The Difference Between Asphalt & Tarmac

What is the difference between asphalt and tarmac driveways? This sounds confusing, but it is a common question that many individuals have been trying to understand without getting correct answers. It’s essential to indicate that individuals want to understand the difference between the two materials to make informed decisions. Here’s the difference between asphalt and tarmac.

1. Asphalt Is a Mixture

Asphalt is a viscous and black mixture that is found in a solid state. The asphaltic concrete comprises bitumen, which is sticky, and aggregate stone. The asphalt is then mixed with gravel to form a smooth surface that can be used on driveways, roads, or parking lots.

Tarmac is a product that has bitumen and aggregate stone mixed, but the difference between tarmac and asphalt is that tarmac doesn’t have any sticky substance. Instead, tarmac is a word derived from tar, which was used to coat the roads in the early days to make them smooth.

2. Asphalt Is a Petroleum Product

Asphalt is a petroleum product, and it is made up of bitumen, a by-product of the crude oil refining process. The bitumen is then mixed with gravel to create a smooth surface. Tarmac is not a petroleum product as it doesn’t have any sticky substances such as tar or bitumen. Instead, tarmac is made up of crushed stone mixed with a binding agent to create a smooth surface.

3. Differences in Composition

The main difference between tarmac and asphalt is the composition. Asphalt is made up of bitumen, sticky, and aggregate stone. Tarmac doesn’t have any sticky substance, and it is made up of crushed stone mixed with a binding agent. The composition of tarmac makes it more durable than asphalt. Therefore, tarmac driveways last longer than asphalt driveways.

4. Resistance to Weathering

Asphalt is less resistant to weathering and deterioration than tarmac. Asphalt driveways are known to last about 20 years, while tarmac driveways can last for 30 years. The main advantage of asphalt over tarmac is that it is easier to repair. Potholes can be easily fixed by adding more asphalt and compacting it. However, fixing potholes in tarmac driveways is more complicated as the entire surface needs to be removed and replaced.

5. Tarmac Is More Expensive Than Asphalt

Tarmac is more expensive than asphalt. The initial cost of installing a tarmac driveway is higher than installing an asphalt driveway. However, the long-term costs of maintaining a tarmac driveway are lower than those of an asphalt driveway. Therefore, as you decide which driveway material to choose, you should consider the long-term costs.

Conclusion

The main difference between tarmac and asphalt is that tarmac is more expensive than asphalt, but it is more durable and resistant to weathering. Asphalt is a petroleum product, while tarmac is not. Asphalt driveways are less resistant to weathering and deterioration, but they are easier to repair. Tarmac driveways are made up of crushed stone mixed with a binding agent, while asphalt driveways are made up of bitumen and aggregate stone. Call Maryland Asphalt LLC for more information on asphalt and tarmac driveways.

Categorised in: Asphalt & Tarmac