Reasons Why Corrective Asphalt Pavement Patches Fail

Asphalt is a paving material used to pave roads and highways. Aggregate, asphalt cement, and water make up this material. When first installed, asphalt pavement is smooth and even. However, over time, it can develop cracks and potholes. It happens for several reasons, including weathering of the asphalt, traffic loads, or other environmental factors.

These damages can lead to further problems such as surface raveling or alligator cracking. Patches are usually applied to asphalt surfaces to fix these damages. However, these patches often fail due to a variety of reasons.

This blog post discussed the four most common reasons for the failure of asphalt patches.

Poor Material Quality:

The quality of the materials used for the patch is one of the most important factors determining its success. If the materials are compromised, the patch will not be able to adhere to the surface correctly and is more likely to fail.

The materials that qualify as being up to par are those that are of similar composition to the existing asphalt. It means that they need to have the same properties in terms of durability and flexibility.

The commonly used materials are

• Hot mix asphalt
• Asphalt emulsion mixes
• Cold patch mixes
• Proprietary patching materials

Incorrect Installation:

Several asphalt patching techniques are used; a paving contractor can tell you which one best suits your needs, but the method must be executed correctly for the patch to be successful.

Asphalt patching techniques include:

• Throw-and-roll
• Full-depth
• Spray injection method
• Semi-permanent patches

Of these, the throw-and-roll patching method is the most likely to fail. This method does not create a bond between the patch and the surface. The patch is placed on the surface and then rolled over with a heavy roller.

The full-depth patching method is the most permanent and least likely to fail. This method involves excavating the entire pothole, adding new base material, and then compacting the new material.

No Compaction:

The compaction process involves removing any air pockets from the new material. It can be done with a hand tamper, vibrating plate compactor, or roller. The method may take several passes to ensure that the entire area is adequately compacted but once correctly done, it can make a difference of a good 7 to 12 years.

Without adequate compaction, the asphalt surface will settle and fail. It may cause:

• Reduced stiffness
• Rutting and raveling
• Moisture susceptibility

Lack of Adequate Drainage:

Another common reason for asphalt failure is inadequate drainage. When water seeps into cracks and freezes, it expands and puts pressure on the asphalt. It can cause cracking, potholes, and other types of damage.

An appropriate way to include drainage in your asphalt pavement is to use a drainage layer that will allow water to flow away from the surface. It can be done by installing a perforated pipe under the asphalt or using a French drain.

Bottom Line:

Keeping your asphalt pavement in good condition is vital to avoid costly repairs. Affordable Sealing & Striping, Inc, serving Fort Collins, offers high-quality asphalt patching services keeping in mind all the essential details to ensure a long-lasting repair.

Get a free estimate today for all your asphalt needs!

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