When it comes to paving your driveway, parking lot, or commercial property, choosing the right material can make the difference between a short-term fix and a long-lasting investment. At Spencer Paving, we’ve spent years working with various paving materials.
The foundation of this bituminous asphalt is asphalt bitumin, a viscous petroleum product refined from heavy crude oil. This bitumin serves as the binding agent that holds everything together.
The bitumin is then mixed with carefully selected aggregates—typically crushed stone and sand of varying sizes. The specific combination of aggregate sizes and the proportion of sand in the mixture determines the compound’s properties and its best applications.
Most quality asphalt installations, including those we perform at Spencer Paving, use a three-layer approach:
Base Layer: Provides structural support and load distribution
Binder Layer: Transitional layer that bonds the base to the top coat
Top Layer: The wearing surface that handles traffic and weather exposure
This multi-layer system ensures durability and optimal performance throughout the life of your pavem
One of the primary reasons Spencer Paving chooses bituminous asphalt is its extended lifespan. When properly installed and maintained, bituminous asphalt can last 15-20 years or more, depending on climate, traffic volume, and maintenance practices. This longevity translates to better value for your investment.
The material’s flexibility allows it to expand and contract with temperature changes without cracking prematurely. The binding properties of bitumin create a cohesive surface that resists the stress and strain that leads to pavement failure.
You may encounter contractors who recommend chipstone surfaces, asphalt overlaid with a sprayed layer of bitumin and loose stone chips on top. While this might seem like a cost-effective option, it comes with significant drawbacks that Spencer Paving avoids for our customers’ benefit.
Shorter Lifespan: Chipstone surfaces have a markedly shorter lifespan compared to properly constructed bituminous asphalt. The stone chips can become dislodged over time, especially under heavy traffic and harsh weather conditions.
Reduced Strength: The loose stone layer doesn’t provide the structural integrity of a fully bonded asphalt surface. This weakness becomes apparent quickly, as the surface is more susceptible to cracking, rutting, and deterioration. The stones can scatter, leaving bare patches that expose the underlying asphalt to damage.
Higher Maintenance: Chipstone surfaces require more frequent maintenance and repairs. Stones need to be replaced as they dislodge, and the overall surface tends to degrade faster, leading to higher long-term costs despite the lower initial investment.
At Spencer Paving, we believe in delivering value through quality. We construct our asphalt surfaces using properly engineered bituminous materials installed in multiple layers by experienced professionals. This approach costs a bit more upfront but saves you significant money over time through:
One very simple reason to update your driveway is that it will provide your children a safe place to play. A smooth surface to play basketball or other sports that require you to bounce the ball off the ground can provide hours of entertainment for your children. ...
As most know, an asphalt driveway has clear advantages to different types of driveways. The most common advantage to a paved asphalt driveway is curb appeal.
Brock SmithBrock Smith is Barney & Melody's grandson and is the third generation of Smith family members to join the business! Brock started in 2020 after graduating from High School. Soon after graduation Brock followed in his father's footsteps and attended...
