Paving the Future: Celebrating Asphalt Day
On May 15, communities and businesses come together to recognize Asphalt Day, celebrating one of the most essential materials in our daily lives. Whether it’s the roads we drive on or the roofs that shield our homes, asphalt plays a critical role in modern construction, providing durability, efficiency and sustainability. Nearly all (94%) of U.S. roadways are paved with asphalt for smooth, long-lasting travel. Additionally, 80% of residential roofs are covered with asphalt shingles for reliable protection. This day highlights asphalt’s resilience while raising awareness of its environmental and economic benefits.
Beyond its everyday applications, asphalt is one of the most recycled materials on the planet. Asphalt Materials, Inc. (AMI) is leading the way in sustainable innovations with AMICYCLE™ solutions, cost-effective ways to repair and reconstruct roadways while reducing environmental impact by using Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP). This process allows agencies to reuse existing asphalt layers while addressing underlying road conditions, resulting in stronger pavement structures that are more economical and sustainable than traditional reconstruction methods. Evergreen Roadworks™ also contributes to sustainable road construction by offering Cold In-Place Recycling (CIR) and Cold Central Plant Recycling (CCPR) which utilize RAP as well as other pavement preservation services that further enhance pavement longevity and reduce environmental impact.
Another innovative asphalt product from AMI is J-Band®. Developed through collaboration between AMI and Heritage Research Group, it is a premier Void Reducing Asphalt Membrane that significantly enhances longitudinal joint performance by reducing air voids from the bottom up. J-Band® extends pavement life and improves overall road durability, offering a long-term solution to one of the industry’s most persistent challenges.
Asphalt’s versatility extends beyond roadways. Tietan™, a polymer-modified asphalt coating, is now being used for wood preservation. Tietan’s waterproof barrier protects wood railroad ties from destructive UV rays and water damage. It acts as a supplemental roof for chemically-treated ties, similar to how asphalt shingles protect buildings. The engineered asphalt can flex with the natural expansion and contraction of wood, ensuring a protective layer to extend the service life of railroad ties.
Asphalt Day is not just a celebration, it’s a reminder of how asphalt supports sustainability and strengthens the communities we live in. From the roads we travel to the roofs over our heads, its versatility continues to shape the environment in lasting ways. As asphalt technology advances, HC+M remains committed to leading the industry forward, creating stronger, more resilient infrastructure and ensuring that progress is built to last.
About Heritage Construction + Materials
Heritage Construction + Materials (HC+M) is part of The Heritage Group, a privately held, family-owned business headquartered in Indianapolis. HC+M has core capabilities in infrastructure building. Its collection of companies provides innovative road construction and materials services across the Midwest. HC+M companies, including Asphalt Materials, Inc., Evergreen Roadworks, Milestone Contractors and US Aggregates, proudly employ 3,000 people at 85 locations across seven states. Learn more at www.heritagebuilds.com.
About Asphalt Materials, Inc.Asphalt Materials is a privately held, family-owned business headquartered in Indianapolis. Over its 66-year history, Asphalt Materials has prioritized safety and created a people-focused culture around asphalt expertise and innovation. Through its commitment to building long-term relationships with employees, customers, and vendors based on trust and confidence, Asphalt Materials creates solutions to issues affecting customers and our communities. Asphalt Materials is a part of The Heritage Group’s family of businesses. Learn more at www.asphalt-materials.com.
About Evergreen RoadworksEvergreen Roadworks provides a wide-ranging suite of pavement solutions and applications. For generations, we have partnered with state and local agencies across the Midwest offering products and services that extend roadway life and increase infrastructure longevity. We work to stretch our customers’ investments, building high-quality, long-lasting roadways that truly connect our communities in a better way. Evergreen’s commitment to excellence in paving and pavement preservation goes beyond roadwork – to building relationships and crafting the foundations of our communities.
About Heritage Research GroupHeritage Research Group (HRG) stands at the forefront of innovation. As the research and development laboratory of The Heritage Group portfolio of companies, HRG provides innovative products, processes and training that consistently meet the complex needs of customers by delivering sustainable solutions and addressing the challenges our industries face. Our good, smart, hardworking people make a real difference, turning big challenges into bigger opportunities to shape a brighter future for our customers, community and the world. Learn more at www.thgrp.com/heritage-research-group.
