Whether you call it bitumen, blacktop or tar, you have no doubt noticed that asphalt is a very popular choice for parking lots, driveways and roadways. Asphalt pavement is fast and economical to install, easy to maintain and visually appealing. It is long-lasting if properly maintained, and if sealants are applied regularly, its longevity can be extended and its appearance enhanced. However, asphalt is an extremely versatile substance that is growing in popularity for industrial and recreational applications.
Asphalt: Interesting Industrial Applications
Asphalt is used in many different industries, including the transportation, agricultural and construction industries. Below are some common industrial applications involving asphalt.
• Railroads: Asphalt pavements may be used as underlayment systems for track beds. Using asphalt helps prevent subgrade erosion, reduces vibration, muffles noise and distributes the weight more evenly.
• Agriculture: Asphalt resists sanitary wastes and is nontoxic, so it can be used to pave feeding areas, cattle pens, barns, watering ponds and silos. It is often used to line hatcheries and holding ponds at fish farms. Asphalt-based products can also be used by arborists for grafting, treating storm damage or sealing wounds left when tree limbs are removed.
• Construction: One of the most popular uses of asphalt in the construction industry is to waterproof foundations and basements. Asphalt cements are often used by roofers, and rubberized asphalt can be used to create custom sub-flashings for roof penetrations.
• Public Works: Asphalt is so safe that it can be used as a liner for potable water, so it is not surprising that many reservoirs are lined with asphalt. Asphalt is also frequently used to line dams, landfills, drainage canals and retention ponds.
Asphalt for Recreational Applications
Asphalt is widely used by schools, parks, apartment complexes and outdoor recreational facilities for a range of applications.
• Playgrounds: Asphalt is often used to pave courts that can serve multiple functions, including basketball games, badminton matches and lively games of hopscotch. It is also used to pave the areas surrounding swings, slides and other playground equipment.
• Tennis Courts: From public facilities to backyard courts, asphalt remains a popular choice for tennis courts.
• Pedestrian Paths: Asphalt pavement is frequently used for walkways through nature preserves, jogging trails in parks and sidewalks connecting parking lots with gyms, museums and entertainment venues.
• Track and Field Facilities: From running tracks to runways for pole vaulting, asphalt-rubber has become a popular choice for track and field facilities at many high schools and universities.
• Bicycle Paths: Paved paths reserved for bicycles are becoming increasingly common in parks, on college campuses, in subdivisions and throughout towns promoting green initiatives.
• Golf Cart Paths: Although asphalt paths for golf carts were once found only on golf courses, golf cart paths are appearing in surprising locations. Retirement villages, lakeside communities and subdivisions have also begun to install golf cart paths.
Whether you need asphalt pavement for a recreational or industrial facility, it starts with the selection of a reputable and experienced asphalt contractor: MH Greeson Paving. We provide our services to municipalities, educational facilities, apartment complexes, recreational facilities, HOAs, manufacturing facilities, subdivisions, hotels, shopping centers, office complexes, restaurants, retailers and religious institutions. We are known for delivering high-quality work at reasonable prices. Our services include asphalt paving, sealcoating, asphalt repairs, parking lot striping, pavement markings, sign installation, bollards and car stops. To request a free estimate, complete our online form or call (770) 335-2983.
