Not only do asphalt roads have to deal with bad drivers, but they take a lot of abuse from the natural elements as well. The United States has a variety of weather systems that range from freezing to blistering hot. The amazing fact about asphalt roads is that they are designed to survive in all types of weather.

Asphalt roads are damaged primarily by water that comes in the form of rain or snow. The water on asphalt will freeze then thaw, causing asphalt to constrict and expand. Additionally, the soil on which asphalt is built on will have similar effects ¹.

Asphalt roads do not “survive” on their own per se, but rather they require the proper maintenance. This is especially true in places of the United States that get a lot of rain and snow. Thus, the type of elements to which a road is exposed to has to be taken into consideration to establish a proper maintenance plan. By doing so, the life of a road can be extended and help it “survive.”

To build an effective road that is going to withstand the elements, companies need to know what they are doing beyond what the law specifies as the minimum requirements. The real difference in “quality” comes from companies doing more than what the law requires. However, some people just want a cheap price without considering the future consequences.

There are all kinds of paving contractors and companies out there that offer different “qualities” at different prices. Alaniz Construction Inc. emphasizes the importance of choosing the right paving contractor that fits your price and offers the best quality possible.

References:

1.  Pavement Type Selection.  Asphalt Pavement Alliance (APA). July 3, 2013.