4 FAQs About Recycled Asphalt

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Recycling helps our environment, and using recycled asphalt is beneficial because it reduces the amount of new oil needed for the construction process. 

When you choose to use recycled asphalt, you help reduce the amount of waste material from construction. This means less waste in landfills.

Here are some answers to questions you may have about the use of recycled asphalt.

How Does Recycled Asphalt Differ From Regular Asphalt?

The main difference between asphalt and recycled asphalt is the temperature. Unlike regular asphalt used in a hot mix, the recycled kind is used in cold mix paving.

Asphalt is simple to recycle and is a commonly recycled construction material. The process to turn used asphalt into new material is simple as well.

What Are Some Uses For Recycled Asphalt?

The most common use of recycled asphalt is paving for parking lots and roads. However, recycled asphalt has many uses.

  • Residential driveway paving
  • Landscaping materials
  • Roof shingles
  • Sealant for building exteriors

When taking on any of these projects for your home, consider looking into the availability and benefits of using recycled materials.

Does Using Recycled Asphalt Save Money?

Along with the environmental benefits of choosing recycled asphalt, you also save money. The recycled asphalt is cheaper than the new asphalt.

Recycled asphalt is cheaper because the process to make it is less expensive. When you choose recycled material, you don't pay the extra mining expenses that come with new asphalt.

The price of petroleum also drives up the process of newly mined asphalt. The recycling process costs less, so manufacturing prices are less and you save money.

What Are Some Pros And Cons Of Using Recycled Asphalt?

Like other construction materials, recycled asphalt has its advantages and disadvantages. Before deciding if recycled asphalt is the best choice for you to use, it's best to understand the pros and cons of its use.

One obvious advantage is that it's good for the environment. Another advantage is durability. Recycled asphalt is often more durable than new asphalt.

One disadvantage is quality. Depending on the recycling process, you may run into quality issues that lead to potholes or cracks down the road.

Recycled asphalt doesn't retain its color well. This is because of the material's previous exposure to weather-related conditions: rain, sun, and heat.

When deciding whether to go with new or recycled asphalt, it's important to contact professionals with any questions.

Contact a company like Boulder Recycled Aggregate to learn more. 

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29 March 2022

what can you do with recyclable materials?

Recycling goes well beyond tossing your plastic bottles and aluminum cans in bins separate from your un-recyclable trash. Every little bit counts when it comes to recycling. Maybe it is time for you to consider going beyond traditional recycling in your home. You can take things that would otherwise end up in salvage yards or landfills and make something truly spectacular out of them. My site is filled with great ideas for using your "trash" to create things like wall art, furniture, children's entertainment items, and much, much more. You can save money on things that you would otherwise have to buy and have fun creating your own stuff out of recyclable materials.