- Categories:
- Appreciation
- Tags:
- AwarenessCareersInfrastructure
- Where:
- International
- Date change rule:
- Every May 15
- Holiday emoji:
- 🛣️
Asphalt Day recognizes the vital role of asphalt in our daily lives every May 15. This observance celebrates the versatile material used in roads, roofs, and runways, honoring the dedicated professionals of the asphalt industry. Take a moment to appreciate the smooth rides and durable structures asphalt provides.
Want to sponsor Asphalt Day? Learn how
History of Asphalt Day
Studies show that 94 percent of all U.S. roads use asphalt, and 80 percent of U.S. residential roofs use asphalt roofing shingles. This day increases awareness of asphalt roofing and paving products while demonstrating their resiliency and growing sustainability.
Asphalt’s resiliency shows through the product’s responsiveness to climatic conditions and natural disasters. Asphalt repairs roadways quickly after natural disasters and damage from weather-related events. Pavement designers use asphalt to better construct roads to withstand higher temperatures, snow, ice, and extreme weather. Asphalt shingles provide the most protection for homes and the people inside when it comes to extreme weather conditions. Advancing technology is helping to make asphalt roofs even more impenetrable.
Asphalt road materials are recycled more than aluminum cans and newspapers in the U.S. The benefits of asphalt being the most recycled product in the U.S. include the environmental effects and the progression toward a more circular economy. The industry is committed to producing and constructing net zero carbon emission asphalt pavements in 25 years. The asphalt roofing industry is working to reduce and eventually eliminate landfill disposal of asphalt-based roofing materials. Recycled shingles find uses in road construction, road repair, roofing products, and more.
Asphalt Day timeline
The first recording of asphalt appears as a road-building material in Babylon.
Large blocks of natural asphalt rock pave Champs-Élysées Avenue in Paris, France.
The first U.S. roofing systems are constructed with multiple layers of protection, using hot asphalt as a binder before being covered in gravel.
The first reports of asphalt shingles occur in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
The foundation of The Asphalt Institute as a trade association takes place in New York City.
The Asphalt Institute sponsors Asphalt Day and the first celebration takes place. Want to be a sponsor:Â learn how.
Asphalt Day FAQs
When is Asphalt Day?
In 2027, Asphalt Day is observed on Saturday, May 15, offering a weekend opportunity to reflect on the widespread utility of asphalt. The date remains fixed annually, celebrating the material’s essential role.
How much asphalt is used annually?
Globally, the asphalt industry is a multi-billion dollar sector, with hundreds of millions of tons of asphalt consumed annually for various applications. This consistent demand highlights asphalt’s status as a fundamental building material worldwide.
How many people work in the asphalt industry?
The broader asphalt and road construction sector employs hundreds of thousands of individuals worldwide, contributing significantly to local and national economies. This workforce ensures the continuous development and maintenance of essential infrastructure.
What is the difference between asphalt and concrete?
While both are crucial construction materials, asphalt and concrete differ in composition and application. Asphalt is a thermoplastic material, meaning it softens when heated and hardens when cooled, making it ideal for roads that need to flex. Concrete is a thermosetting material that cures to a hard, unyielding state, often chosen for foundations and structures requiring extreme rigidity.
Asphalt Day Activities
Share on social media
Post your asphalt industry appreciation on social media platforms using the #AsphaltDay hashtag.
Celebrate with your coworkers
Paving, roofing, and asphalt materials companies can celebrate with special meals, breaks, or events while on the job.
Speak to the media
Schedule a T.V., radio, newspaper, or podcast interview to share your asphalt story that week.
5 Facts About Asphalt
The most recycled material
Asphalt pavement is the most recycled product in the U.S. Millions of tons of asphalt pavement materials are reused annually to pave new and existing roads.
Most U.S. roads are paved with asphalt
Studies show that 94% of all roads in the U.S. are paved with asphalt, making it the road material of choice.
Most U.S. residential roofs get covered in asphalt
Asphalt roof shingles are very popular. Studies show that 80% of all U.S. homeowners have an asphalt roof protecting their investment.
Asphalt roads last longer
The concept of a three-layer, flexible asphalt pavement design results in asphalt roads lasting as long as 50 years before needing total replacement.
Asphalt roads and roofs weather storms
Asphalt roads and roofs prepare for changing climate conditions by being able to get rapidly repaired after damage from a weather event or natural disaster.
Why We Love Asphalt Day
The people
Thousands work in liquid asphalt refining, paving construction, roofing manufacturing, engineering, and other industries. May 15 is a day for these people to celebrate their industry and its important place in global infrastructure, transportation, and housing.
The past
An ancient legend tells that King Sargon of Accad was set afloat in the Euphrates River around 3800 B.C. in a reed basket coated with asphalt. Excavations northeast of Baghdad revealed that Sumerians used asphalt for construction between 3200 and 2900 B.C. The evolution of asphalt and its many uses is fascinating.
The future
As asphalt usage progresses, there will be a particular focus on sustainability. Companies are reducing their environmental impact and recycling more pavement materials and roofing shingles. With new technology, the average life of improved asphalt roads is 50 years, and better-designed asphalt roofs can last 30 years or more.
