What Is the Difference Between Hot Mix and Cold Mix Asphalt? Insights from a Commercial Asphalt Paving Company in Orlando, Florida

24 Oct What Is the Difference Between Hot Mix and Cold Mix Asphalt? Insights from a Commercial Asphalt Paving Company in Orlando, Florida

Asphalt looks the same to most people. This thick black tar mixed with rocks produces a gravel-like coating that is used to pave roads and commercial and parking lots. Although the average person might not be aware, there are two different types of asphalt that can be installed: hot mix asphalt and cold mix asphalt.

Someone outside the industry might not notice the difference between hot mix asphalt and cold mix asphalt. However, if you’re looking to install asphalt at your commercial property in Orlando, it’s important to be familiar with the different types of asphalt to make sure you get the optimal results. Without further ado, this commercial asphalt paving company in Orlando, Florida is going to review the two types below.

Hot Mix Asphalt

Hot mix asphalt is well-suited for large-scale commercial paving projects in Orlando, such as highways, public roads, and large commercial parking lots. Prior to being installed, the hot mix asphalt is repeatedly heated at high temperatures — typically somewhere around 300°F to 500°F — at the production facility. This process helps the asphalt firmly adhere to the ground, and it helps prevent shifting as it cools. Despite the high temperature that’s required, hot mix asphalt cools down relatively quickly after being installed, which keeps downtime to a minimum at your property.

When installed by a reputable commercial asphalt paving company in Orlando, Florida, hot mix asphalt will produce a surface that is smooth, durable, and long-lasting. However, one thing to note with hot mix asphalt is that, because it must be poured at an extremely high temperature, it needs to be higher than 40°F outside when the installation takes place. This is rarely an issue in the Orlando, Florida area, but it’s something to keep in mind if your project is scheduled during the winter months.

Cold Mix Asphalt

Cold mix asphalt is a type of asphalt that is often used for patching old, worn-down asphalt surfaces. Essentially, cold mix asphalt refers to bags of asphalt that you can purchase, which do not require heating before installation. It is useful for small-scale repairs, and it’s sometimes useful for commercial property managers who may need to extend the life of their pavement for a few months before a complete re-paving takes place. Using cold mix asphalt for large construction jobs would take much longer to complete, and it would also result in a weaker structure.

Cold mix asphalt is ideal for fixing potholes, large chips, and cracks in an asphalt surface. Because it doesn’t require high temperatures to install, some property owners can apply the mix themselves to make repairs. However, you can always contact your local Orlando commercial asphalt paving company for assistance.

Are You Looking for a Commercial Asphalt Paving Company in Orlando, Florida?

If you are looking to install a high-quality asphalt parking lot, road, or any other type of surface for your Orlando business, hot mix asphalt is the ideal choice for your project. With that said, the experience and skill-level of your asphalt paving contractor can make all the difference. If you want professional results, the key is to partner with an Orlando asphalt paving company that works with best-in-class equipment and machinery, can answer your questions, and can accommodate your unique needs.

At All Asphalt Services, we are the top-rated commercial asphalt paving company in Orlando, Florida. Whether you’re looking for an asphalt installation, maintenance, or repair, we are the people to call. Contact us today to request a free quote on your asphalt paving project.