It is very common for people in Australia to confuse bitumen driveways with asphalt driveways.
What is even more interesting, people tend to search for an asphalt driveway in a myriad of ways and usually google what they hear, including some misspellings for example: bitumin driveway, bit umin driveway, bitchumen driveway, asphalt, ashphalt, ashfelt, and so on.
So, if you are interested in ‘how bitumen is used on asphalt driveways’, you are in the right place!
Here, we discuss the properties of bitumen as well as how it is used in asphalt driveway construction.
What is Bitumen?
‘Bitumen’ is a black and very sticky liquid and is used in the manufacture of asphalt. It is highly viscous and unless kept heated to a temperature of about 150 degrees Celsius, it solidifies.
This property makes bitumen the ideal binder for asphalt when creating the perfect surface for roads, car parks, and driveways. Various grades of bitumen stiffness allow mixes to be adapted for varying projects.
Why is Asphalt Used in Driveway Construction?
Bitumen in the asphalt is used for driveways because of its practical properties which quite literally glues all the asphalt material together.
Bitumen is used in an asphalt driveway when manufactured in the asphalt plant with sand, gravel, and crushed rock before being installed on site.
Another reason why people often choose asphalt driveways is that asphalt is semi-waterproof, which can reduce the likelihood of cracks, depressions, and potholes forming as years go on.
Lastly, asphalt driveways using bitumen, are also extremely resistant to damages caused by natural elements like UV rays, heat, storms, or wind.
A drum roller compacting this new asphalt driveway surface.
Asphalt is used for road and driveway surfacing because of its excellent properties. It provides a durable, smooth, and pleasant look, and protects the investment you have made in constructing your driveway.
The good news is that Perth is perfect for laying asphalt driveways, especially in the drier months.
How Much does Bitumen or Asphalt Driveway Cost?
For an accurate and free calculation of asphalt (bitumen) driveway costs, you can request a free quick quote from Perth’s best asphalt driveway contractor or we can often give you an estimate, site-unseen over the phone.
There are certain elements that affect asphalt (bitumen) driveway cost such as:
- the size of your driveway
- the colour of your asphalt
- the location of the driveway
- the addition of kerbing and drainage
- how much is currently in place
- how much preparation work is needed
See our comprehensive explanation of the costs of an asphalt driveway.
If you are thinking of having asphalting done on your residential or commercial property, make sure to hire an experienced and qualified contractor that offers asphalt laying services.
Once they do a site inspection and determine what needs to be done, they can provide you with an accurate quote for laying asphalt and additional services such as kerbing if required.
We hope you now have a better understanding of what bitumen and asphalt can be used for and why it is popular and practical in the asphalt driveway construction industry.
Request An Obligation-Free Quote
Wherever you are in Perth, the Hills and out to the outer suburbs, we are happy to provide you with a free quote and advice for an asphalt (bitumen) driveway. We specialise in large and mid-sized driveways for commercial and strata properties and semi-rural residential driveways from 150m2 to as large as you require.
Get a Perth asphalt bitumen driveway quote
If your driveway is 150m2 or more and in the Perth or surrounding areas.
