Asphalt pavement is an attractive, durable and economical choice for a wide range of paving applications. However, all experienced contractors offering asphalt paving services know that even the best pavements will need periodic repairs to achieve a long life. Asphalt pavement that does not receive timely repairs can fail before its life expectancy reaches the halfway point. Depending on the issue, there are numerous methods that contractors can use to patch or repair asphalt pavement.
What Asphalt Patching and Repair Methods Are Used?
Although an asphalt repair could technically involve the remediation of any type of damage to the pavement, the term commonly refers to repairing cracks. Open cracks can pose a serious threat to the stability of the foundation that supports the pavement, and an unstable foundation can lead to potholes, pavement subsidence and/or alligator cracking. Contractors typically use one of two basic methods to repair cracks.
• Filling: Filling a crack involves the insertion of an asphalt-based material into the crack after the void is cleaned and prepared. Active cracks that are still growing are not good candidates for this method as the movement can break the bond between the filler and the walls of the crack.
• Sealing: Although the method is similar to filling, crack sealing involves extending the crack sealant onto the surrounding pavement. The sealant may be inserted into the crack, but this will depend on the size and activity of the crack.
What Methods Are Used to Patch Asphalt Pavement?
Patches are typically used to repair areas that are often deeper and considerably larger than a crack. Areas suffering from alligator cracking and potholes are issues that are often addressed with patches. There are several different patching methods that asphalt paving companies can use.
• Deep or full-depth patching refers to the traditional remove-and-replace method. The damaged pavement and possibly several inches of the foundation will be removed. If necessary, the foundation will be repaired. Hot-mix asphalt is then installed and compacted to provide what is considered to be a permanent repair.
• Throw-and-roll patches are temporary measures that are often reserved for patching potholes during the winter months. The void is filled with asphalt, often in layers or courses, and then compacted with the tires on the contractor’s truck or hand tools.
• Throw-and-go patches are almost always used for emergency pothole repairs during cold weather. This method is similar to the throw-and-roll technique, but there is usually no attempt made to compact the asphalt. Most of the time, compaction is left to the traffic that passes over it. Therefore, this method is considered to have the shortest life expectancy of all patching techniques.
• Overlay patches are normally reserved for areas that are too large to be effectively patched by a relatively small crew or by hand. Raveling, rutting and pitting are common examples of the types of problems that can be remedied with an overlay patch. However, the supporting foundation needs to be stable for an overlay patch to be cost-effective. Most asphalt sealcoating contractors recommend that overlay patches be sealed on the same schedule as new pavements.
MH Greeson is one of the most-respected asphalt maintenance and sealcoating contractors in Metro Atlanta and the Marietta area. We are known for our honesty, professionalism, superior workmanship and affordable rates. Our services include parking lot striping and pavement marking, asphalt crack repair, asphalt sealcoating, asphalt paving and overlays, pothole repair, and the installation of car stops, bollards and traffic signs. You can use the online form to request a free quote, or you can call us at 770-335-2983.
