Asphalt- Maintenance

asphalt repair is a cost-effective way of eliminating further damage and liability.

Choosing one of these options depends on the extent of the area needing asphalt repair and economical options.

Asphalt-Patching

In low areas, it may be possible to perform a surface repair commonly known as “skim patching”. This procedure should only be used after making certain that the new patch will not interfere with drainage. The damaged asphalt repair area is tacked with SS1H emulsion. Hot mix asphalt is then placed over the tacked surface and compacted.

Remove & Replace

Deteriorated areas may require complete removal and replacement for an effective repair. In this type of asphalt repair, the distressed area is cut approximately one foot around the perimeter into solid, undamaged pavement. The asphalt is then removed and the base is graded and compacted. Hot mix asphalt is placed into the hole, raked or installed through a paver and compacted flush to the surrounding surface.

Asphalt-Overlay

An asphalt overlay is simply the process of installing a new layer of hot mix asphalt directly over existing asphalt. In order to be a candidate for overlay, a pavement should be relatively sound without large areas of base failure. Prior to overlay, asphalt repairs and transitions must be made. Cracks should be filled with a rubberized crack sealer, and a tack coat applied over the entire surface. A new layer of asphalt is then placed.

An asphalt overlay is the least costly of the reconstruction techniques, but it has definite drawbacks. These include a limited service life, elevation considerations, inability to make drainage corrections, and a tendency to show reflective cracking in a relatively short period of time.

Fabric Overlay

Fabric overlay is a way to delay reflective cracking, although it will not prevent such cracking. Prior to placing a new layer of hot mix asphalt, a geotextile fabric is embedded in liquid asphalt binder over the entire surface. The fabric/binder combination forms a membrane that helps keep water out of the base. The cost is approximately one-third greater than a basic overlay.