What Are the Different Types of Asphalt Repair Techniques?
Although asphalt pavements are remarkably durable, even a well-built pavement will likely begin to show signs of damage within six or seven years. Once damage appears, it needs to be repaired quickly to prevent compromising the entire structure of the pavement. If repairs are neglected, the damage will worsen, and the supporting foundation can be destabilized and weakened by water infiltrating beneath the pavement. To make an asphalt repair, contractors typically use one of four methods, which are surface patching, partial-depth patching, full-depth patching, and asphalt resurfacing.
What Is the Surface Patching Method of Asphalt Repair?
Surface patching is often likened to placing an adhesive bandage over a cut. Your asphalt repair Treasure Coast contractor will not need to remove any of the existing pavement to install the patch. Surface patches are typically the most economical type of asphalt patching, but they are not a permanent fix. Normally, a surface patch will need to be replaced in less than two years. Furthermore, if the damage goes deeper than the top inch or two of the pavement, a surface patch is not the best repair method. On the other hand, if time or money is short, a surface patch can allow you to defer a permanent repair without risking more damage from water penetration.
What Is Partial-Depth Asphalt Patching?
With partial-depth patching, an asphalt paving contractor removes as many layers of the existing asphalt as needed to eliminate the damage. Typically, the asphalt removal does not expose the foundation, so this method works best for pavements that have stable, undamaged foundations. After removing the damaged pavement, the contractor places and compacts fresh layers of asphalt to replace what was removed.
What Is the Full-Depth Patching Method of Asphalt Repair?
To install a full-depth patch, your asphalt repair Treasure Coast contractor will remove all layers of the pavement to expose the foundation. If the foundation needs to be repaired or strengthened, the contractor will take care of it before installing and compacting fresh layers of asphalt. Full-depth patching is more expensive than surface patching and partial-depth patching, but a full-depth patch is typically considered a permanent repair.
What Is Asphalt Resurfacing?
When a pavement has become so old and tired that routine paving maintenance and repairs are not enough, asphalt resurfacing can be a cost-effective option. Your asphalt paving contractor will usually start by using a milling machine to grind away the top two or three inches of the existing pavement. If cracks or other damages extend deeper than what was milled, the contractor will repair the damage. The pavement that was removed will be replaced with fresh asphalt that is placed and compacted one course at a time. Manhole covers, curbs, transitions, and other pavement features are kept at their original heights. With proper pavement maintenance, a resurfaced pavement can have a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years, but that will depend on the type and volume of traffic it supports.
If You Have Questions, Contact Asphalt Care Services
At Asphalt Care Services, we specialize in asphalt maintenance, repairs, and paving for commercial customers in the Treasure Coast region. Our services include asphalt sealcoating, asphalt patching and paving, thermoplastic line striping, traffic sign installation, speed bumps, parking lot striping, concrete bumpers, and parking lot maintenance. We are known for the quality of our work, our dedication to customer satisfaction, and our professionalism. If you would like to receive a free quote, you can submit your request by calling 772-888-2840, completing our online form, or emailing [email protected].
