No matter where you turn, asphalt pavement is the versatile and durable material found throughout the nation. From driveways, sidewalks, pathways, and everything in between, asphalt is a staple in most communities. However, even the best materials can experience natural wear and tear. When that occurs, you need an intelligent and cost-effective repair solution that’s built to last.
Say goodbye to time-consuming traditional repaving methods, and say hello to infrared asphalt repair. Read on to learn more about how this technology outlasts other repair methods without breaking the bank.
What Is Infrared Asphalt Repair?
If you’re looking for a permanent procedure to refinish your pavement, infrared asphalt repair (IRR) is the newest preferred repair method to consider. Also known as cold-weather patching or seamless cold-weather asphalt repair, this convenient and cost-effective technology is sweeping the nation by storm.
While traditional repaving methods require the asphalt to be saw cut, removed, and replaced, this style blends new materials with existing pavement to create a seamless, joint-free patch.
How Does It Work?
Infrared asphalt patching utilizes infrared technology to heat-damaged asphalt to recycle the damaged pavement. The process is relatively simple yet thorough to ensure a smooth product. See how it works below:
- Any debris is cleared from the damaged area.
- An infrared panel is placed on top, and the section is heated to over 350 degrees for a period of time, depending on several contributing factors.
- The panel is then removed from the area.
- Experts set the perimeter, then rake through the entire area to remove cracked and loose aggregate.
- Oils and a rejuvenator get applied to the area.
- New asphalt is hot-mixed with original asphalt.
- This new mixture is then re-raked and properly graded.
- Finally, the new pavement is compacted for a seamless finish.
After the process is complete and has settled, the asphalt will be smooth, visually appealing, and structurally sound.
Benefits of Infrared Asphalt Repair
One of the many advantages of IRR is that the process blocks water and moisture from penetrating the surface. Trapped moisture can be especially problematic during the winter as it expands and weakens the pavement structure. See some of the other advantages of IRR below:
- Uses fewer raw materials
- Quick turnaround time
- Innovative technology
- Seamless repairs
- Durable
- Cost-effective
- Environmentally friendly
If you’re looking to get a seamless repair that won’t break the bank, you need to consider infrared asphalt repairs.
Practical Application
There is nothing more frustrating than trying to navigate unruly potholes, whether they are on the street, in an alley, or even in a business’ parking lot. Not only are potholes unsightly, but they can also be hazardous for cars and pedestrians alike. In order to avoid incidents, it’s important to patch these areas using infrared asphalt technology.
This efficient technique lends itself to fast and easy critical pavement repairs in commercial and residential areas. Various issues are easily repairable with this method, including:
- Rough or uneven surfaces
- Pavement heaving
- Catch basin deterioration
- Potholes
- Cracks and lines
- Divots
When your pavement has any cracks or imperfections, it’s essential to make repairs as soon as possible to avoid more significant problems from forming.
Optimizing Your Asphalt Repair
When you decide to repair your pavement, you want to ensure that it’s done right the first time. Since the development of new repair technology, covering wear and tear has never been easier. From commercial to residential properties, there are numerous benefits of utilizing this technology. Let’s explore more of the benefits of infrared repairs over traditional methods below:
Fast Application
This patching method is faster than other methods. In fact, the whole process usually only takes one to two hours with an additional twenty minutes of drying time. Your neighbors will thank you for this fast, easy, and unobtrusive process.
Environmentally Friendly
Not only does this innovative technology add durability, but it is also an eco-conscious solution for repairing damaged pavement because it is recyclable. Since less new asphalt is required for the job, you receive up to ninety percent waste product reduction. In addition to less product going to landfills, there is less fossil fuel consumption and noise pollution as fewer trucks are traversing your neighborhood.
Cost-Effective
If you’re concerned about financing this repair, you don’t need to worry. Since there are fewer materials and people required to make repairs, this significantly reduces construction costs. By saving time, resources, and labor, infrared asphalt repairs are an affordable alternative available to everyone.
Innovative Infrared Technology
Traditional repaving techniques leave a seam or joint to prevent water penetration below the surface. Eliminating seams is a key feature of infrared technology and is even more effective at preventing moisture and deterioration. Instead of seeing unsightly seams, you can enjoy a smooth, uniform surface.
More Visually Appealing
When it comes to filling in unsightly cracking or other problems, it is essential to consider how it will look. Traditional crack filler could create a series of unsightly black lines that looks jarring in contrast to your pavement. Infrared technology heats up and blends the recycled asphalt into a seamless patch that creates a smoother and altogether sturdier fix.
Instead of worrying about your first impression, your guests or customers will appreciate the effort.
Standing Up Against Minnesota’s Seasons
One of the most attractive features of infrared technology is that it performs exceptionally well in cold weather. This impressive feature is vitally important for Minnesotan properties. Since this technology eliminates seams and joints, pavement deterioration due to water infiltration is significantly reduced. By being heated and compact-sealed, your pavement will be strong and ready to bear weight in no time.
Repair Pavement Year-Round
Infrared asphalt technology performs well in the cold, but what happens when you need a repair in the heart of winter? Weather conditions can seriously inhibit construction within Minnesota due to extreme cold and ice. Since winter is a long season, it is crucial to have repair methods that aren’t temperature-dependent to treat potholes and other pavement concerns. IRR technology is the only repair method that is available year-round, regardless of low temperatures.
IRR is essential to prevent pressure from the cold and ice creating potholes and wreaking havoc on your pavement. With a regular maintenance plan and patching when necessary, your asphalt can last for years to come.
Richfield Blacktop: Superior Infrared Asphalt Repair Solutions
When it comes to repairing your pavement surface, consider the numerous benefits of infrared asphalt technology. This cold weather-resistant solution is available year-round to help seal in a multitude of cracks, divots, potholes, and other imperfections. Making the switch to infrared asphalt repair is the smart solution to all your critical asphalt problems. Whether you need a new driveway, roadway, parking lot, or sidewalk patch, turn to the trusted specialists at Richfield Blacktop.
With over sixty years of experience serving the Twin Cities community, we continuously strive to exceed our customers’ expectations for every project. For this reason, our team invests in innovative technologies to perfect our repair process.
No more worrying about the longevity of your final product; choose infrared asphalt repair for eco-friendly, affordable, and long-lasting results. Contact our team today to get your free quote for repair services.