7 Fascinating Facts About Asphalt

Our Blog

We'll be adding to our Asphalt blog periodically so make sure to come back occasionally & check out our stories!

7 Fascinating Facts About Asphalt - The Strong, Durable, and Eco-Friendly Paving Material

Discover the versatility and eco-friendliness of asphalt in this informative article. From its natural origins to its role in reducing noise pollution and erosion, you will want to take advantage of these 7 fascinating facts about this popular paving material.
  1. Asphalt is one of the most popular construction materials in the world, and for a good reason! It’s strong, durable, and weather-resistant, making it ideal for paving roads, parking lots, and even sidewalks.
  2. Did you know that asphalt is a naturally occurring substance? It’s made from a mixture of bitumen, a sticky, black substance, and aggregates like gravel and sand.
  3. The history of asphalt can be traced back to Babylonian times, when it was used to construct roads and build structures. The word “asphalt” comes from the Babylonian word “asphalt”, which meant “binder” or “pitch”.
  4. Speaking of history, did you know that the first American asphalt road was laid in 1870 in Newark, New Jersey? It was made using a mixture of asphalt and crushed rock and was a huge improvement over the dirt roads of the time.
  5. If you’ve ever driven on a hot summer day, you know that the temperature of an asphalt road can get pretty toasty! In fact, on a sunny day, the temperature of an asphalt road can be as much as 50-60°C higher than the air temperature. Ouch!
  6. Despite its heat-absorbing properties, asphalt is actually an environmentally friendly option for paving roads and parking lots. It reduces noise pollution, decreases runoff and erosion, and can even help with stormwater management.
  7. Last, did you know that asphalt can be recycled and reused? This saves on resources, reduces waste, and helps keep our planet a little bit greener.
Crew laying down fresh asphalt for a new residential driveway
ready for fresh asphalt for a new residential driveway
Scroll to Top