Repair potholes before the winter sets in!
The unpredictable and frigid winters of the recent years have really taken a toll on asphalt. This bitter weather comes and goes, leaving many commercial, residential, and industrial properties with a dangerously high number of pot holes. There are several methods of pot hole and asphalt repair which can lessen and correct the damage caused by freezing temperatures.
Cold Patch
Cold patch is a type of asphalt patch which is readily available and simple to install. Cold patch can generally be purchased from retail home improvement chains and is sold in 50 pound bags. This asphalt patch can be installed easily with a shovel and square hand tamper. Cold patch is a temporary method of repair used to lessen safety hazards or car tire damage until professional repairs can be done.
Saw Cut and Removal
Saw cut removal is a more in depth type of asphalt repair used primarily to fix alligator cracked pavement which needs full depth replacement. Saw cut and removal is performed by marking areas of asphalt failure with marking paint, snapping a chalk line, saw cutting the perimeter, excavating to a depth of 2-6 inches, replacing it in 1-2 lifts of new plan hot mix asphalt, and compacting with a vibrancy roller. In order to complete this process the new saw cut joint is sealed with a hot rubberized crack sealant to prevent water from infiltrating the asphalt.
Infrared Asphalt Restoration
Infrared asphalt restoration is a common ‘green’ asphalt repair method. It utilizes an infrared heater to heat the pot hole to 400 degrees. The pot hole is then scarified with a steel tooth rake. Fresh plant mix asphalt is installed, a rejuvenator is applied to older asphalt, and this is compacted with a vibratory roller. A hot box is used to keep the fresh mix asphalt at the proper temperature.
This repair process can be conveniently completed at any time, entirely independent of the asphalt plant schedule, as the hot box keeps the asphalt heated. Infrared asphalt restoration can fix all types of asphalt damage, with the exception of permanently repairing alligator cracking. As well as being convenient and environmentally friendly, asphalt repair completed via this method is “jointless” and heat fused to the surrounding area through thermodynamics.
Skin Patching/Surface Patching
Skin patching, which is sometimes referred to as surface patching, is a temporary asphalt patch which will last longer than cold patch, but is not as long-lasting as saw cut removal or infrared restoration. This method is used when emergency repairs need to be made in public areas where constant traffic would quickly erode cold patch repairs or to mitigate safety hazards for drivers and pedestrians. This method utilizes hot asphalt to fill in pot holes.
Asphalt Repair From Testa Paving
In need of asphalt repair? Contact Testa Paving by phone today at 301-633-5861 for a free estimate.