By Michelle 
Asphalt and Bitumen are the two common types of material used by road construction contractors for constructing a road. Using the right material will help you get maximum benefits from your construction.
In this article, we will learn about the differences between these two material, so that you choose the right material for your road construction project.
About Bitumen
Bitumen is the liquid binder that keeps the surfaces binded together. A bitumen-sealed road comprises one layer of bitumen and protected with an aggregate. The procedure is repeated one more time to result in a two-coat seal.
About Asphalt
Asphalt is a material that gets produced in a plant. It is applied via a paving machine at a required thickness. The material results in a smoother finish. The asphalt road surface is more durable as compared to a bitumen-sealed road.
Sealtekltd is a leading company based in Australia that offers bitumen sealing services to surface your parks and roads. The expert professionals at this company make use of specially developed additives, primers, and polymers that help in achieving a greater level of adhesion and wearing between the substrate, aggregate, and binders.
Difference between Asphalt and Bitumen road construction materials
Asphalt is cost-effective than Bitumen. When looking at the lifespan, and cost-efficiency of the two, asphalt is a clear winner. Asphalt has a thick layer of 25mm to 40 mm in comparison to the bitumen layer that has a thickness of 10mm to 20 mm.
Due to this reason, asphalt lasts for a longer time. You can easily expect to get five to ten years from a road. An asphalt surface doesn’t need much maintenance. You only need periodic maintenance that saves a lot of money and time.
What are the advantages, and drawbacks of Asphalt?
Benefits:
- Produces minimal noise
- Durability that makes it last easily for over 20 years
- It is energy efficient that lowers friction between car, and tire. This results in enhanced fuel economy and less carbon dioxide emission
- Asphalt-based road surfaces are smoother and show more resistance towards skidding. This makes it a safer option
- It reduces damage on tire and vehicles
Disadvantages:
- Expensive installation
- Needs a well-prepared surface before beginning with the pavement of the road
- Prone to extremely hot temperatures that can make the asphalt become soft.
What are the advantages, and drawbacks of Bitumen?
Benefits:
- Cheaper to install when compared to asphalt
- Easy to recycle in place of going to landfill
Disadvantages:
- Leads to a noisy driving experience
- It is less durable
- Extreme, or improper weather conditions can make your bituminous pavement soft, and slick
- Can lead to soil, and groundwater pollution
Conclusion
Asphalt comes with way more advantages when compared to bitumen. It is not just affordable, but also comes with a longer life span. Once installed, it doesn’t require several hours to maintain it. Whether you are resurfacing a driveway, parking space, or any other area, asphalt is a valuable investment that will easily last for several years.