Bitmac is primarily used as a basecoat or base layer for road surfacing. It is not as hard-wearing as the more expensive Asphalt, lasting approximately 10-15 years vs. Asphalt\’s 25–30-year lifespan.
It is manufactured by removing the tar and replacing it with bitumen. This creates a new surface which is more similar to asphalt. However, the difference between bitumen and asphalt is that there is a far greater concentration of sand and filler in bitmac. It is a more modern version of tarmacadam, which replaces the tar component with bitumen. Bitumen and tar are very similar and sometimes bitumen is referred to colloquially as tar and vice versa.
What is the difference between asphalt and Bitmac?
Bitmac (containing bitumen instead of tar) is now more commonly used than tarmacadam. It is cheaper than Asphalt, but not as hard-wearing with a 10–15-year lifespan. It is more suited as a bottom coat in commercial surfacing, or can be used in areas with lower traffic volume, such as residential driveways.
What is Bitmac surface?
It is manufactured by removing the tar and replacing it with bitumen. This creates a new surface which is more similar to asphalt. However, the difference between bitumen and asphalt is that there is a far greater concentration of sand and filler in it.
