Overview

If you’ve ever wondered why some driveways last for decades while others crack within a few seasons, the answer often lies in the grade of asphalt used. Each type is designed with specific uses, climates, and load demands in mind. Choosing the wrong one can lead to premature wear, costly repairs, or poor performance. In this blog post, R. Stanley Paving LLC breaks down the key differences between asphalt grades and helps you understand which one makes sense for your next paving project.

Highlights

Introduction

You’ve probably seen the terms “hot mix,” “cold mix,” or even “porous asphalt” before, but unless you’re in the paving industry, they likely don’t mean much. For most property owners, asphalt is just black pavement that goes down and gets the job done. The truth is, though, there’s an entire world of formulation science behind that smooth blacktop.

Asphalt grades determine how well a surface performs under pressure. Grades influence flexibility, temperature tolerance, water resistance, and lifespan. From residential driveways to airport runways, the right grade of asphalt ensures your pavement can handle the environment and the traffic it faces every day.

In this blog post, R. Stanley Paving LLC takes a deep dive into the types, classifications, and applications of asphalt grades. Whether you’re planning a new driveway or resurfacing a commercial lot, this guide will help you understand your options and make smarter paving decisions.

What Are Asphalt Grades?

The term “asphalt grade” refers to the formulation and performance characteristics of a specific asphalt mix. These characteristics include viscosity, temperature range, flexibility, and aggregate size. Different grades are designed to meet different functional and environmental needs.

For example, a residential driveway doesn’t need the same load-bearing capabilities as a highway on-ramp. Similarly, asphalt in Florida has to endure high heat, while mixes here in New York must handle frequent freeze-thaw cycles. The right grade ensures your surface performs well and lasts longer in its specific environment.

Asphalt grades also determine how the material behaves during installation. Some grades require higher temperatures to pour and compact, while others are designed for quick fixes in cooler conditions. All these factors come into play when planning a paving project.

How Are Asphalt Grades Classified?

Asphalt grades are primarily classified using two systems: performance grading (PG) and viscosity grading. Each system evaluates asphalt’s ability to perform under different stressors, especially temperature.

Performance Grading (PG System)

This is the most commonly used grading system today. It classifies asphalt based on the temperature extremes it can withstand. For example, PG 64-22 means the asphalt is suited for a maximum temperature of 64 degrees Celsius (147.2 degrees Fahrenheit) and a minimum of -22 degrees Celsius (-7.6 degrees Fahrenheit).

This system helps contractors select a grade that performs well in a specific climate. It factors in traffic stress, temperature swings, and aging characteristics, giving a clearer picture of how the material will behave over time.

How Do Performance Grade (PG) Ratings Work?

You’ll often hear terms like PG 58-28 or PG 64-22. These numbers refer to the high and low temperatures the asphalt is designed to withstand. The first number indicates the maximum pavement temperature (in Celsius), and the second shows the minimum.

For example, PG 58-28 means the asphalt can perform well up to 58 degrees Celsius (136.4 degrees Fahrenheit) and down to -28 degrees Celsius (-18.4 degrees Fahrenheit). PG 64-22 is rated for slightly warmer climates, performing well up to 64 degrees Celsius (147.2 degrees Fahrenheit) and down to -22 degrees Celsius (-7.6 degrees Fahrenheit).

In New York, where winters are cold and summers can be hot, PG 58-28 is often preferred. It offers greater cold-weather flexibility, which helps the pavement resist cracking from freeze-thaw cycles. PG 64-22 might be used in slightly warmer or mixed climate zones, or where slightly higher summer heat resistance is needed.

Viscosity Grading (Older System)

This older method evaluates asphalt’s thickness (or resistance to flow) at a standard temperature. While less commonly used today, viscosity grades like AC-10 or AC-20 are still seen in some regions and older specifications.

How Can You Tell if You’re Getting the Right Grade?

For residential and commercial clients, knowing the classification system matters less than understanding how the grade affects performance. That’s where your asphalt contractor comes in—to translate the specs into practical advice.

Most homeowners and business owners won’t see “PG 64-22” printed on their asphalt delivery receipt—and that’s okay. What you can do is ask your paving contractor about the grade they recommend and why. A quality contractor should be able to explain how the asphalt grade fits your climate, use case, and long-term maintenance plan. They should also describe how the sub-base and site prep work together with the chosen asphalt to produce a surface that performs well and lasts for years.

If a contractor can’t explain why a specific grade is being used, it may be time to look elsewhere. Your pavement is an investment, after all. Understanding the materials that go into it helps protect that investment.

Which Grade Works Best for Driveways?

When it comes to residential driveways, not all asphalt is created equal. The right mix ensures durability, safety, and curb appeal. Most paving professionals recommend a hot mix asphalt (HMA) with a performance grade suited to your region’s climate and the expected load.

What Is Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA)?

Hot mix asphalt is the most common paving material used for driveways. It’s produced by heating asphalt binder and aggregates to high temperatures (usually between 275 to 300 degrees Fahrenheit) before applying and compacting it onto a prepared base. This process results in a dense, weather-resistant surface that’s well-suited to residential use.

You’ll often see HMA being used on:

  • Driveways
  • Parking lots
  • Roadways
  • Walkways
  • Paved sports areas

HMA comes in various formulations based on performance grade, or PG rating. This grade tells us how the asphalt will respond to temperature extremes and mechanical stress—two factors that heavily impact driveway lifespan.

What Asphalt Types Are Used in Commercial Lots?

Commercial lots endure more wear and tear than residential driveways. From delivery trucks to daily customer traffic, the pavement needs to be stronger, thicker, and more resistant to deformation. Here, contractors often use high-performance mixes suited for heavy-duty use.

Dense-graded hot mix asphalt (HMA) is the most common type used in commercial settings. It’s designed with a tight blend of aggregate sizes to create a strong, compacted surface capable of supporting significant weight.

In higher stress areas—such as loading docks or bus lanes—contractors might use stone matrix asphalt (SMA). This mix features a high stone content and a polymer-modified binder for increased rut resistance and durability.

In regions prone to heavy rainfall, open-graded friction courses (OGFC) may be used to improve water drainage and surface traction. These allow water to pass through the pavement surface, reducing hydroplaning and improving safety.

For very high-traffic areas, some commercial properties opt for multi-layer, perpetual pavement systems. These are engineered with a flexible, long-lasting base and a renewable surface layer that can be milled and replaced without disturbing the structure beneath.

How Does Climate Affect Your Asphalt Choice?

In colder regions like ours, flexibility is critical. Asphalt needs to expand and contract without cracking, especially during winter when temperatures fluctuate drastically. Performance grades, such as PG 58-28 or even PG 52-34, are commonly used here. These mixes remain pliable in sub-zero temperatures, helping the surface resist cracking and separation.

At the same time, summer heat can soften low-grade mixes, causing them to rut under pressure. A well-balanced mix—one that performs well in both extremes—is ideal. That’s why contractors in New York often choose performance grades that account for both high and low seasonal temperatures. A good example is PG 64-22, which offers resilience during both the warmest and coldest parts of the year.

If you’re unsure which mix is best for your specific property, trust a local paving expert who understands the regional weather patterns and can select accordingly.

Are Recycled Asphalt Mixes Worth It?

Recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) is increasingly popular for both environmental and budgetary reasons. These mixes reuse reclaimed asphalt materials, reducing the need for new aggregates and binders. In New York, where sustainable building practices are gaining traction, RAP offers a compelling alternative for many paving projects.

Some mixes use up to 30% RAP without compromising quality, making it suitable for residential driveways, low-traffic paths, or as a base layer in multi-layer systems. However, not all recycled mixes are the same. Poorly screened or overused RAP can weaken the final product, making quality control essential.

For homeowners and businesses looking for a cost-effective and eco-conscious option, recycled asphalt can be an excellent choice.

Choose the Right Asphalt Mix

If you’re planning a paving project and want it done right the first time, R. Stanley Paving LLC is here to help. We’ll assess your site, explain your options, and recommend the best asphalt grade based on your needs and environment. With expert installation and material selection, we ensure your pavement stands strong for years to come.

Contact us at (845) 831-1616 to schedule your consultation!