Your asphalt driveway is a valuable part of your home, but it may be starting to show a few signs of aging and breakdown. When you reach out to a residential paving contractor service for help, they may tell you that you may be a good candidate for infrared asphalt repair. This relatively modern way of doing repairs is not something a lot of people are familiar with. Here are a few of the most commonly asked questions.
What exactly is infrared asphalt repair?
Infrared repairs involve heating up the existing asphalt with infrared technology, adding a new layer of hot asphalt materials, and then compressing the new and old materials together so they bond. Special equipment is used during this process, so infrared repairs are not available through every paving contractor service.
What types of damages can be repaired with this technique?
Small potholes, cracks, and ridges are all examples of problems that can be fixed with infrared asphalt repair processes. For the more severe problems, such as wide areas of asphalt breakdown that have resulted in brittleness and flaking, infrared repairs may not be the best solution.
What are the pros and cons of infrared asphalt repair?
Naturally, just as it is with most things associated with asphalt paving and repair, there are going to be some pros and cons to consider. Some of the most obvious advantages of infrared asphalt repair include:
- Infrared asphalt repair can be more cost-effective
- This form of repair does not take long to complete
- Most repairs can be done without leaving seams behind
- The asphalt can be driven on soon after the repairs are done
The only real downfall of infrared asphalt repair is that it cannot be used to perform repairs on severely damaged areas. For example, if you have a wide spot on the pavement that has become brittle and crumbled, or if there are wide cracks, a different repair solution may be the better option.
What kinds of tools are used during infrared repairs?
You will see some of the same equipment being used as what you would see with a standard repair job, such as a roller and an industrial rake. However, you will also see a large infrared heater, a vibrating compactor, and potentially a few other pieces of unique equipment. Processes can vary depending on the type of damage, so the type of equipment used can also vary.
To learn more about asphalt repair services, contact a residential paving contractor in your area like those at Northern Asphalt LLC.
Most people do not think twice as they drive over a nice, smooth paved road or park on a flat, well-paved driveway. But there is a lot of work that goes into creating smooth, strong paved surfaces. Paving contractors need to lay out a driveway or parking lot properly to ensure good drainage. They also need to formulate the pavement material properly for the given climate and conditions. As you start reading the articles on this website, you will gain more insight into the life and work of paving contractors. The next time you pull into a parking lot, you will definitely find yourself thinking about what lies underneath your tires.