Asphalt is all around us, from car parks to roads, you’ll find it hard to go a few hours without walking on something made of asphalt. But you may not have heard about micro asphalt and the difference that it has to the standard, despite the obvious micro nature of it.
Read on to find out the difference between regular asphalt and micro asphalt, and which option might be best for you to use.
Asphalt is typically made up of tiny bits of stone and sand, using bitumen to hold it all together. Bitumen is a sticky black substance that is formed in the production of petroleum. To apply asphalt, it must be mixed at a high temperature and applied to a surface while it is still hot. This keeps the bitumen melted during the application and helps it to become more durable. However the application of asphalt emits a lot of fumes due to having to maintain the high temperature, so is not very environmentally friendly and toxic fumes can be harmful to anyone nearby. It also takes a while to cool down and requires a large amount of labour before it is ready to be walked or driven on.
Regular asphalt is the preferred choice for areas with a lot of traffic, due to its durable nature which ensures you do not have to replace it very often.
Micro Asphalt is a special mix of bitumen and aggregates that can be applied in low temperatures, making it much more eco-friendly. It can be used to improve the texture, create a waterproof layer and seal existing road surfaces, extending the life of a road for up to a decade more. It can be applied very quickly, drying in as little as thirty minutes and then ready for traffic. It is a cold application so the carbon footprint is much lower than when using regular asphalt or surface dressing to repair the road. It is useful in repairing a surface that has worn over time, removing dips and small defects like potholes while restoring the texture.
It is a cheaper and cost-effective alternative than reapplying asphalt to a surface. It is not recommended for high-stress sites with a lot of traffic, as it is not as durable as regular asphalt.
For all of your micro asphalt and road dressing needs, contact Hazell and Jeffries now. We’re able to accommodate projects ranging from driveways to public highways, taking into account your specific requirements to ensure the work is perfect for you. We have a team of experts with years of experience in laying asphalt, offering you great customer service and the best workmanship in Oxford.
So give us a call on 0118 207 2281 to talk through your requirements and see how Hazell and Jefferies Ltd can help you or visit our website now to view our full range of services. We can help with everything from skip hire to recycling aggregates.
