Just like brushing your teeth regularly, asphalt also need to have timely maintenance done to it to keep it in good repair. If you don’t maintain your asphalt you’ll notice the tell-tale signs: cracking, decaying and potholes are all symptoms of no maintenance.
In most cases, this is a problem that originates from damage caused by factors such as humidity, poor drainage, excess vehicle traffic or even freeze-thaw cycles.
Nowadays thanks to great marketing from certain companies, they can lead you to believe that you can perform a simple DIY project with no experience and get professional results. Let’s be honest, just because you can do it yourself, does not mean you should. After all, you can cut your own hair—but should you?
Whether you’re hiring a professional or doing it yourself, we will provide you with some general information on the types of patching and repairs that can be done on asphalt.
At present there are several different asphalt patching techniques that are used for certain type of asphalt problems. Techniques differ based on what you are looking to fix: aesthetic issues or safety issues in roads or parking lots, etc.
Here are some of the asphalt patching techniques most used:
- Cold Patch: This technique consists of a semi-permanent patch using ready to set cold asphalt patch. Super easy process: open the bag, fill the hole and then compact it down. This works when a quick fix is needed in small spot treatment. This technique guarantees rapid layer solidification that reacts with air but will need to be redone in the future
- Hot Patches: If you are looking for a more durable solution over time, this may be a better suitable alternative! How does it work? Garbage, debris and vegetation and water are removed with help of an air compressor, the area to be patched is cut with the a saw and the hole is filled with hot asphalt to be compacted later with a roller.
- Mastic: In this technique the process is different, special equipment is used to remove water and debris from the pothole, then the asphalt is injected at high pressure and is self-leveling. Thanks to this characteristic, it’s not necessary to compact the mixture. Like the cold patch, this one is widely used in spot treatment conditions.
- Repaving: This is the best option when the scenario calls for it. This type of permanent repair technique consists of excavating and stripping the area to be repaired to a depth of 4 inches or even more depending on the scenario. Generally, you cut at least one foot in the surrounding area in order to achieve a stable result. After this an adhesive layer is applied (tack coat) Once this is applied the asphalt mix is laid followed by a backfill.
Many asphalt companies handle this type of techniques according to the level of urgency or type of repairs needed on asphalt. At Rico Asphalt Repair we comply with the necessary guidelines to accomplish a high standard of work that prioritizes an aesthetic and safe result.
We have 15 years of experience in the asphalt industry and achieving optimal results in asphalt repairs that are reliable aesthetically pleasing and safe. If you’re looking for a service that exceeds your expectations, Rico Asphalt Repair is the best option for you and we can offer you a free estimate of the cost of your project.