Should You Use Hot Mix Asphalt or Cold Patch Asphalt?
Asphalt Patch Repair Services in Phoenix, AZ
Here at Cactus Asphalt, we know everything about asphalt. But, we don’t expect our customers in Phoenix, AZ to be as knowledgeable as we are about asphalt patching material. As one of the most popular paving materials available, asphalt is used for many projects. What you may not realize is that there are two options: cold mix asphalt and hot mix asphalt. Both options may be suitable for your upcoming asphalt paving project, and we’re here to help you learn more and make the right decision. We’ll let you know about the differences between cold patch asphalt and hot asphalt patches and explore the advantages and disadvantages of each option. You can count on our experienced team for asphalt patch repair services throughout the Valley. Get in touch with us to request your free estimate.
About Hot Mix Asphalt
If you’ve ever driven by a highway crew installing new asphalt with steam coming off it, that was a hot mix asphalt installation. Hot mix asphalt, as the name implies, is a mixture of asphalt cement and aggregate such as gravel and sand. The mixture requires heating before it’s installed. Hot mix asphalt is heated up to between 300 and 350 degrees at the production facility and then shipped and laid at the destined job site. Hot mix asphalt cools quite quickly for fast installation. It’s important to know what situations are best for using hot mix asphalt. It’s recommended to use hot mix asphalt for large-scale paving projects, such as roads, driveways, and parking lots. Hot mix asphalt has been used on roads are parking lots across the country and is a popular choice in Phoenix.
About Cold Mix Asphalt
If hot mix asphalt isn’t suitable for your project, cold mix asphalt is another popular option. Cold mix does not require any heating. It’s often used for patching and comes in bags. Cold mix asphalt is a popular choice for repairing potholes or small cracks. Cold patch asphalt is ideal when the outdoor temperature is too cold to use hot mix asphalt. Cold mix asphalt is not as strong as hot mix asphalt, so it’s typically used for small-scale fixes such as temporary patches until hot mix asphalt can be used for a more permanent repair.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Hot Mix Asphalt
Now that you know a bit more about hot mix asphalt and what it’s used for, it’s time to take a look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of using hot mix asphalt.
Advantages
- Cools Down Quickly – Even though it’s poured at more than 300 degrees, hot mix asphalt cools down quickly for minimal downtime. It may be ready to go in as little as a few hours.
- Weather-Resistant – Asphalt is resistant to all types of weather, including flooding, wind, and more.
- Strong – Hot mix asphalt is very durable, making it ideal for roads and highways with lots of traffic. Cold mix asphalt is not strong enough to support regular traffic from vehicles.
- Flexible – Asphalt will bend but not break. It can shrink and expand based on the weather but will not crack or damage.
Disadvantages
- Expensive – While hot mix asphalt is more affordable than concrete, it’s more expensive than cold mix. Hot mix asphalt will last longer, so be sure to weigh the price against its serviceable life.
- Temperature – Hot mix asphalt can only be installed when the outdoor temperature is at least 40 degrees. In many climates, this can be a problem, but usually, there’s no problem installing it in the Phoenix area.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Cold Mix Asphalt
Just like hot mix asphalt, cold mix asphalt also has advantages and disadvantages. Learn more about each:
Advantages
- Affordable – Cold mix asphalt is a lot more affordable than hot mix asphalt. Hot mix asphalt requires large quantities, while you can get less of cold mix asphalt. Single bags of cold mix can be ideal for small patches without spending too much money.
- Helpful – Cold mix asphalt can be used in the winter months to stop a crack from spreading.
Disadvantages
- Temporary – Cold mix asphalt should only be a temporary fix used to fill in small cracks or patches in the winter. Cold mix will only last a season or two before you use hot mix as a permanent solution.
How to Choose Between Hot & Cold Mix Asphalt
Now that you’ve become somewhat of an expert on hot mix asphalt and cold mix asphalt, it’s time to determine which would be best for you. Cold mix asphalt is relatively easy and inexpensive to install. Some property owners can do cold patches on their own. The downside is that these quick fixes are often not very effective. Hot mix asphalt repair requires the pavement around a pothole to be excavated and filled in, and sealed with the hot asphalt. This repair costs more upfront but will hold up for much longer. Hot mix asphalt is usually the right choice, especially in Phoenix. Cold patch asphalt can be used as a temporary fix in certain situations. A cold asphalt patch can be used temporarily for safety purposes or to avoid liability. Our team is happy to help you decide between hot mix asphalt and cold mix asphalt. We know how to patch asphalt effectively and will work with you to ensure your project meets your expectations.
Parking Lot Asphalt Repair Services
The team at Cactus Asphalt excels in repairing asphalt parking lots in Phoenix, AZ. Your parking lot is an essential element of your business and is one of the first things your customers see. Potholes or crumbling asphalt give a negative first impression and can be dangerous. Our asphalt experts can perform an inspection of your parking lot and recommend the best solution for your asphalt problems. We’d be happy to answer your asphalt repair questions, including how we repair damaged asphalt, what you can expect during the repair, and how much asphalt parking lot repair costs. Contact us today to learn more or get your free estimate.