Because asphalt is softer than concrete or granite, soft-bonded blades will not be effective and will not produce clean cuts. Instead, a diamond blade with a firm bond is the finest instrument for cutting asphalt. This tougher blade cuts cleanly and effortlessly eliminates grit. It can also be used on other types of pavement including concrete and stone when only a shallow cut is required. Diamond blades are available in a wide range of sizes from small hand tools to large industrial models. The size you need will depend on how deeply you want to cut into the asphalt surface. Deep cuts require a larger blade while shallow cuts can be made with a smaller one. Always select a blade that is appropriate for the job at hand. For example, if you plan to reuse the blade by melting it down for reuse on another project, you should choose a soft-bonded blade that will not be effective for cutting concrete. Asphalt cuts easily with a diamond blade and do not require any special treatment other than regular road maintenance. The blade will remove loose asphalt fibers that can cause your car's tires to go flat as well as deep grooves that may contain water which could damage undercarriage components. Asphalt streets are usually maintained by removing excess material with a heavy-duty street sweeper or vacuum truck. The blade should be dragged across the street to avoid removing grass or other vegetation.