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Recycled Asphalt Driveway: Pros & Cons

Asphalt Driveway

Using recycled asphalt is not uncommon. Often, one comes across the construction crews tearing up asphalt on the city streets and redoing them with a fresh layer of asphalt. In addition to recycling paper and gals, one can also recycle asphalt. In fact, asphalt is one of the most recycled material across the world, and the recycled asphalt material is referred to as RAP.   The main benefits of recycling and reusing asphalt are to lower the costs and making an eco-friendly move. Always go for a company and contracture that produces quality RAP and reflects knowledge, experience as well as a solid reputation.

The recycled asphalt is simply the mix of the old asphalt that is crushed and grounded into an aggregate size. Once it is compacted, the material hardens and binds together, and thus makes it a great choice for use on driveways. It is essential to prepare the recycled asphalt professionally after properly grading and excavating of the driveway. Once RAP has been applied uniformly, it should be sprinkled with water and compacted it with a roller. What you get is a budget-friendly and sturdy pavement for your parking lot or the driveway.

Uses and Benefits of Recycled Asphalt

RAP is used for different purposes, and it is common to see it used in making hot mix asphalt. Those reclaimed bits of asphalt are mixed with virgin materials, instead of using 100% natural resources. The resulting asphalt is as good as the new asphalt and lowers the carbon footprint too, because of the recycling. Some contractors and homeowners use RAP as the solid base for roadways, paths, driveways and patios. Recycled asphalt is of great use for everyone. For example, the Asphalt plants can make quality asphalt without the need to excavate new natural materials. The manufacturers and consumers enjoy lowered prices, and the process of recycling is good for the environment too!

However one wonders if the recycled asphalt carries the same quality and strength as the original asphalt.  Well, there are pros and cons of the process. Read on the learn more.

The pros of using recycled asphalt

Here are some of the major advantages of using RAP

  • One main benefit is the lower cost and affordability
  • Using RAP means being environmentally responsible and minimizing waste
  • RAP is as good as the original version and carries excellent bonding qualities.
  • The composition of RAP holds up well in rain and snow
  • RAP durable are attractive and look as good as the new ones.

 

The cons of using recycled asphalt

 

There are some minor drawbacks when using RAP that one should be aware of.

  • The recycled aggregate material may be of slightly different coloration because of exposure to the sun and elements.
  • There could be fluctuations in the quality, depending on where and how the asphalt is recycled.
  • Because of certain requirements for a specific substrate, there can be a higher initial expense.
  • Extra efforts and care may be required for cleaning to prevent clogging

 

 

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