How Asphalt is Made

Asphalt is one of the most commonly-used materials in the country. Over 90% of America's 2.6 million miles of paved roads are surfaced with asphalt. We drive on it every day during our commutes and park our cars on it every night when we get home, yet most people don't know anything about it. This article will provide you with a brief understanding of the production process of asphalt cement.

Asphalt is not the smooth black pavement that you probably picture it as. Asphalt is actually a byproduct of the petroleum industry and is essentially leftover residue from the oil refining process. In this form, asphalt is a durable binding material which is resistant to both weather and chemicals.

Asphalt is solid at room temperature, so it must be heated to roughly 300ºF until its consistency becomes tar-like. It is then put in a rotating drum and mixed with sand and crushed stone until it thoroughly coats the gravel. After mixing, it is poured, flattened, and compressed with a steamroller to pave roads, highways, and parking lots. Asphalt is very versatile and can also be used in a variety of other products, such as roof shingles.

Stasi Brothers is an asphalt contractor and masonry company located on Long Island. We have been serving Nassau County for more than 50 years and have earned an A+ accreditation rating with the BBB. You can visit our website for more information or connect with us on social media – we are active on both Twitter and Facebook.