Infrared patching is an asphalt patching method that utilizes heated plates to warm up asphalt in rectangular sections to be repaired quickly. The patching method is advantageous when pothole repair is called for during winter. The technique also boasts a lowered carbon footprint regarding emissions and resources used. IR Patching is a great way to utilize recycled asphalt.
The process is relatively simple to comprehend on the surface but complex on the detailed part. When you hire IR patching expert contractors like Doctor Asphalt in Madison, WI, you can rest assured that the patching repair has been done the way intended.
Here are some basic principles of infrared asphalt patching to know.
- Infrared repair involves radiation of heat onto the damaged asphalt section to aid in its removal or to score it. This way, the damaged asphalt can be removed, or new material can be added and blended into it.
- Achieving the proper asphalt temperature is affected by several factors, such as heating required for each course layer—as it aids in the removal of the affected layer(s).
- Since no two asphalt mixes are the same, so heating times vary. Presence of polymer in the asphalt, the original design mix, and the age of the pavement matter. Old asphalt will take more time to heat as compared to newer asphalt.
- Moisture is strictly avoided, meaning that IRR repairs are impractical during rain, dew, or snow. Too much evaporated moisture can aggravate damaged asphalt, while porous asphalt would take too long to dry and heat up.
- If it’s windy, the repair will be affected as heating will not propagate into the asphalt evenly.
- Pre-patch preparation is integral to the success of the method. The affected section is heated, removed, and the edges are tapered off to provide an even adhesion of the new asphalt into the patch.
- If one uses reclaimed asphalt in the repair, be sure to rake the heated asphalt surface then blend the recycled asphalt using a scarifier.
- If one uses aged milled asphalt, then apply a rejuvenator solution to the asphalt before blending it into the IR heated pavement.
- If the pavement failure extends down to the sub-grade, the infrared repair will not be satisfactory. You will need a full-depth patch to ensure the failure is fixed from the foundations up.
- Observe heat shielding if the IR patching is in close proximity to an underground utility. Conventionally, local regulations do not allow IR repairs near utilities, but aluminum sheets can deflect the heating from a sensitive area when an exception is given.
Knowing these aspects of IR repair is paramount to the services Doctor Asphalt provides to Madison, WI residents. We have an impressive reputation for quality delivery of asphalt & concrete pavement repair solutions, so don’t wait for your damaged asphalt to freeze over and schedule an IR repair.
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