Asphalt Patching – What You Need To Know
Asphalt patching is a common asphalt repair technique. It is usually performed when the existing asphalt pavement is showing signs of deterioration, such as cracks, holes, or other problems that cannot be solved with simple chipping and resurfacing alone. If you are responsible for an asphalt parking lot or driveway, it is essential to be aware of the best practices for asphalt patching in order to keep your pavement in optimum condition!
In this blog post, we will cover all that property owners and managers need to know about asphalt patching to keep their pavement in ideal condition.
What is asphalt patching?
Asphalt patching is a technique used for repairing small areas of asphalt pavement by replacing the deteriorated material with new asphalt to restore its structural integrity without having to invest in resurfacing or repaving.
When should asphalt patching be done?
Asphalt patching is a standard method for treating an area displaying signs of localized distress such as depressions, alligator cracks, etc. Full-depth patching is necessary where repair is required from the pavement surface all the way to the underlying base, subbase, or subgrade material, for example, in the case of a pothole.
On the other hand, partial depth patches cover less than three inches from the top layer and are used to repair issues such as raveling, rutting, delamination, and cracking.
What are some standard asphalt patching techniques?
Various patching techniques can be used to repair potholes, cracks, and other types of damage on different surfaces, including asphalt roads, pavement, parking lots, playgrounds, tennis courts, and more. Also, different patching materials can be used, including hot mix asphalt, cold patch asphalt, proprietary patching mixes with unique blends, and asphalt emulsion mixes.
Some common patching techniques are:
- Throw-and-go – Sometimes, it is necessary to make quick fixes on the spot. Throw-and-go, a temporary cold patching method that can be applied during harsh winters or adverse weather conditions, provides an easy solution for pavement repair in situations when more permanent solutions are not possible.
- Spray injection – This method is used to treat damage in adverse conditions. It uses special equipment to blow out water, debris, and loose asphalt from the pothole or crack, after which aggregate and emulsion are injected at high pressure into the empty space left behind for seamless repair without any need of compaction.
- Semi-permanent patch – This type of patch lasts slightly longer than the throw-and-go or spray injection methods. The process requires proper surface preparation, so a broom or air compressor is used to remove all debris and water from the damaged area. Next, a pavement saw is used for cutting off any deteriorated sides; this is important as uneven edges are hard to fill in with asphalt patches. Next, any remaining broken asphalt pieces in the hole are removed, then it is filled with the patching mix. Finally, the patch is compacted using a vibrating plate or roller.
- Full-depth patching – This is a permanent repair technique that involves excavating the damaged area to a minimum depth of four inches and extending the sides by at least one foot to ensure proper bonding with the existing surface. Before adding asphalt mix, an asphalt tack coat is applied, followed by backfill for better bonding with the existing surface.
How to ensure that your patch lasts a long time
There are many ways to enhance the longevity of your asphalt patch, a few of which are listed below:
- For a more durable patch, remove all loose debris or damaged material from the hole as it can cause shifts within the asphalt layers once traffic resumes, resulting in cracks and depressions in your patch.
- Similar to paving projects, it is imperative to compact each layer of the patch to ensure that materials are tightly packed together, and the base is no exception. This will help create a firmer surface that can withstand more weight. If you do not compact the base, it does not matter how well-compacted the upper layers of your patch are; you will face settling and patch failure.
- For a more durable patch, remove all loose debris or damaged material from the hole as it can cause shifts within the asphalt layers once traffic resumes, resulting in cracks and depressions in your patch.
- Similar to paving projects, it is imperative to compact each layer of the patch to ensure that materials are tightly packed together, and the base is no exception. This will help create a firmer surface that can withstand more weight. If you do not compact the base, it does not matter how well-compacted the upper layers of your patch are; you will face settling and patch failure.
The information in this blog post should give you a good understanding of the basics of asphalt patching. If you have any questions or would like to get a free estimate for your project in Laramie, WY, contact Affordable Sealing & Striping, Inc today!
Asphalt is one of the most common paving materials in the US, preferred by both contractors and customers. At least 2.3 million miles in the US are paved using asphalt. This means the opportunity to create environmental-friendly, sustainable projects is greater and also positive for the American economy.
If you’re planning for a paving project, make sure to follow the latest asphalt trend: reuse, recycle, and reclaim. According to reports, 89.2 million tons of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) were recycled into new asphalt mixes in 2019. 94% of asphalt material reclaimed from old, damaged asphalt pavement was recycled and reused in 2019.
Statistics show that more and more paving contractors and customers are opting for recycled asphalt mixes. As a property owner, you’re also likely to be looking for ways to get the best quality pavement within your budget. This blog post explains why choosing recycled asphalt over virgin asphalt is the way to go!
1. Reduces Production Costs
You need to invest a lot of money if you want to use virgin asphalt in your paving project. However, what if we tell you that there’s no real difference between virgin and recycled asphalt?
The material you get after recycling asphalt is as good as virgin asphalt! It is smooth, robust, and capable of building sturdy and durable pavement. Plus, you don’t need to mix extra materials to the mixture or go through various asphalt processes to achieve the perfect asphalt mix. Reclaimed asphalt already has all the materials within it – all you need to do is pass it through the recycling process to get recycled asphalt.
2. Offers Eco-Friendly Solutions
During virgin asphalt manufacturing, lots of gasses are emitted that severely affect the environment, whereas, during recycling asphalt manufacturing, minimal to no gases are emitted. That’s why recycled asphalt is considered an environmental-friendly product, offering long-lasting solutions.
Moreover, if asphalt isn’t recycled, it is usually disposed of in landfills, which takes up a lot of space and does not decay. However, when the asphalt is recycled, all non-biodegradable materials are consumed, and the leftover materials deteriorate over time. Hence, this makes recycled asphalt an eco-friendly product.
3. Reduces Transportation Costs
Since recycling asphalt doesn’t require mining materials, you don’t need to transport asphalt to the mining machines. This saves your transportation and labor costs to transport the asphalt from the job site to the manufacturing site. It also reduces the likelihood of road accidents and saves you from vehicle maintenance/repair costs.
If you are looking for a professional paving contractor in Cheyenne, WY, offering recycled asphalt paving services, look no further. At Affordable Sealing Striping Inc., we help property owners build robust, durable, and long-wearing asphalt surfaces using recycled asphalt. Trust us; we have the expertise, machinery, and team to resolve all your asphalt paving woes. Connect with us today!
An asphalt or concrete pavement is an excellent addition to your property as it beautifies your space and enhances your property’s curb appeal. However, your pavement stands the risk of losing all its charm if you don’t follow the recommended maintenance routine.
Pavement maintenance helps extend your pavement’s lifespan by protecting it from the elements that cause deterioration. The harsh weather, heavy vehicle traffic, and inadequate maintenance measures can cause your pavement to falter under the pressure.
Simple maintenance measures can help you avoid huge repair costs, safeguard your investment, and ensure your pavement’s longevity. Affordable Sealing and Striping Inc in Fort Collins, CO, provides asphalt paving, repair, and maintenance services.
We have compiled a list of 4 pavement maintenance measures that can protect your pavement and help you get the most out of it.
Sealcoating
Sealcoating your pavement once every two to three years is one of the primary maintenance activities for pavement longevity. Sealcoating fills minor cracks that have the potential to widen and become a problem. It is also an excellent treatment for various hidden pavement problems that escape your eye.
Another great advantage of sealcoating is that it freshens your pavement’s look and makes it appear as good as new. Additionally, it also strengthens your pavement to counter the seasonal variations and hold together in case of severe rainstorms or snow.
Cleaning
Commercial pavements – and residential to some degree – are prone to oil spills and other contaminants that harm the surface. Debris accumulation and pollutants can weaken the surface as the dust and debris find their way through cracks penetrating the surface and wreaking havoc below.
The consequences of debris accumulation and water penetration are reason enough to perform regular maintenance. Remember to clean the surface diligently and ensure that you treat all spills before moving to the next measure.
Drainage
An efficient drainage system gives you one less thing to worry about regarding pavement maintenance. Water puddles on the pavement can penetrate the surface and erode its base. Many commercial property owners don’t take into account the drainage system while having their pavement installed. A faulty drainage system can also be a significant strain on your wallet as they require frequent repair. Water accumulation on the pavement may also turn away any potential buyers from your property.
Inspection
A professional contractor is better equipped to inspect a pavement and identify potential trouble hotspots. Regular pavement inspection will help you identify minor issues before they become significant problems.
Taking the time out from your busy schedule to implement suitable pavement maintenance measures can be challenging. Hiring a professional contractor will help you avoid compromising your pavement’s needs while you focus on your business’ needs!
Affordable Sealing and Striping Inc. is one of the premier pavement maintenance companies in Fort Collins, CO. From pavement repair to sealcoating, we offer first-rate asphalt paving, repair, and maintenance services.
Get a free estimate on our services now, and get quality asphalt maintenance at affordable rates.
How To Prepare For A Parking Lot Striping Project
Most commercial parking lots receive a lot of traffic, which is why the line striping and pavement markings wear off quicker as compared to other surfaces. However, as a property owner or manager, it is your job to keep them visible if you want to avoid all the ramifications of worn-off line striping, including parking problems, an increased risk of accidents, and more.
If you are thinking of investing in a restriping project, there are some things you need to do first.
Hire a Professional Contractor
Hiring a good contractor for line striping is the easiest way to ensure quality results. If you want your line striping to be accurate, aesthetically appealing, and long-lasting, then you require professional help. A line striping expert will be well-aware of the ADA guidelines regarding line striping, possess the required equipment for faster completion and better finishing, and will use the best material for the project.
Clean the Pavement
Paint does not adhere well to a dirty pavement, so for a more durable and smoother coat, you need to give your parking lot a thorough cleaning before the work starts. If you adhere to a strict parking lot maintenance regime, including regular cleaning, then a simple sweep should be enough. However, if your parking lot is not regularly cleaned or receives a lot of traffic, then you need sweeping and washing. Also, make sure to remove all stains from the pavement.
Carry out Repairs
Before work on a sealcoating or line striping project begins, you should first carry out an inspection to see if your pavement needs repairs. Carrying out repairs after the project is completed would mean you have to reinvest in line striping. Thus, to avoid the unnecessary cost and inconvenience of line striping twice, you should get all repair work done beforehand. Also, keep in mind that not all pavement distresses are clearly visible, so it is imperative to get a professional inspection done. It might not seem like a big deal, but this single step can help you save a lot of money.
Minimize Inconveniences
The parking lot needs to be sealed off from all vehicular and pedestrian traffic while line striping is being performed and until the paint dries so the markings are not ruined. However, this causes a lot of frustration amongst people who want to park their cars in your lot. Therefore, to minimize the inconvenience and maintain your property’s image, find alternate parking and send out notifications beforehand to your regular patrons.
Dry all the Moisture
Moisture can impact the results of your line parking lot striping project. For example, it becomes harder for oil-based paint to adhere to your pavement if it is wet. On the other hand, if you are using water-based paint, it will take longer to dry and cure, leading to delays and inconveniences. Therefore, to achieve the best results, keep an eye on the weather forecast before starting work. Also, give your parking lot enough time to dry after a wash before you line stripe the surface.
Affordable Sealing & Striping Inc. offers long-lasting line striping solutions in Fort Collins. Get a free estimate for your parking lot striping project.
While the pavement is not the first thing on property owners’ minds, its condition speaks volumes to a visitor. Believe it or not, a passerby or a potential customer might actually turn away from your property if your pavement is worn out and riddled with cracks and potholes.
Given the significance of first impressions and enhanced curb appeal, many property owners go the extra mile in taking care of their pavement or parking lot. They follow maintenance routines diligently to safeguard their investment and to extend their pavement’s lifespan.
You too can ensure that your pavement stands the test of time by implementing the following maintenance tips.
Cleaning
Your pavement goes through a lot of wear and tear during the year. The harmful weather conditions and the moving vehicles give a severe beating to your investment. Taking the time out once every couple of weeks to inspect damages and clean the surface ensures that your pavement remains healthy, and you can identify all potential pain points beforehand.
Crack Sealing
Crack formation is imminent in pavements. Crack sealing procedures prevent cracks from wreaking havoc on your property and damaging the base. They also prevent severe problems in the future that can lead to costly repairs which break your bank. You should opt for crack sealing even if there are microscopic cracks on the surface.
Sealcoating
The traffic, rain, and sun can all take the shine off your pavement. Eventually, your pavement starts giving off a morbid look and displays cracks that expose the foundation to harmful elements. Sealcoating enhances your curb appeal and prevents harmful components from seeping inside the surface. Sealcoating the surface once every two years is a great way to prevent the pavement from turning grey.
Remove Snow
Efficient snow removal is critical to the chances of your pavement’s survival in the long run. Snow accumulation contributes to hazardous driving conditions on a parking lot, while poor snow removal techniques damage the surface. Allowing the snow to pile up also exposes vulnerable areas of the pavement as the snow can melt inside the cracks and erode the base.
Standing Water
Pools of water are the worst enemies of a pavement. They lead to indents and depressions on different areas of the surface, which, if left untreated, transform into cracks and potholes. Standing water also penetrates the surface to contribute to excessive damages.
Hire a Professional
Some things are better left to the professionals, and pavement maintenance and repair is one of them. A professional contracting company knows its stuff and has a solution to all the pavement problems you face. They also offer regular pavement maintenance services that help in extending the lifespan of your pavement.
Affordable Sealing and Striping Inc. is the premier pavement maintenance company in Fort Collins, CO. We utilize our years of experience in the industry to provide our customers with the ideal pavement maintenance and repair service. Get a free estimate on our services now.
Asphalt striping is a technique used to maintain asphalt parking lots. If you are new to pavement maintenance, there are a few common mistakes that you should avoid.
Affordable Sealing and Striping, Inc. has compiled a list of the five most occurring mistakes and their respective solutions to help save your precious time and expenses while working on your pavement in Fort Collins, CO.
1) Not using Hot Rubber Mix (HRM).
Solution: You should use HRM at least 45 degrees Fahrenheit to coat the surface. You must also clean the application area to remove any loose material before applying your asphalt layer on it. If the weather is cold, apply more aggregate in the mix and increase its temperature or wait until the outside temps are warmer or use warmers for your equipment.
2) Not applying an appropriate base to paint asphalt surface.
Oil-based paint loses its color as it blends with the tar on the freshly laid pavement, whereas water-based paint won’t stick for long over the surface.
Solution: You should reduce water use and apply the second coat of paint after 30 days of the first layer. You must include the cost of the second coat of paint in your budget plan.
3) Not checking State regulations before striping.
Solution: You should stripe the pavement following the regulations of the State Department and must adhere to the compliance requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This act provides guidelines for crossways, parking lots, ramps to make these spaces as accessible as possible. You should also designate a fire lane while striping your pavement for emergencies. Fire codes include distinct markings like curb stickers and appropriate signs.
4) Not selecting the correct line striper.
You will find a variety of line stripers in the market, including simple machines holding inverted containers of aerosol paint and large machines equipped with dual guns, trailer seats, and even cup holders.
Solution: If you are striping a small area, then you can choose the aerosol striper. If you require line striping on a large pavement area frequently, you should use a high-pressure machine that can be attached to a big pail of paint. Using a machine with two guns will be more cost-effective in the long term when you usually use stencils to stripe curved lines or curbs.
5) Not doing seal coating for preserving your asphalt surfaces.
Solution: You should apply a coating of an extra layer to protect the surface against harmful intrusions. Moreover, if you use the manufacturers’ recommended asphalt sealant in your coating, it will also extend the lifespan of your pavement.
The Gist
Follow the above techniques of asphalt striping to avoid the most frequent mistakes in maintaining your pavement. And if you are looking for a hassle-free cost-effective solution to keep your pavement at par, then check out Affordable Sealing and Striping, Inc. to Get your free estimate now from our team of experts.
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