing the entire lot. Some owners of commercial property prefer to have the lot sealed relatively frequently because it revitalizes the appearance. The asphalt looks like new after the job is complete. New paint for parking spaces adds to the effect.
