Asphalt is sticky. Everyone knows that. It sticks to your hands, your boots, the bed of the dump truck and your paver. And everyone knows you have to use something to get it off. Since the dawn of paving, diesel fuel has been the go-to when it comes to cleaning and removing asphalt and tar from places it shouldn’t be. But did you know there is an entire market for diesel alternative asphalt solvents and asphalt release agent products?
While the asphalt industry was getting away with diesel fuel, companies like PavePro began developing alternative solutions to asphalt removal. Enter the development of asphalt release agents (ARAs) and asphalt solvents. Two completely different products to reach the same goal: asphalt-free equipment and tools at the end of the day.
Because the industry has been stuck using diesel fuel for ages, which is both an asphalt release agent and asphalt solvent, many people don’t understand the difference between the two.
An asphalt release agent prevents the asphalt buildup from occurring in the first place. ARAs work because they inhibit the adhesion of the asphalt binder to any surface, like metal or rubber for example. A good release agent leaves a slick, oily film on the applied surface that allows asphalt to slide right off without sticking. This makes the job a whole heck of a lot easier.
The problem with diesel fuel as a release agent
Diesel fuel is hard to beat. There is a reason so many people use it. The age-old release agent works great, but it also has its drawbacks. Putting safety and legality aside for the time being, diesel fuel doesn’t perform well under high heat. It quickly evaporates off and becomes useless. That’s why you end up having to apply diesel fuel before every load at the plant or after 30 or so shovel loads.
The solution to quick evaporation
PavePro was the first-ever patented product to replace the need for diesel fuel in the asphalt industry. Our customers call it legal diesel for a reason: it’s just like diesel, except it’s legal. But that’s not all! PavePro doesn’t evaporate away like diesel fuel does. It has a flash point of over 400 degrees Fahrenheit so it doesn’t evaporate away when you’re working with 350-degree hot mix. PavePro’s innovative solution lasts longer so you don’t have to reapply as much. In fact, testing proves that you can nearly double the number of shovel loads before reapplication when using PavePro instead of diesel. We even have customers who can haul asphalt all day long with one single application at the beginning of the day.
While diesel fuel is a widely popular method for preventing asphalt from building up, PavePro’s specifically-formulated ARA solution prevents buildup for longer, requiring less application.
Tired of your good-for-nothing asphalt solvent or release agent and ready to make a switch?
What is an asphalt solvent?
If you didn’t use a good asphalt release agent, excessive buildup will begin to make the job a lot harder. On your hand tools, buildup turns a 5lbs shovel turns into 15-20lbs and makes the job a lot harder. In truck beds and your paver, the heat of the new asphalt on the next job will loosen up cold asphalt chunks causing conveyor chains to jump or break. Neglecting to clean the old asphalt out can leave your paver in the shop instead of on the job. Removing the buildup with an asphalt solvent allows you to restore your tools and equipment back to their original conditions, working and clean. Asphalt solvents break the bitumen in the asphalt down and separate it from the aggregate. This allows you to wipe or wash the asphalt away with ease. That is, if you are using a good solvent.
The problem with diesel fuel as an asphalt solvent
You see, not every asphalt solvent is created equally. In fact, most asphalt solvents SUCK. Citrus products are expensive, dangerous, and only work in specific cases. Soy solvents are weak byproducts repackaged as asphalt solvents and are notorious for destroying everything but asphalt. Diesel fuel, still, is one of the best options out there. But, it is illegal. Not to mention diesel fuel is incredibly dangerous. Most government jobs won’t give you a contract if you’re using diesel fuel and fines for using it elsewhere can exceed tens of thousands of dollars per day.
If the EPA comes knocking, the last thing you want them to find is your diesel fuel pump-up sprayer hiding in the back of your truck. So why risk it? Why not use a better alternative to diesel fuel as an asphalt solvent?
The best alternative to diesel fuel as a solvent
There are a ton of legal asphalt solvents on the market. But like we said earlier, most of them suck. However, PavePro is a standout fan-favorite among big cities and heavy highway contractors because of its incredible efficiency and safety. The asphalt solvent is powerful, long-lasting and 100% biodegradable. When the best asphalt contractors need a reliable asphalt solvent that won’t have the EPA knocking at their doors, they use PavePro. PavePro penetrates deep into hardened asphalt buildups to make the cleaning process easier than ever before.
With PavePro, you get the best of both worlds. A long-lasting release agent and powerful asphalt solvent. There was nothing better than diesel fuel until we created PavePro. And that’s a promise we’re willing to keep.
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