ABOUT ASPHALT PAVING

Asphalt paving is an alternative to concrete for landscape paving, including the paving of residential driveways. As well as being cheaper than concrete, asphalt paving has several other advantages compared to concrete. It is less prone to frost damage; it allows easy snow removal; and it can be re-surfaced. Hot mix asphalt is an aggregate of stone and sand, together with a liquified slurry of asphalt. It is heated to 300 degrees Fahrenheit before being applied.

Asphalt paving contractors normally only operate in one or two cities in the USA, the industry being highly fragmented and local. Various websites, including two described below, enable customers to search for local contractors.

LEADING USA SUPPLIERS

The following leading asphalt paving suppliers have comprehensive websites, with information on all aspects, including online catalogs, colors and materials, and care and maintenance.

Blacklidge Emulsions. Blacklidge Emulsions Inc. is a second generation family business based in Gulfport, Mississippi. It specializes in the manufacture of Asphalt Emulsions, Crumb Rubber and Polymer Modified Ashpalt Cements, Sealcoats, and Cold Applied Asphaltic Specialty Coatings. Blacklidge has recently entered a joint venture to manufacture a new polymer composite using recycled tires ground up to a 30 mesh size particle, similar to a grain of sand. The process uses an electro magnetic reactor and water to disintegrate the ground tire rubber into a nano size devulcanized polymer composite.

National Pavement Contractors Association. The National Pavement Contractors Association (NPCA) is a trade association of asphalt paving contractors throughout the USA. Its members can suppy asphalt and concrete, from new construction paving to conventional and infrared repairs; blacktop & concrete pavement maintenance; asphalt sealcoating; parking lot sweeping; landscaping; and snow plowing. The website allows customers to search for approved contractors, using ZIP code, and specifying the geographical radius of search.

Contractors.com. Contractors.com is an online directory of certified specialist contractors. Users can search the directory by Postal Code for the following specialisms: All Paving, Asphalt Paving, Concrete Floors Patios & Driveways, Gravel & Loose Fill Paving, and Paving Stones & Pavers. The website carries an article giving consumer advice on Asphalt Paving. Other specialisms covered by contractors.com include: Air Conditioning, Basements, Countertops, Decks & Porches, Drywall, Electrical, Fences, Flooring, Gutters, Heating, Insulation, and Lawn Care.

CONSTRUCTION PRODUCT DIRECTORIES

We recommend the following professional construction directories, which include standard specifications, manufacturers' specs, and CAD details: 4Specs at www.4specs.com, Arcat at www.arcat.com, Arcom at www.arcomnet.com, Reed at www.reedfirstsource.com, Sweets at www.sweets.construction.com.

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Outdoor Product Guides: Bollards & Street Furniture, Composite Decking, Deck Patios, Deck Railings, Flagpoles, Locking Mail Boxes, Mail Boxes, Metal Awnings, Paving Stones.

Publisher: Abacus Construction Index is a professionally edited directory of recommended construction websites, published by Extonet Ltd. It is financed only by Google advertising; no payment is received from included websites.