Asphalt pavements are aesthetically appealing, comparatively inexpensive to install, and easy to maintain. However, even a proactively maintained, expertly installed pavement is likely to need at least one asphalt repair during its first seven years of life. Fortunately, repairs for your asphalt pavement are typically fast and economical.
Is Crack Filling Considered an Asphalt Repair?
Cracks are typically the first type of damage that an asphalt pavement will suffer. Cracks should be repaired promptly by either filling or sealing them so that water does not have an open path beneath the pavement. Some contractors consider crack sealing and crack filling as routine paving maintenance procedures, but other contractors consider them paving repairs.
What Are the Patching Techniques Contractors Use for Asphalt Repair?
Asphalt patching can be an ideal solution for potholes, alligator cracking, and many other types of pavement damage. There are three basic categories of asphalt patching.
1. Surface patches are meant to be used for damage that is extremely shallow, typically less than two inches deep. Surface patches cost the least, but they are not considered permanent repairs.
2. Partial-depth patches involve the removal and replacement of multiple courses of asphalt paving. Your parking lot paving company may refer to this technique as a peel and pave repair.
3. Full-depth patches also involve the removal and replacement of multiple courses of asphalt paving, but the removal will go at least as deep as the foundation. If the foundation needs to be rebuilt or repaired, your contractor can do this as part of the patching procedure. Although full-depth patches are usually the most expensive of the three patching techniques, a full-depth patch is normally a permanent repair.
Is Asphalt Resurfacing a Repair or a Paving Procedure?
Just like crack repairs, asphalt resurfacing could be considered either a repair or a paving procedure by some contractors. Resurfacing involves using a milling machine to grind off the top one or two inches of an existing pavement before replacing it with new asphalt. Multiple courses of asphalt will be installed and compacted to return the pavement to its original depth.
How Can I Avoid the Need for Asphalt Repairs?
It is virtually impossible to avoid all repairs for the entire life of an asphalt pavement, but you can reduce the number and cost of repairs by being proactive about your paving maintenance.
1. Sealcoating Atlanta GA asphalt pavements is highly recommended to prevent damage from the sun, the weather, and vehicle fluids. In fact, studies have shown that periodic applications of parking lot sealcoat can often double the useful life of the lot.
2. Have paving repairs made as quickly as possible to prevent water infiltration. Water that penetrates to the foundation can inflict damage that is time-consuming and costly to repair.
3. Clean your pavement regularly. Do not allow piles of dead leaves, trash, grass clippings, or other debris to remain on your pavement. Clean up puddles of oil or other automotive fluids that vehicles have leaked on your pavement.
If you need asphalt repairs, parking lot striping, bollards, asphalt crack repairs, car stops, asphalt paving, traffic signage, parking lot maintenance, asphalt sealcoating, ADA compliance, or pavement markings, contact us. MH Greeson is a highly respected asphalt maintenance company with the experience, tools, and staff to handle jobs of all sizes. We have earned an exemplary reputation that is based on our honesty, our craftsmanship, our professionalism, our reasonable prices, and our customer service. If you are interested in requesting a free quote, just fill out the online form. If you prefer, you can call us at 770-335-2983 instead.
