How the Largest Master-Planned Community in the U.S. Extends the Life of its Asphalt Assets

Master-Planned Central Florida Community Preserves Pavement For Longer

Thanks to relentless UV rays and constant moisture, Florida pavement preservation can be complicated. Even by using a mix of asphalt surface treatments, it can be hard to prolong the life of Florida roads. Cracks and overall degradation of quality are common, and neighborhoods and commercial developments must re-seal roads often to keep up. 

This process of sealing roads every other year (or even more frequently) is costly, disrupts activity, and creates an unnecessary strain on both residents and community managers. That’s why one community decided to make a change from traditional seal coats to HA5 — a High Density Mineral Bond that extends the life of asphalt. 

Big Investments Need Big Solutions: HA5 High Density Mineral Bond

First, it’s important to understand the nature of asphalt and why surface treatments are necessary. Asphalt is a flexible material typically made from a combination of stone, sand, gravel, and a binder that holds it all together. Maintaining flexibility is important, as roads need to be able to adjust to the elements over time. However, UV rays, heat, and moisture all cause the binding agent in asphalt to become brittle. This brittleness and a lack of flexibility lead to cracks, oxidation, and other damage. 

Florida pavement preservation is especially difficult because the state sees sunshine, hot temperatures, rain, and humidity throughout the year. Thus, the binding agent in Florida asphalt is much more vulnerable to aging and damage than in other regions.  

HA5 is designed to help protect Florida asphalt by blocking these environmental factors from reaching the material beneath.  

Seal coats and other surface treatments are common preservation solutions, but they don’t perform as well (or last as long) as High Density Mineral Bonds like HA5, especially in Florida. 

Additionally, pavement preservation for master-planned communities (like this one) can be a major headache when surface treatments don’t last. City officials and community managers who want to get the most out of their budget and keep residents happy should always invest in long-term solutions rather than quick fixes. 

The Nation’s Largest Master-Planned Community

In central Florida, one master-planned community of more than 100,000 residents invested in the future of its asphalt with HA5. After years of using seal coats and other products that didn’t stand the test of time, project manager Lanny Park decided to take matters into his own hands. 

“If you’re somebody who manages asphalt, you should first and foremost have a preservation plan in mind,” Lanny said. Previously, his team used a variety of surface treatments like slurry and seal coats, but none lasted as long as they had hoped.

“Currently, the only product we use to extend the life of our asphalt is HA5. It’s the best, most consistent, and longest-lasting product we’ve used,” Lanny said. 

In this vast master-planned community, residents enjoy resort-style living, as everything they could possibly need (and want) is located within the neighborhood. Homes, spas, shopping, entertainment, and outdoor recreation are all just a short drive (or golf cart stroll) away, which is why the quality and aesthetics of the asphalt are extremely important. 

Using a product that lasts for years helps maintain the pleasant look and feel this community prides itself on. “It also helps us operationally,” said Lanny, “not to have to close down sections of those facilities.”

HA5 is also a product that adds value to the community monetarily. “Economically, HA5 has helped our budget because instead of looking at a one to three-year sealing term, we are sealing less frequently,” said Lanny. 

Asphalt is one of the community’s most expensive assets, and HA5 helps prolong the life of that asset for longer. 

Keep Communities Happy With HA5

For this community, HA5 is a solution that has helped keep roads looking and feeling great for years. With HA5, residents can enjoy their neighborhood’s clean, paved appearance while project managers benefit from long-lasting asset protection.

“I would definitely recommend HA5 to anyone looking to extend the life of their asphalt,” said Lanny.

To learn more about the uses of HA5 in your pavement preservation efforts, see how additional companies have used it by reviewing our customer experiences.

Want additional information? Contact a Holbrook Asphalt representative today.