Asphalt is a remarkably versatile paving material that is ideal for many parking lots, roadways, and other pavements. It is fast and economical to install and maintain, and it can provide many years of service if you give it sufficient care. However, time, traffic, and the weather can take a toll on asphalt pavements. Sooner or later, your pavement will probably need an occasional asphalt repair.
What Is an Asphalt Repair?
In general, asphalt repairs are procedures to mend damaged areas that are more serious than a simple crack. The most common type of damage that requires an asphalt repair is a pothole. Rutting, alligator cracking, raveling, and birdbaths are some other types of damage that may require an asphalt repair. The category does not include normal crack repairs; crack sealing and crack filling are considered maintenance procedures. Although some people think that asphalt resurfacing is a repair method, it is more correct to include it as an asphalt paving procedure.
Why Are Timely Asphalt Repairs Important?
Once an asphalt pavement is damaged, the problem will escalate until you make a repair. Rutting and raveling can affect more and more of your pavement as time goes by, and birdbaths can just keep getting deeper and wider. Potholes, alligator cracking, and other pavement breaks lead to structural damage from water that drains into the openings. The breaks will keep expanding, allowing more water to enter and more damage to be done. This cycle will continue until the structural integrity of your pavement has been so compromised that you will be forced to demolish it and rebuild it.
What Asphalt Repair Methods Are Commonly Used?
Patching is the most common asphalt repair method used. There are three basic types of patching methods, but not every type of patch is appropriate for all pavements.
- A skin patch is only feasible for minor damage that only affects the top couple of inches of the pavement. Shallow potholes and birdbaths are two examples of situations where a skin patch might be a feasible option. Skin patches are the least expensive option, but they tend to have very short lives.
- Partial-depth patches require the removal of a square or rectangle of pavement that includes the damage. The depth of the asphalt removed is usually several inches; typically, it does not go deep enough to expose the base layers. The area is cleaned and prepared, then new asphalt courses are placed and compacted. Partial-depth patches are more expensive than skin patches, but they have substantially longer lives.
- Full-depth patches are almost identical to partial-depth patches. However, to install a full-depth patch, all asphalt courses are removed. This exposes the base layers so that the foundation can be repaired, rebuilt, or strengthened. The rest of the process is the same as a partial-depth patch. Full-depth patches are typically the most expensive of the three types, but they are normally a permanent repair.
If you have a damaged asphalt pavement, let RDC Paving advise you on the best repair method for your specific needs. We offer asphalt repairs, asphalt milling and resurfacing, driveway paving, asphalt crack repairs, parking lot maintenance, asphalt sealcoating, concrete repairs, and parking lot striping. We also install concrete, including concrete parking lots, ramps, sidewalks, driveways, curbs, and ADA-compliant features. We are known for delivering exceptional work and superior customer service on every project. If you would be interested in a free quote, you can fill out our request form online, or you can reach our office by calling 512-920-9155.