Asphalt serves as a robust and flexible material ideal for constructing parking lots, driveways, and roads in commercial settings. Despite its strength, asphalt pavement inevitably undergoes various types of degradation due to environmental and operational factors. Recognizing different asphalt repair methods and the appropriate times to employ them is crucial for maintaining the integrity and extending the lifespan of these surfaces. This article will detail several common asphalt repair techniques and the scenarios in which they are most effective.
Crack Filling and Sealing
Asphalt surfaces are susceptible to cracks from various sources such as water intrusion, temperature changes, and physical strain. If these cracks are ignored, the pavement can deteriorate significantly.
Technique
Crack filling is a process where either hot or cold fillers are inserted into cracks to block water and debris, which could exacerbate the damage. Sealing differs slightly as it involves covering the crack with a sealant to protect the area.
When to Use Crack Filling and Sealing
- Early Detection of Cracks: When minor cracks, no wider than 1/4 inch, appear, crack filling should be employed to stop them from widening and causing further issues.
- Seasonal Maintenance: It’s beneficial to seal cracks before colder weather sets in. This helps prevent water from entering the cracks, freezing, and causing further damage such as potholes.
- After Winter: A thorough inspection in spring can reveal new or expanded cracks caused by winter conditions. Prompt repair can prevent these from becoming bigger problems in the summer heat, when asphalt is more vulnerable.
- Before Surface Treatments: Filling or sealing cracks is essential before applying treatments like sealcoating or overlays. This step ensures that the new surface will be even and can last longer.
- Low-Traffic Areas: For pavements in areas with less vehicle traffic, sealing alone can often suffice to maintain surface integrity without the need for more comprehensive repairs.
- Preventive Maintenance: Regularly filling and sealing cracks, even when they’re small, helps maintain both the appearance and structure of the pavement.
Asphalt Patching
Asphalt patching is often used for repairing localized damage where certain sections of the pavement are severely deteriorated.
Asphalt Patching Technique
The two main approaches to asphalt patching are the remove and replace method and surface patching. The remove and replace method entails cutting out the deteriorated area, cleaning it thoroughly, and filling it with fresh asphalt mix, typically resulting in a long-lasting repair. In contrast, surface patching, which is less enduring than the remove and replace method, involves laying a new layer of asphalt over the affected area.
During these repair processes, one to two inches of hot asphalt is typically applied to the damaged pavement area. Occasionally, a cold mix asphalt might be used for temporary fixes.
When to Use Asphalt Patching
- Potholes: For potholes, which are circular or oval-shaped holes that penetrate deep into the pavement’s surface and base layer, patching is an immediate solution. These are especially dangerous to both vehicles and pedestrians, requiring urgent repair.
- Severe Cracking: Extensive interconnected cracks, resembling alligator skin, suggest significant underlying structural issues. Patching these cracks is crucial to halt further deterioration and to restore the pavement’s structural integrity.
- Utility Cuts: After repairs to underground utilities, such as water or sewer lines, the excavated sections of the pavement must be patched to ensure the surface is continuous and structurally sound.
- Surface Deterioration: Patching is beneficial for surfaces that show extensive wear, including rutting or depressions, helping to achieve a level and resilient surface.
- Water Damage: When standing water undermines sections of the pavement, leading to surface breakup or sinking, patching helps address these issues by replacing the compromised asphalt and enhancing drainage where necessary.
Overlay
Overlay is a widely used asphalt repair technique that proves to be cost-effective when the underlying base layer of the pavement is still structurally sound despite surface-level degradation.
Technique
This method entails applying a fresh layer of asphalt over the existing pavement. It’s essential to address significant cracks or potholes prior to overlaying to ensure these defects do not manifest in the new layer, maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of the repair.
When to Use
- Moderate to Severe Surface Aging: Opt for an overlay when the pavement exhibits signs of surface aging like extensive cracking, roughness, and raveling, which involves the loss of aggregates. An overlay can efficiently restore the pavement’s smoothness and functional performance.
- Large Areas of Fading and Discoloration: Continuous exposure to UV rays, adverse weather conditions, and heavy traffic can fade the asphalt and diminish its dark, rich color. An overlay refreshes the look and extends the pavement’s life.
- Minor Structural Deterioration: If the pavement shows minor structural issues, such as shallow alligator cracking at the surface, applying an overlay can reinforce the affected areas, preventing further deterioration.
- Thickness Restoration: Overlays are beneficial for pavements thinned by repeated traffic loads, effectively restoring the original pavement thickness and enhancing its capacity to withstand future loads.
- Pre-Seal Coat Preparation: Implementing an overlay before sealing the pavement helps in achieving a smoother surface, which enhances the effectiveness and durability of the seal coat, protecting the pavement against water intrusion and oxidation.
Milling and Resurfacing
Technique:
Milling involves the removal of the top layer of asphalt using milling machines. This layer is then often recycled. Following this process, a fresh layer of asphalt is laid down, providing a newly restored surface.
When to Use:
- Deep Surface Damage: Ideal for repairing extensive damage such as wide-spread cracking, potholes, and surface deformations that degrade ride quality, without affecting the underlying base layer.
- Rutting and Depressions: Effective in areas with ruts or depressions formed by heavy traffic or poor construction quality. This method removes these imperfections and reinstates a smooth driving surface.
- Thickness Correction: Useful when the surface height is too excessive relative to surrounding curbs or manhole covers. This adjustment is made before resurfacing to achieve the desired pavement thickness.
- Preventive Maintenance: Appropriate for older pavements showing signs of surface oxidation and minor cracking, this method removes the deteriorated layer and adds a fresh, durable top layer.
- Surface Renewal: Suitable for extensively faded and worn surfaces, impacting both aesthetics and safety due to decreased skid resistance.
- Improving Surface Properties: Employed when enhancements such as better skid resistance, noise reduction, or compliance with updated safety and performance standards are needed.
Full-depth Reclamation
Technique:
This involves the complete pulverization of the existing asphalt and part of the base layer. The material is mixed, relaid, and compacted to form a new, stable base, often followed by new asphalt application.
When to Use:
- Severe Pavement Deterioration: Addresses widespread and severe structural failures, including deep cracks and substantial potholes, which surpass what surface treatments can mend.
- Compromised Base Layer: Applies to situations where the base or subbase is weakened by moisture, poor construction, or excessive loading, allowing for a reconstruction of these layers for enhanced durability.
- Cost-Effective Reconstruction: Provides a more budget-friendly alternative for complete pavement reconstruction, leveraging the recycling of existing materials.
- Improving Load-Bearing Capacity: Suitable for pavements that require enhancement to support higher traffic volumes or heavier loads, thus bolstering the structural capacity.
- Environmental Sustainability: Promotes reduced use of new materials and lower carbon emissions by recycling existing pavement and base materials, offering an eco-friendly reconstruction option.
- Subgrade Issues: Corrects instability or unsuitability of the subgrade by integrating stabilizing agents like cement, lime, or asphalt emulsion into the reclaimed base.
Why Should Commercial Companies Consider Asphalt Paving Repair?
Cost-Effectiveness
Performing routine maintenance and addressing damage promptly can save significant costs over time. Timely repairs prevent the need for extensive overhauls or complete pavement replacements, ensuring that your budget remains intact.
Safety
Well-maintained asphalt surfaces reduce the risk of accidents, providing a safer environment for employees, customers, and visitors. A smooth and secure pavement minimizes liability concerns and leaves a positive impression.
Longevity
Investing in proper care extends the life of asphalt surfaces. With regular repairs, the material maintains its structural integrity, proving to be a wise and durable choice for long-term use.
Aesthetics
A smooth and clean asphalt surface enhances the visual appeal of commercial properties. A well-maintained lot or driveway reflects professionalism and care, helping to attract and retain clients.
Sustainability
Modern repair techniques, such as milling and full-depth reclamation, reduce waste and incorporate recycling, aligning with environmentally responsible practices. Sustainable approaches benefit not only the environment but also resonate positively with stakeholders who value eco-conscious efforts.
Choose Asphalt Paving Marketers for Your Asphalt Repair Needs
At Asphalt Paving Marketers, we understand that maintaining asphalt is essential to ensuring safety, longevity, and an appealing aesthetic. Our range of asphalt repair methods, including crack sealing, patching, overlays, milling, and full-depth reclamation, allows us to cater to various levels of wear and damage.
Whether you need minor repairs or a comprehensive rehabilitation solution, our team is equipped to provide cost-effective and environmentally friendly options to keep your asphalt in top condition. With extensive expertise and a commitment to quality, Asphalt Paving Marketers is your trusted partner for asphalt repair. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help extend the life of your pavement.
