WHICH PRODUCT SUITES YOUR PROJECT BEST?
In Australia we love to use slang, and the construction industry is no different. Many people and contractors use ‘Bitumen’ as slang for a range of different road surface products that, more often than not, are actually Asphalt.
So what does this mean? Bitumen and Asphalt are different products that are both applied in road construction by Ozpave for differing project circumstances, such as scale, durability & cost needs, to name a few.
WHAT IS BITUMEN?
Bitumen is a black, viscous & sticky liquid, created as a by-product from coal refineries and crude oil. It is used like a glue to bind other materials to it.
In road surfacing, Bitumen is used to create a Hot Bitumen Seal surface, where hot Bitumen is laid and then has rocks, like gravel, spread across it. This creates a loose stone surface, with the bottom layer of stone sticking to the Bitumen, and the subsequent stones sitting on top.
WHAT IS ASPHALT?
Asphalt, like Concrete, is a composite material, meaning it uses a combination of aggregates such as stone, sand and gravel, all glued together by a Bitumen binder.
In road surfacing, Asphalt is most widely used and is what you drive on every day. Majority of roadways in Sydney are Asphalt for its longevity, durability & ease of repair.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED BITUMEN OR ASPHALT?
This can come down to a range of factors, however most commonly this decision is led by project size, cost & site use and/or location.
WHY A HOT BITUMEN SEAL?
You will most often see this option outside Sydney on large stretches of country roads, or used on properties with large acreage as a Bitumen Hot Seal is generally cheaper in the short-term.
SCALE
Bitumen Hot Seals are better suited for large stretches, usually of rural, roadways or driveways as it is a cheaper product to install in the short-term.
COST
Bitumen Hot Seals are cheaper upfront, however require resealing every 5 to 7 years depending on the level of wear. Each maintenance instalment is usually only one third to one quarter of the price of an Asphalt surface upfront, at the same scale.
Bitumen Hot Seals require more frequent maintenance due to the wearing away of loose stones over time, making the surface lose its friction, durability and water resistance.
SITE USE/LOCATION
Bitumen Hot Seals are an efficient choice for a working property, for example, as a surface that can completely be repaired in whole as needed may be the most cost-effective option for you.
However this, you should also consider the nature of your site as many places in and surrounding Sydney have rather steep topography. Wet Bitumen Hot Seals have far less traction than an
Asphalt surface, so in heavy rain, this could cause vehicle slippage and excess tyre spinning. Due to loose stones and its lower water resistance, a Bitumen Hot Seal surface will naturally provide less friction when wet.
WHY ASPHALT?
Suburban streets, large motorways, footpaths, driveways and carparks all tend to be Asphalt in Sydney due to its more long-term maintenance cycle.
SCALE
Asphalt is an incredibly flexible solution that lends itself to project as every scale. Usually, cost is the deciding factor when it comes to this surface.
COST
Depending on the composition of the Road Base (what asphalt is laid over), Asphalt surfaces can last anywhere between 15 to 25 years, untouched, with its only sign of aging being going from a deep black, to a dark grey from sun exposure. For local councils, businesses and residents, a higher upfront cost with little to no short-term maintenance needs, is far more effective than continually needing to reseal every roadway.
If your Asphalt surface has cracking & potholes, it is likely that the Road Base layer is failing and will eventually lead to the whole area being resurfaced. However, for a temporary solution or minor issues, patching can be completed in problem areas, and crack seal can be applied to maintain surface water resistance.
Asphalt surfaces can also be laid directly on-top of an existing Bitumen Hot Seal if it is in relatively good condition, negating the cost of complete reconstruction.
SITE USE/LOCATION
Asphalt is extremely durable and can be used on a range of sites; Government, Commercial, Industrial, Construction or Residential.
Asphalt is also a great choice for steep properties as it provides far more traction when wet than alternatively, a Bitumen Hot Seal surface. Asphalt also has better water resistance than a Bitumen Hot Seal as it is more dense and less porous, letting water run-off quicker.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Ozpave provides both Bitumen Hot Seal and Asphalt surface solutions, and with 38 years of road construction experience, our team is well equipped to help you make the right choice for your project.
HOW CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION OR REQUEST A QUOTE?
If you have any further queries, questions or concerns, contacting the staff at our office via phone
(02) 9678 9000 or email admin@ozpave.com.au will be the fastest way for you to learn about what Bitumen or Asphalt solution may suite your project best. Their expertise will allow them to make recommendations, as well as guide you through the process.
Alternatively, you can ‘Request a Quote’ via our website.
Attaching photos will also help our team estimate your project’s needs. Depending on its complexity, you may also request for a site inspection prior to receiving an estimate quote.