Key Takeaways:
- Infrared asphalt patching is an efficient and long-lasting method for repairing potholes.
- This repair technique does not require the removal of the existing pavement.
- It can prolong the life of your asphalt pavement by many years.
- Infrared asphalt patching suits those looking for a permanent solution to pothole problems.
- Doctor Asphalt LLC offers seal coating services to customers in Fitchburg, WI, and the surrounding areas.
If you’ve been dealing with an onslaught of potholes on your property, you may wonder if there is a solution. One way to do this is by using infrared asphalt patching to fix your pothole problem. This type of patching is a lot cheaper than traditional methods, and it is just as effective. Infrared asphalt patching has become a popular option for repairing potholes, and for a good reason. Doctor Asphalt LLC will discuss the benefits of infrared asphalt patching and how it can fix your potholes!
Potholes
Potholes are a common hazard on roads and highways. They are formed due to water seeping into cracks in the pavement and then freezing and expanding, which causes the pavement to break apart.
Infrared Asphalt Patching
Infrared asphalt patching repairs damaged asphalt by heating and re-compacting the affected area. This patching method is often used for minor to medium-sized maintenance. It is less expensive and time-consuming than other methods, such as replacing the entire section of damaged asphalt.
How Does Infrared Asphalt Patching Work?
The first step in the infrared asphalt patching process is removing debris from the damaged area, such as loose gravel or dirt. The site is then cleaned with a high-pressure air blower to remove any remaining residue or dirt. Once the area is clean, an infrared heater is used to heat the damaged asphalt to a temperature of approximately 400 degrees Fahrenheit. After the asphalt has been heated, it is compacted using a roller or plate compactor.
Also, read our blog on the ins and outs of infrared patching.
Benefits of Infrared Asphalt Patching Services
Fewer Potholes
One of the primary benefits of infrared asphalt patching is that it can help to reduce the number of potholes on the road. Potholes are formed when water seeps into cracks in the asphalt and then freezes, expanding and causing the asphalt to break. Infrared asphalt patching can help seal these cracks and prevent water from seeping in, which can ultimately help prolong the road’s life.
Less Disruption
Another benefit of infrared asphalt patching is that it causes less disruption than traditional methods of asphalt repair. With conventional methods, such as milling or excavating, a large section of the road must be removed to make repairs. It can cause significant traffic disruptions and often requires the road to be completely closed for an extended period. With infrared asphalt patching, only the area being repaired needs to be accessed, which minimizes traffic disruptions.
Less Waste
Another benefit of infrared asphalt patching is that it generates less waste than traditional patching methods. The entire area to be repaired must be removed and replaced with conventional methods. It can cause a significant amount of waste, as crews must first remove the old asphalt, then install new asphalt. With infrared asphalt patching, only the damaged area is removed and replaced. As a result, there is less waste generated overall.
Quicker Repairs
Infrared asphalt patching also allows for quicker repairs than traditional methods. With conventional methods, it can often take days or even weeks to complete repairs, as the removed section of the road must be replaced and then allowed to cure. Repairs can usually be completed in just a few hours with infrared asphalt patching.
More Cost-Effective
Another benefit of infrared asphalt patching is that it is more cost effective than traditional repair methods. Traditional methods often require expensive equipment, materials, and much labor. Infrared asphalt patching requires less equipment and material and can usually be completed with a smaller crew, ultimately reducing costs.
Environmentally Friendly
Infrared asphalt patching is environmentally friendly as it does not generate emissions or waste products. Traditional repair methods often involve burning fossil fuels to operate heavy machinery, which can release harmful environmental emissions. Infrared asphalt patching does not require combustion and thus does not generate emissions.
Better Aesthetics
In addition to being more cost-effective and less disruptive, infrared asphalt patching provides better aesthetics than traditional repair methods. It is because infrared patching creates a seamless repair virtually indistinguishable from the surrounding pavement. Conventional methods often leave behind an uneven surface that is visible and can detract from the overall appearance of a roadway.
Increased Safety
Another benefit of infrared asphalt patching is that it can help to increase safety by providing a smoother driving surface. Uneven pavement can create hazards for drivers, mainly if the unevenness is severe enough to cause a vehicle to lose traction or swerve unexpectedly. By providing a smooth, even surface, infrared asphalt patching can help to reduce accidents and improve driver safety.
Click here to find the current and future best practices for pothole repair.
Process of Infrared Patching
1. Infrared patching is a process that is used to repair asphalt pavement. The process involves heating the asphalt with an infrared heater, which softens it so it can be repaired.
2. Infrared patching can repair various types of damage, including potholes, cracks, and bird baths.
3. The process is typically performed by two workers, one operating the infrared heater and the other performing the repairs.
4. The first step in the process is to clean the area to be repaired. It includes removing debris, such as rocks or dirt, from the surface of the asphalt.
5. Once clean, the infrared heater is placed over the damaged area and turned on. The heat from the infrared heater will soften the asphalt to be repaired.
6. While the asphalt is heated, the repair team will prepare the repair material. This material will fill the damaged area once the asphalt has been softened.
7. Once the repair material is ready, the infrared heater is turned off and removed from the damaged area. The repair team will then use a trowel to fill the damaged area with the repair material.
8. Once the repair material has been applied, it will need to be compacted to bond properly with the surrounding asphalt. It can be done with a hand tamper or a plate compactor.
9. After the repair material has been compacted, it will need to cure for 24 hours before it can be driven on or parked on.
10. Infrared patching is an effective way to repair asphaltpavement damage.
Need Infrared Patching Services in Fitchburg, WI?
If you need infrared patching or pothole repair services, contact Doctor Asphalt LLC, serving Fitchburg, WI. We provide free estimates so you can know how much the work will cost before starting. Contact us today to see what we can do for your driveway, parking lot, or street!