Asphalt is a common substance most people encounter on a daily basis. As a property manager, you may even be in charge of maintaining an asphalt parking lot or walkway. Read on to discover some interesting facts you may not know about this seemingly common material.
1. Asphalt Is an Ancient Substance
Evidence shows that asphalt was possibly used as early as 615 BCE. It was used on a road leading to Babylon, as evidenced by an ancient tablet that was dated around that time. The Romans used it to seal their aqueducts, reservoirs, and baths.
In the 1860s, a Belgian chemist set out to show the durability of asphalt. He first laid a path in front of the Newark, NJ, city hall, after which Pennsylvania Avenue was paved with it. This is when those in the construction business began to realize it could be used for multiple applications.
2. Asphalt Occurs Naturally
Asphalt is found in naturally occurring deposits called “asphalt lakes”. A semi-solid type of petroleum, it can also be mixed with limestone and sand in what is called “rock asphalt”.
3. Asphalt Is Recyclable
Asphalt is like play-doh, when you’re done with it, you just break it down and use it again to create something new. When asphalt is milled from a surface, the layer that gets removed is recycled into a new surface. This makes asphalt one of the most environmentally friendly substances used for driveways and walkways. Recycling asphalt also makes for an affordable project because one does not have to purchase or produce all new materials.
Contacting the Professionals
As you can see, asphalt has been around for a long time, and for good reason. As a durable, long-lasting, environmentally-friendly product, let us show you what asphalt can do for your property. Contact NVM Paving & Concrete by calling 703-423-0471 or sending us an email today to discuss your options.
