Instant Bitumen Cold Mix

Road construction and repairs are planned out meticulously. Manpower and finances are not the only matters that are planned out, but also the right time of the year as to when construction and repair will be done. This is due to the fact that different asphalts are used for different seasons.

The main reason why repairs and constructions are planned out is that traffic movement is prioritized. This means that the road that needs to be sectioned or closed off will need to be inaccessible for that set period of time only. Any delay will cause more inconvenience to the government and to the citizens.

So when are different types of asphalts used?

Different Methods to fixing Potholes – Hot, Recycled, or Instant Bitumen Cold Mix

Hot mix asphalt is used for warm and dry weather

Now, when it comes large-scale repairs and construction, it doesn’t make sense to not use of a full hot mix operation. Asphalt is mixed at 300 degrees Fahrenheit and must be kept hot during application and until compaction is done.

Hot mix asphalt is only to be used when the ground is also wet and dry. The presence of moisture prevents adhesion.

Hot mix asphalt is a very traditional mixture that’s been around for decades, but due to it being cost-prohibitive and being hazardous to health, they are more of an inconvenience than anything else.

Recycled hot mix is used for warmer and drier weather

Some government agencies advocate the use of recycling of pavement due to environment and cost-effective reasons. Recycling can help reduce costs and helps increase any road’s lifecycle, as well as reducing landfill dumping for old pavement. Sourcing new materials is also reduced when it comes to recycled hot mix.

This method is used for the whole roadway constructions, but it is also used to repair sections of streets and highways with serious deterioration when a full replacement wouldn’t be ideal.

Temporary cold patch or cold mix is used for cold and dry weather

When pothole repairs need to be done during colder weather, then cold patching is done. Instant Bitumen cold mix is generally used by contractors because the viscosity remains constant for any season (hot mix would harden even before it’s applied during the cold season).

Cold patches are also used for general maintenance for one-off pothole repairs, while a different mixture is used to treat different roadway matters. But as the name implies, it’s only temporary and the patch is only meant to last until the warmer months arrive.

Advanced polymer-modified cold patch is used for cool and wet weather

While this mixture is more expensive, this cold asphalt mix is of higher quality and guarantees a permanent fix to potholes and cracks thanks to its special formulation.

What makes this mixture also expensive is that it’s intended to be used during colder temperatures and under wet condition as well thanks to its binding agent.

Bags of Instant bitumen cold mix are also carried by road repair contractors and agencies because they can use it to repair potholes on the go without having to close off the entire road.