Bulk Asphalt
refers to large quantities of asphalt that are purchased for major projects such as road maintenance. It is a crucial component of the construction industry, used in many applications such as road construction, pavement, roofing, and waterproofing.
It is a cost-effective and efficient way to buy and use asphalt. In this blog, we will delve into the world of bulk asphalt and explore its various types, benefits, and factors to consider before buying.
Bulk asphalt is ideal for larger asphalt maintenance projects such as utility cuts or new road construction
Advantages of Buying Bulk Asphalt
Bulk asphalt offers several advantages that make it cost-effective and efficient for large projects. Purchasing asphalt in bulk reduces loading and unloading times, which increases operational efficiency. For large projects, bulk asphalt is typically the ideal choice. But not all types of bulk asphalt are the same. Let’s look at what kind of asphalt you can buy in bulk.
Bulk Hot Mix Asphalt
Hot mix asphalt is one of the most commonly used types due to its low cost. It is typically used in high-traffic areas such as highways, interstates, and other major roadways.
Hot mix asphalt is a relatively cheap material, but its acquisition and paving costs add up. Paving with hot mix asphalt has many hidden costs, including heavy machinery, long wait times at the asphalt plant, and large purchase minimums. Additionally, because hot mix asphalt must maintain a temperature between 300 – 350 degrees Fahrenheit, it requires special equipment to keep the material heated to the required working temperature.
Weather also plays a critical factor in the use of hot mix asphalt. Weather conditions must remain dry and warm to allow the material to create a bond. A sudden rainstorm can delay road maintenance until the ground is dry again.
Bulk hot mix is durable and cheap, but has strict weather restrictions
Bulk cold patch asphalt is often stored outside which affects the performance of the material
Bulk Cold Patch Asphalt
Cold patch asphalt is a type of asphalt mixture designed to be used at lower temperatures than traditional hot mix asphalt. Unlike hot mix asphalt, which requires heating the asphalt cement to high temperatures to make it fluid, cold patch asphalt is produced and applied at ambient temperatures. This makes it a more environmentally friendly option.
It is especially useful in the winter when hot mix asphalt can’t be used. For this reason, cold patch bulk asphalt is often used in temporary road repair. Cold patch asphalt doesn’t offer the durability of hot mix asphalt. Material performance is greatly affected by ice, water, and dirt dilution of the binding agent. This means the longer the cold mix asphalt is stored, the greater the likelihood it will become unusable.
Bulk Natural Asphalt
Natural asphalt is a naturally occurring material that functions similarly to manufactured types of asphalt without going through the manufacturing process. Although hot or cold mix asphalt is more widely known, natural asphalt outperforms both forms of manufactured asphalt regarding its paving ability.
Benefits of natural asphalt include:
- All-weather reliability
- Immediately ready for traffic
- No added chemicals
Natural asphalt results from more than 70 million years of heat and pressure infusing native Anacacho limestone with a concentrated bitumen binder. The result is a unique, robust paving material. Unlike hot mix asphalt, RockAsphalt© creates a permanent bond from compaction alone and doesn’t require heating.
Our resealable 1 cubic yard totes keep bulk asphalt fresher longer
Factors to Consider Before Buying Bulk Asphalt
When researching bulk asphalt, there are several factors to consider to find the right type for your project.
- What is the climate and weather like in your area at the time of application?
- How much coverage is needed?
- What are the supplier’s credentials and experience?
You want to ensure you’re purchasing the right bulk asphalt to use in your climate. You also want to ensure you get the right coverage amount and purchase from a supplier that is a trusted expert in the industry.
RockAsphalt© Bulk Supersacks Offers Durability and Convenience
We know that big projects require bulk asphalt. That’s why we developed our 1 cubic yard resealable Supersack of RockAsphalt© to ensure your asphalt isn’t exposed to the elements. This keeps your bulk asphalt fresher, cleaner, and more reliable than bulk cold patch asphalt for road repairs. You won’t have to spend time driving to get materials, because we deliver our product to you when you need it. To determine how much bulk RockAsphalt© is needed, enter the dimensions of your project.
