Asphalt is a highly durable and flexible material to pave driveways, roads, and parking lots. It can withstand the pressure of heavy vehicles and withstand weather extremes. However, not all asphalt is created equal. Cold mix asphalt (CMA) is an effective solution for temporary repairs or low-traffic areas.
It’s Easy To Work With
Unlike hot mix asphalt, which requires specialized equipment that heats the material to work with, the cold mix is simple enough for any contractor to use. This makes it easier and more affordable to fix pavement and potholes quickly.
The lack of heating also reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, making CMA a more environmentally responsible choice than HMA. This is especially important in remote areas with limited access to a traditional asphalt plant.
While both asphalt mixes are effective for specific situations, CMA is especially useful in winter repairs and low-traffic areas due to its ease of application, weather flexibility, and storage flexibility. It is also less expensive than HMA for some projects with tight deadlines, mainly when it requires a fast curing time.
It’s Versatile
EZ street asphalt can be used for driveway, road, and pothole repairs. It can be used year-round because it doesn’t require heating and can be mixed and laid at lower temperatures than hot mix asphalt.
The lack of heating equipment also reduces the risk of O/H & S claims from heat exposure and handling damage. In addition, the quick installation process minimizes traffic disruption.
Unlike HMA, which uses hot bitumen and requires high temperatures for mixing, CMA is mixed with cold bitumen emulsion dispersed in water to coat aggregates evenly at a lower temperature. This allows for using recycled materials and reduces energy consumption compared to HMA. It also uses less fuel for transport and has lower emissions than WMA.
Unlike HMA, cold-mix asphalt can be produced and placed at ambient temperatures. This makes it a perfect choice for road repair projects in areas where the temperature window is too tight to accommodate HMA.
Additionally, CMA is affordable and can be purchased in smaller bags to fit specific repairs or projects.
CMA can also be used in rural or remote locations where hot-mix asphalt plants aren’t easily accessible. This provides a practical solution to roadways that need immediate repairs, especially when traffic disruptions can lead to safety risks. This is also an excellent choice for temporary roads in construction zones or events.
It’s Economical
Cold mix asphalt is much more affordable than hot mix, and it doesn’t require specialized equipment or heating, making it an excellent choice for smaller projects and repairs. It also comes in bags that are the perfect size for small patches, so you don’t have to buy it in bulk like with HMA.
Cold asphalt mixes can be made from recycled materials, which reduces costs and environmental impact. They also have the quickest curing times, so you can repair potholes quickly and efficiently when they form. Emulsifiers and rejuvenators help to keep the mix workable at low temperatures, while polymer additives (such as styrene-butadiene-styrene or SBS) improve the mix’s elasticity and flexibility. This helps to prevent cracking and deformation.
It’s Safe
As the name suggests, cold mix asphalt is made without heating, making it much safer for road and driveway repairs than traditional hot asphalt. Its lack of heating also minimizes traffic disruptions, worker injuries, and fume hazards, which can be an issue with hot asphalt.
In addition, CMA can be applied at ambient temperatures and will be set quickly. This means that potholes can be repaired as soon as they appear and will prevent them from becoming more significant problems. It’s also a good choice for small-scale patching projects and can be used in winter to keep small cracks from spreading during the season. However, this should only be a temporary solution until hot mix asphalt can be used for more permanent repair work.