When it comes to parking lots and driveways, asphalt has several benefits over concrete. Asphalt driveways can be installed in a single day and can last a very long time with minimal maintenance. Asphalt is the best choice for all your paving needs. If you ever find yourself pondering about where asphalt comes from before it’s poured, read on to find out.

 

The black to brownish substance that is asphalt can be found either in natural deposits (most commonly referred to as bitumen) or as a byproduct of the petroleum distillation process (after which it is processed some more). Essentially, asphalt comes from the earth’s deepest layers.

 

Although humans didn’t decipher how to make asphalt petroleum distillation until much later, the use of natural asphalt can be traced back to the ancient Indus Valley city of Mohenjo-Daro, 300 years before the Common Era. In modern times, asphalt is not just used in road construction, but also put to work in tennis courts, roofing, dam construction, and even in the manufacture of paints.

 

Before you worry about the damage you may be causing to the environment by choosing a parking lot manufactured with fossil fuels, however, you will be interested to find out that asphalt can absolutely be the more environmentally-friendly option for your parking lot. That is because asphalt roads, driveways, and parking lots are increasingly being recycled and reused in novel projects.