As a home or business owner with an asphalt driveway, you will need to make necessary repairs throughout the years to ensure your blacktop stays in optimal condition. Although asphalt is an exceptionally durable, flexible, affordable, and long-lasting material, it is still susceptible to wear and tear over time.
Thankfully, infrared asphalt repair is an excellent solution for tackling many pavement conditions, from cracks and divots to potholes and uneven textures. Read on to learn more about how this process works and why using infrared asphalt repair for common pavement problems is the best solution.
How Does the Infrared Asphalt Repair Process Work?
Infrared asphalt repair (IRR) is an environmentally friendly and economical repair option for cracked pavement. The process is fast and rather straightforward:
- The damaged area is initially clean of all dirt and debris.
- Special equipment is then used to heat the area to 325 degrees or more using innovative infrared technology.
- After thoroughly heated, the repair area is framed with a three to a four-inch edge where the asphalt will be raked
- A thin amount of new or recycled asphalt is added to make it the same grade as the surrounding area.
- Finally, the site is flattened, ensuring a tough, driveable surface in less than an hour after application.
Unlike other asphalt applications, infrared asphalt repair creates a clean edge that is thermally bonded. This means no water can intrude into the pavement, ensuring a long-lasting and successful fix. Learn more about the infrared asphalt repair process here.
The Benefits of Using Infrared Asphalt Repair for Common Pavement Problems
There are so many advantages to using infrared asphalt repair to combat common pavement problems. Take a look at some significant blacktop issues below to see how this process can help:
#1. Perfect to Use All-Year-Round
As Minnesotans, we understand how vital it is to make repairs when they occur; however, the extreme winter weather conditions can sadly inhibit many repair possibilities except for IRR. Infrared asphalt repair can be applied all year long, rain or shine.
#2. Fast and Efficient
Compared to other repair methods, IRR is a relatively quick and reliable process. It takes less than a day to complete, since it doesn’t require resetting the sub-base layers. Once completed, it is safe for vehicles to drive on after an hour. This method also outlast other pavement repair techniques, making it an ideal choice for home and business owners.
#3. Reduced Environmental Impact
Since this process uses recycled asphalt, it is a more eco-friendly choice for pavement repair. There are also fewer workers and heavy machinery needed, which means less smog and noise pollution will be generated from the process.
#4. Exceptional Value
IRR is a more affordable way to repair your pavement than a total replacement. While you may be tempted to fill in snaking cracks with a DIY filler, this unsightly solution only lasts for a short period of time. If you’re looking for a way to get the most out of your asphalt repair, choosing IRR is the most cost-effective solution over time.
Since this method uses fewer materials, it can help businesses and homeowners alike save on repair costs. It also prevents future cracking and deterioration while creating a smooth surface. You can rely on this seamless solution to withstand the elements and give your asphalt a second life. Simply put, infrared asphalt repair is a straightforward and efficient method that doesn’t break the bank.
Pavement Problems That Can Be Fixed With IRR
Although asphalt is an immensely flexible and durable material, it’s still susceptible to breakdowns over time from constant harsh weather conditions and the weight of vehicles all day. Take a look at some of the most common forms of asphalt damage that infrared asphalt can fix:
#1. Potholes
Potholes can wreak havoc to vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians alike. These deep, bowl-shaped holes form from deteriorating asphalt that may grow in size every winter and spring. The sooner you repair these roadside hazards, the less likely you’ll have to experience a jarring incident, like frame damage to your vehicle from accidentally running them over.
#2. Cracks and Gouges
Crack formation is one of the most common forms of asphalt damage. There are several different ways they form, like repetitive vehicular traffic and extreme temperature shifts. Regardless of how they begin, you can thankfully utilize IRR for a cohesive repair to stop cracks in their place.
Gouges are slightly bigger asphalt issues that are usually caused by snowplows. If left untreated, these deep indentations can lead to more extensive damage down the line. Water can pool into these spaces and continue eroding the surrounding asphalt. Instead of letting these areas spread, use IRR to fix these deep gouges.
#3. Uneven Pavement
Uneven pavement, commonly known as raveling, is caused by the breakdown of asphalt particles. This creates a rough surface, loose debris, and may cause water to pool. Infrared asphalt repair is a great solution for this if the damage isn’t too severe; however, extensive raveling damage will need to be replaced since IRR is a localized blacktop solution. Once you start noticing warning signs of uneven pavement, schedule repairs right away to save time and money.
#4. Utility Repairs
Sometimes underground utilities may need to be fixed, which can cause roadways and parking lots to be disrupted. When companies make utility repairs, they may patch the asphalt, which isn’t as effective long-term as infrared asphalt repair. For this reason, it’s best to use IRR to repair tricky to reach small areas, like maintenance holes, drainage areas, grade control, catch basins, or utility joint repairs.
#5. Dips or Divots
There are several layers to an asphalt blacktop, and these are susceptible to extreme weather, water, and temperature shifts throughout the years. A dip or divot is caused by the surface layer falling into a crack at a lower level. Typically, these areas are prone to collecting water which leads to erosion over time. As pressure builds in this localized area, dips and divots will eventually become potholes. Stop these asphalt issues from becoming a pothole by choosing infrared asphalt repair to fix the uneven texture with a seamless edge.
Tackle Your Pavement Problems Today
There is simply no better option than infrared asphalt repair when choosing to repair cracked or damaged asphalt. This cost-effective solution is perfect for residential and commercial use, incorporates recyclable materials, and creates a seamless repair that’s ready to bear weight after an hour. That’s why using infrared asphalt repair for common pavement problems should be your number one choice to fix your unsightly blacktop without breaking the bank.
Contact the local paving professionals at Richfield Blacktop to see how this fast and reliable process can give your pavement a second life.