The Difference Between Hot Asphalt and Warm Asphalt Mix

Asphalt is a highly-beneficial paving material that can be used in various applications within the construction industry. There are several types of asphalt mixes, including hot mix asphalt (HMA), warm mix asphalt (WMA), cold mix asphalt, cut-back asphalt concrete, mastic asphalt concrete, and variations of them all. By customizing aggregate material composition, binders, and more, contractors can achieve the proper asphalt pavement mix needed for the job. In this blog, we will discuss the principle differences between the two most popular forms of asphalt: HMA and WMA.

Continue reading to learn more about hot mix asphalt and warm mix asphalt, and what makes them so different.

Commercial & Industrial Paving Contractors
Asphalt Concrete Paving 317-549-1833

Hot Mix Asphalt

Hot mix asphalt is just that: hot. It is poured at a high temperature of 300 to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and is only applied when outdoor temperatures exceed 40 degrees Fahrenheit because it cools so rapidly. In the United States, it is the most common method of asphalt paving used for high-traffic pavements like highways, roads, interstates, and more. This is largely due to its advantageous qualities. Hot mix asphalt is water and weather resistant, flexible, and environmentally-friendly. Interesting uses for HMA includes environmental liners for places like reservoirs, landfills, and fish hatchery ponds.

Warm Mix Asphalt

Warm mix asphalt is manufactured and shipped at lower temperatures, usually between 200 and 250 degrees Fahrenheit, and it has a slower cooling rate than HMA. This means it can be used in colder seasons or climates for road, highway, and interstate construction. For the same reason, it can be shipped long distances as well. WMA is used in roughly 30 percent of paving projects around the country because of its slow cooling rate, versatility, environmental benefits, and health benefits for workers. Since WMA is poured at lower temperatures, it reduces the amount of dust, smoke, and fumes created when applying HMA. This is safer for workers as well as the surrounding environment. It is also a wise choice for paving in tunnels, especially on a poor air quality day!

Indianapolis Asphalt and Concrete Paving Services

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for commercial asphalt paving in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our licensed road construction contractors provide a wide range of asphalt and concrete work for commercial and industrial properties, including inspections, installation, replacement, repair, and more. We also offer free estimates and consultations, flexible scheduling, references upon request, and more. Best of all, our work is backed by our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, so you can rest assure that your investment is sound. Request a free quote, today.