C & R Asphalt can maximize the performance of asphalt pavement by developing a plan of preventative maintenance and repair, which lessens the time between major pavement rehabilitation and decreases costs. In order to maximize the life of asphalt surfaces, it is important to develop a pavement management plan involving routine inspection and ongoing repairs. Asphalt repairs can range from a method called “remove and replace” to a more simplistic method called cold mix patching.

Remove and Replace Asphalt Repairs

Potholes occur when water gets underneath pavement through cracks in the asphalt. When asphalt is sealed and cracks are crackfilled, potholes are kept to a minimum. However, formal repairs may be necessary at times.

Potholes can be repaired by a “sawcut, remove and replace'' method or an infrared method (shown below). The method used depends on the size and depth of the pothole. In the sawcut method, the area is sawcut outside of the affected area, usually in a square or rectangular pattern. New rock, if needed, is then added, and new full depth asphalt is installed. The area is then compacted with a vibratory roller. Once complete, traffic is then opened up. The asphalt used can be either hot mix or cold mix depending on the season.

Infrared Asphalt Patching

Infrared Asphalt Patching is a proven, more efficient, longer lasting, and more cost-effective way of patching asphalt. The process works by heating a patented ceramic blanket that emits approximately 18,500 BTU’s per square foot.  The blanket will heat the asphalt to 350 degrees 2” deep in an area as large as 48 square feet in around 7 minutes. The infrared heat will not burn the asphalt and the result is asphalt equivalent to fresh plant mix. Should there be a pothole, some asphalt will be added to fill that area, and once the two are raked together, you cannot tell the difference.

Advantages of Infrared Patching:

• You end up with a seamless patch.
• The seamless joint eliminates water penetration and further damage to surrounding areas.
• Eliminates unsightly, raveling edges that create trip hazards.
• The entire process is cost effective compared to saw cutting and removing the area and it does a better job.
• The infrared process can be more cost effective compared to saw cutting and removing the entire area.

Applications of Infrared Patching:

• Pot-hole repair - with additional asphalt, the process fuses the entire area together for a longer life patch.
• High spots - easily removed by heating the area.  No cutting is involved.
• Low areas - can be leveled and fused with other asphalt.
• Joints and overlaps - joints in pavement or overlaps from partial overlays can be blended in and eliminated.
• Oil spot removal – oil is burnt off during the heating process, asphalt is raked and re-compacted for a perfect patch.
• Alligator cracked areas – can be heated, asphalt added if needed, raked, re-compacted.  No high cost tear out or cheap, ineffective skim coats.
• Speed Bumps – can be fused to existing pavement to eliminate tires, snowplows, etc. from popping them loose.

Should you have any questions about Infrared Asphalt Patching or would like to schedule a demonstration, please give us a call at (859) 255-0077.

Cold Patching Asphalt Repairs

Cold patch asphalt repair is a preferred method for patching potholes because of its ease of use and doesn’t require using any heavy machinery. Cold patch asphalt repairs can be completed with just a shovel and a tamping tool. Cold patching can also be used year-round on highways, roads, and driveways to repair asphalt damages.