If you’re planning a paving project for your driveway, patio, or other outdoor areas, you’ve likely come across the terms “blacktop” and “asphalt” being used interchangeably.
While they may seem similar, blacktop and asphalt are actually two different paving materials—and choosing the right one depends on your specific needs and preferences.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the key differences between blacktop and asphalt, how each material is made and installed, and the pros and cons to consider when deciding which type of paving is best for your project.
By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of blacktop vs. asphalt, so you can choose a suitable paving contractor for your project.
What Is Blacktop?
Blacktop, also sometimes called oil-bound macadam or crude asphalt, refers to a paving material made from crushed stone or gravel and a tar or asphalt binder. The ingredients are heated and mixed together, then compacted and levelled to form a hard, durable surface once cooled.
Some key things to know about blacktop:
- Composition: Contains approximately 5-10% asphalt or tar binder and 90-95% aggregate (crushed stone). The binder holds the aggregate together.
- Installation: Liquid asphalt is sprayed onto the aggregate while it’s being mixed in place with a paving machine. No additional layers are needed.
- Colour: Earns its “blacktop” moniker from its jet-black appearance when first laid. Will fade to a charcoal gray over time with exposure to UV light.
- Porous: Allows some water to seep through its pores, making it less water-resistant than asphalt.
- Less Refined: Uses lesser grades of asphalt since the process is less sophisticated than asphalt production.
So, in summary, blacktop is a simpler paving material that uses asphalt or tar as the binder between crushed stone pieces. Its production method is less refined than asphalt.
What Is Asphalt?
Asphalt is the more sophisticated and widely used paving material compared to blacktop. Some key things to know:
- Composition: Made primarily from aggregates bound together by asphalt cement, a byproduct of oil refining. May contain additives to modify performance.
- Production: Asphalt cement is heated and mixed with aggregates in an asphalt plant, allowing for tighter quality control.
- Installation: Applied in multiple layers, with each layer compacted before adding the next. This results in a very dense surface.
- Porosity: Virtually non-porous and highly impervious to water.
- Durability: More durable and long-lasting than blacktop due to its density and ability to resist water damage.
- Refinement: Production process and quality control make it a more refined material suitable for high-traffic applications.
So in summary, asphalt is a more sophisticated material using refined asphalt cement to bind aggregates. The asphalt paving layered installation process forms a very dense, water-resistant surface.
Blacktop vs. Asphalt: Key Differences
Now that we’ve explored what blacktop and asphalt are, here are some of the key differences between the two paving materials:
- Composition: Asphalt contains asphalt cement, while blacktop uses asphalt or tar as the binder. Asphalt cement provides better performance.
- Production Method: Asphalt is produced in a controlled plant environment, while blacktop involves mixing ingredients on-site.
- Porosity: Asphalt is virtually non-porous, while blacktop allows some water infiltration through its pores.
- Durability: Asphalt paving generally lasts 30 years, while blacktop may need replacement every 7-15 years due to its porosity.
- Installation: Asphalt uses multiple compacted layers versus Blacktop’s single-layer application.
- Refinement: Asphalt production results in a higher quality, more consistent material suitable for heavy use.
- Cost: Blacktop tends to be less expensive due to its simpler production but requires more frequent replacement.
- Appearance: The blacktop is jet-black initially and fades to charcoal gray. On the other hand, asphalt has a consistent charcoal colour.
So in summary, asphalt provides superior long-term performance due to its density, water resistance, and ability to withstand heavy traffic loads. However, it also carries a higher upfront cost.
Overall, the differences between blacktop and asphalt paving can be summarized as follows:
| Feature | Blacktop | Asphalt |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | More Stone, Less Binder | More Binder, Denser Composition |
| Surface | Rougher, More Porous | Smoother, Less Porous |
| Durability | Less Durable, Prone to Cracking | Highly Durable, Handles High Traffic |
| Water Resistance | Lower Water Resistance | Superior Water Resistance |
| Applications | Low-Traffic Areas (Driveways, Walkways) | High-traffic areas (Roads, Parking Lots) |
| Maintenance | Requires Frequent Sealing | Less Frequent Sealing Needed |
| Noise Reduction | Offers Less Noise Reduction | Provides a Quieter Driving Experience |
| Cost | Generally Cheaper Upfront | Long-Term Cost-Effective Due to Durability |
Choosing Between Blacktop & Asphalt
Now that we’ve examined the key differences, here are some general guidelines on when each material may be best for your project:
- Driveways: Asphalt is usually preferable for driveways due to its ability to handle vehicle weight and withstand weathering. On the other hand, blacktop can work for lighter residential use.
- Patios/Walkways: Both materials work well for patios and walkways with lighter foot traffic. However, blacktop may be more cost-effective for these applications.
- Commercial Lots: Asphalt is really the only choice for withstanding heavy vehicles and machinery used in commercial parking lots.
- Porosity Preference: If you want a porous surface for drainage or aesthetics, blacktop paving allows some water infiltration versus non-porous asphalt.
- Longevity vs. Cost: Asphalt provides the most durable surface for the long haul. Even though blacktop paving has a lower upfront price, it has higher lifetime costs due to more frequent replacement.
- Colour Preference: Blacktop is jet black initially, while asphalt has a consistent charcoal hue. Hence, you should consider the look you prefer.
With any paving project, be sure to get quotes from reputable local paving contractors experienced with both materials. Factors like your budget, specific needs, and location will help you decide whether blacktop or asphalt is the better choice.
About Us
At Kingsway Paving, we’re your local experts in asphalt paving for driveways, parking lots, and roadways across British Columbia. We understand that choosing the right paving material is important, and we’re here to help you navigate the differences between blacktop and asphalt to ensure a long-lasting, reliable surface for your project.
With over 40 years of experience, we have a proven track record of excellence and customer satisfaction. Our team of experts can assess your needs and recommend the most suitable paving service for your project, whether it’s asphalt or blacktop. We also provide a wide range of paving services, including installation, repairs, replacement, and maintenance.
Contact us today to learn more about our paving services and get a free consultation!
