Using recycled asphalt pavement in a new and remodeled driveway can be more cost effective than purchasing new pavement and wishing you could do away with asphalt all together. The benefits of recycled asphalt are many, but there is a trade off. Recycled asphalt costs more per square foot than pre-mixed asphalt, but it mixes much more evenly.

When recycled asphalt pavement is mixed at the plant, it's generally mixed in the plant by using high-heat mixing methods. This mixing process uses a premix and is a more environmentally responsible way of combining asphalt and concrete. Typically, the mixture is mixed in the plant in batches to allow for an exact blend and consistent texture for the finished product. But the process, the amount of mixing and the transport of heat off the recycled aggregate to the concrete mixture are all functions of several factors, including:

Condition of the Mix. Asphalt that has just been poured has only just been cured, so most of it will have already broken down and therefore be a bit thin. By blending a fresh batch of recycled asphalt pavement, you will have a properly condition material with a consistent thickness and consistent texture.

Finishing. A final coating of concrete or paving sealer is added to recycled asphalt pavement when it reaches the processing plant. This finishing layer also provides a glossy and non-marking protection to the newly mixed batch of asphalt and its mix partner. This finishing process also provides a bitumen sealer that is slightly thicker than the blend so it can be applied and installed more easily. Usually, this finishing layer is used once or twice only, but in special cases where the green asphalt pavement has to stay on the location for a long time, it may be required to stay overnight.

Disposition. The asphalt plant dispenses the green asphalt pavement into trucks that transport it to various destinations. A variety of methods are used to disperse the mixture, such as using high pressure canals and then truck trucks or railcars, and then low-pressure versions using canals and low-pressure trucks or railcars.

Recycled asphalting is a growing industry worldwide. In North America alone, there is a reported investment of US $2 billion dollars on asphalt pavements, mostly in Florida and the Pacific Northwest. For many reasons, including cost, efficiency, aesthetics, and sustainability, more states and municipalities are embracing the idea of full-depth removal. If you have a large paved area that needs to be filled and cleaned, contact us today!