Pavement Repair Products
Why use cold mix asphalt?
Cold mix asphalt is a popular option when it comes to repairing pavement or patching in potholes. This is a combination of mineral aggregate and then emulsified, or a combination of cutback asphalt with additives.
These aggregates are composed of virgin materials and/or reclaimed asphalt pavement or millings. The latter is usually preferred as it helps saves money. Contractors prefer cold mixes over any other type of pavement repair products because of its flexibility and its use for off-site or remote roads.
What does it do though?
Cold mix asphalt is used for base, top courses, binder, and leveling. They can also be used as structural overlays. Because of their flexibility and durability, cold mix asphalt does what hot mix asphalt can’t – self-heal.
The materials behind cold mix asphalt are responsible for giving it extreme durability in cold weather, thereby minimising cold weather wear and tear.
What are the benefits of cold mix asphalt paving?
It’s safe to say that cold mix asphalt has benefits that no other pavement repair products have. These include:
- Flexibility – Cold mix asphalt is flexible enough to withstand varying weather conditions.
- Convenience – Trucks carry bags of cold mix asphalt everywhere they go because they can be mixed off site and on site, and then used on a different location. Homeowners even have bags of cold mix asphalt just to fix their pavements and driveways.
- Eco-friendly – Cold mix asphalt is water-based, and because it relies on ambient temperatures, it reduces emissions, toxic fumes, and even energy consumption.
How is cold mix asphalt made?
The asphalt is first emulsified in water and soap before mixing it together with the aggregate. When it’s being emulsified, the asphalt is easier to mix and work with because it’s compact. After enough time, the emulsion will break and water evaporates. The mixture then takes on the properties of cold HMAC (hot mix asphalt cement).
What is cold mix asphalt used for?
Cold mix asphalt does what hot mix asphalt has failed to do. This includes failed patches, potholes, and utility cuts. Cold mix is better than hot mix because it can be used any time of the year and can be even be used during the winter.
Cold mix asphalt is preferred than hot mix asphalt because it’s durable and it’s flexible. Its ability to self-heal makes its resistant to cracks and surface wear and tear.
Like any other overlay, cold mix should only be applied over a base or pavement that’s in good condition. Repairs must be done on the overlays if it’s damaged or not in a condition to help ensure the lifecycle of a cold mix asphalt.
What’s the life cycle of cold mix asphalt?
Cold mix asphalt is expected to last one year, and you have to use high-quality materials to ensure that they do. The reason why they only last one year is that some only use cold mix asphalt as temporary fixes during cold and wet seasons and when they can’t use hot mix asphalt.