When it comes to asphalt, short-term delays to the repair of seemingly minor issues, such as potholes and other types of asphalt damage, often result in the further decline of both the surface and the subgrade. When professionally performed, asphalt patching effectively fills-in problem areas and quickly restores safety and function to the surface. Pavemax, a full-service paving company in Florida, specializes in prolonging the life cycle of all types of asphalt and concrete surfaces through the following four asphalt patching techniques. Revitalize both the appearance and safety of your asphalt — contact us for a free estimate.
1. Throw-&-Roll Pothole Repair
Among the most common asphalt patching techniques is the throw-and-roll pothole repair method. This is a temporary patching technique in which liquid asphalt is poured into the pothole, and once filled, the pothole is sealed and rolled over. The throw-and-roll method is typically performed during emergency situations in which an immediate patch is required for short-term use only. This type of patch may be applied in layers to ensure a complete fill.
2. Semi-Permanent Pothole Repair
A longer-lasting alternative to the throw-and-roll is the semi-permanent pothole repair method. While not permanent, this method provides fast restoration to damaged asphalt. The solution is designed to last until the Florida paving contractors can perform a permanent repair. The semi-permanent method requires adequate preparation to the surface through the removal of water and debris both within and around the pothole. Once the area around the pothole is cut, the patching materials are poured into the prepared hole, and the area is compacted using a vibratory roller.
3. Spray Injection Pothole Repair
Another common asphalt patching technique is the spray injection pothole repair method. While this technique is similar to the semi-permanent method, the spray injection method requires specialized asphalt patching equipment to remove water and debris from the pothole. The aggregate and asphalt are then put into the hole using high-pressure injection. One key benefit of this technique is that it doesn’t require compaction, which is required for the other methods.
4. Full-Depth Patching Pothole Repair
The full-depth patching method is the pavement-industry standard technique for permanently repairing asphalt issues, such as potholes, among professional asphalt contractors. While it is one of the most effective techniques used for asphalt patching and repair, full-depth patching is also the most complex. This method provides firm support through the excavation of four or more inches in depth and at least one foot of the area around the pothole. Before the asphalt mix is poured into the depression, a tack coat is applied. A backfill is applied to the patched area to ensure proper bonding of the materials to the surface.
How To Prevent Asphalt Damage
The life cycle of a pavement or asphalt surface depends upon a number of factors, such as the integrity of the initial construction, the frequency of use, and a wide range of environmental factors which result in normal wear-and-tear over time. According to Florida asphalt experts, however, the most effective methods for preventing the occurrence — and worsening — of damage to asphalt is through regularly scheduled sealcoat services and timely repairs.
Repair Damage As It Appears
In addition to timely sealcoat reapplication, another vital aspect in the prevention of asphalt damage is the proactive and prompt repair of damage to asphalt and pavement. Filling in cracks and other small depressions in the surface may help lengthen the overall functional lifespan of the surface — it can also help prevent small issues from becoming large and costly disasters.
Schedule Sealcoat Services
The initial application and regular reapplication of asphalt sealcoat are integral to asphalt surface maintenance. Sealcoat serves as a barrier to damaging environmental elements common within the State of Florida, such as heat and precipitation. It can help minimize and even prevent a number of common issues that occur over time and result from regular use.