Asphalt

Asphalt is a dark, bituminous material made from petroleum residues or natural deposits, and it is widely used as a binder in road-surfacing materials.

Asphalt is a dark, bituminous material derived from petroleum residues or natural deposits, primarily used as a binder in road surfacing. In North America, the term often refers to the composite paving material made from asphalt binder and mineral aggregate.

What it is

Asphalt is a black or brown substance ranging from viscous liquid to semi-solid, composed mainly of hydrocarbons. It can occur naturally or be produced as a residue from petroleum refining. When mixed with aggregate like sand or gravel, it forms asphalt concrete, the standard material for roads and pavements.

Key details

Asphalt's primary use is road surfacing, but it is also applied in roofing, waterproofing, coatings, and other construction products. Terminology varies by region: in American English, 'asphalt' may refer to the binder or the finished paving material, while elsewhere 'bitumen' or 'tarmac' are used differently.

Why it matters in Canada

Asphalt is a familiar industrial material in Canadian infrastructure, widely used in road construction, paving, roofing, and waterproofing across the country. It supports everything from highways to residential driveways, making it a staple of Canadian construction and maintenance.