The Road Beneath Your Driveway: How Asphalt is Made

At Payless Paving, we’re passionate about asphalt paving. We see it as the foundation for countless driveways, parking lots, and roads in Knoxville and the surrounding areas. But have you ever wondered how this ubiquitous material is actually made?

Asphalt might seem simple, but it’s a carefully engineered product. Here’s a breakdown of its key ingredients and the creation process:

  • The Binding Force: Asphalt Cement

The black, sticky glue that holds everything together is asphalt cement, also known as bitumen. This is a byproduct of refining crude oil. During distillation, lighter components like gasoline and diesel are separated, leaving behind the heavier asphalt cement.

  • The Backbone: Aggregates

Imagine a skeleton for your asphalt. That’s the job of aggregates, which consist of crushed stone, gravel, and sand. The size and mix of these aggregates are crucial for the final strength and flexibility of the asphalt pavement.

  • The Recipe: Mixing it Up

At Payless Paving, we rely on decades of experience and strict adherence to industry standards to create the perfect asphalt mix. The specific ratio of asphalt cement and aggregates depends on the intended use – a driveway will have different requirements than a high-traffic commercial parking lot.

  • Bringing it All Together: The Asphalt Plant

Modern asphalt plants are marvels of engineering. Here, the aggregates are heated to remove moisture and ensure proper bonding. The asphalt cement is also heated to a liquid state. Finally, both are carefully proportioned and mixed together in a large drum mixer.

  • From Plant to Pavement

The freshly mixed asphalt needs to be applied quickly before it cools. Payless Paving uses specialized trucks to transport the asphalt mix directly to your driveway or parking lot. Our skilled paving crew then uses a paver machine to lay down the asphalt at the precise thickness and grade.

  • The Finishing Touch: Compaction

Once laid down, the asphalt needs to be compacted to remove air voids and create a dense, solid surface. Payless Paving utilizes state-of-the-art rollers to achieve optimal compaction, ensuring a smooth, long-lasting asphalt pavement.

So, the next time you step onto your driveway or walk across a parking lot in Knoxville, take a moment to appreciate the science and engineering that went into creating the asphalt beneath your feet. At Payless Paving, we use the highest quality materials and cutting-edge techniques to deliver dependable asphalt paving solutions for our residential and commercial clients.

If you’re interested in a new asphalt driveway or parking lot for your Knoxville property, contact Payless Paving today for a free consultation!