Asphalt Patching Techniques for Roads, Pavements, and Parking Lots

Asphalt is one of the most preferred materials for the construction of roads, pavements, parking lots, driveways, etc., due to its characteristics such as durability, ability to withstand harsh climatic conditions, and its being relatively cost effective compared to other paving materials. But asphalt, like any other material, is not very long-lasting. It is vulnerable to cracking, pitting, and other damages due to the influence of weather forces, weight, ground shifts, poor drainage, and other forces.

It is crucial to note that proper asphalt patching is critical to road maintenance to restore the roughness of the pavement, preventing further deterioration, enhancing safety, and avoiding the extra expenses of reconstructing the entire road. This article discusses ways of repairing or patching asphalt surfaces.

Evaluating the Damage

Before patching, one must assess the type and severity of the defect to decide on the best strategy to rectify the surface. Check for circumferential cracking, longitudinal crack, transverse cracking, pothole, ravelling, depression, buckling, and so on; the size, depth, and position of the damaged area should be taken into consideration. Snap test by applying pressure on the tapping area to check if the base is strong enough or if the concrete has some cracks beneath the surface. Determine the origin of damage like water penetration, tree root infiltration, poor drainage, and other factors. When the cause of damage is known, a repair strategy can be formulated.

Importance of Fixing Small Potholes and Cracks

In most cases, minor damages such as potholes not exceeding 12 inches in diameter or cracks of less than 1 inch in width are usually patched with cold mix asphalt since it is cheap and easily applied. The damaged area has to be swept and then marked with chalk for the extent of the damage to be identified. Utilize a pick, chisel, or pavement breaker to loosen and excavate all cut areas, exposing a minimum of 6 inches into a solid PCC perimeter around the hole.

Sweep the sides and bottom of the pipes with a liquid asphalt emulsion to ensure proper adhesion before filling the pipe with a cold mix up to the required level, compacting it into 2-inch layers using a hand tamper or roller.

Pothole and Depression Repairs Have a Larger Size

A semi-hot mix patch may be applied when it comes to large potholes, abrasions, cuts, or depressions up to several feet in diameter and 2 inches or more in-depth. Identical to small holes, it is necessary to clean the area by removing all dirt and any other material that may hinder the bonding of the patch on the outlet. To prevent the base from bleeding and for better adhesion of the new layer, tack coat the area before filling it with hot or warm mix asphalt and compact it in thin layers of not more than 3 inches.

The patched area can be blended with the old surface so that it is not noticeable. Sealing the edges of the perimeters could help to stop water from penetrating. It’s essential to note that for more extensive driveway patches, an asphalt roller may be necessary to get the correct compaction.

Full-Depth Asphalt Patches

This includes significant damage with base failure, severe cracking, or depressions of more than a square foot and 2 inches deep, usually involving complete removal and replacement of the asphalt surface. To repair the affected area, it is outlined and chiseled with a straight-line pavement saw or jackhammer at least 12 inches beyond the perimeter.

Make sure that the depth of excavation is at least 6 inches deep or more if the ground can sustain the weight of the structure. There should be vertical walls for the hole, and all the corners should be square. Place and compact the hot mix asphalt in the cutout area at least 3 inches thickness on top of each layer until the desired elevation meets the surrounding area. This provides structural strength.

Various steps need to be carried out in the patched areas before repaving in order to ensure the best results.

In cases where there are patched asphalt surfaces, and these are to be overlaid, the old patches need to be prepared with enough surface profiles to ensure a proper bond. If any visible cracks are found on these patches, they have to be filled to avoid water seepage. Loose patches should be disconnected and patched, and all loose equipment should be disconnected and secured.

Awkward shapes need to be cut so that the edges are straight. Then, crack seal and repair along other areas that may have developed patches will be done, and then a tack coat will be applied before the overlay of new asphalt.

Here are some best practices for quality, long-lasting asphalt patches:

– Make sure to match and patch all compacted areas well, including the edges and seams

– Spread tack coat across all of the vertical joints and between all layers

– Compact sand and gravel patches to ensure water does not accumulate on the patch and around the pavement

– High-quality mix should be used; recycling asphalt, which becomes brittle, should be minimized

– Apply during dry weather where the temperature is above 40 degrees Fahrenheit

– When making permanent repairs, make neat cuts and squares

– Apply large patches before sealing them in order to have a strong bond with the existing material

If the preparations are correctly made, the material used is good quality, and the compaction is efficient, then patching with asphalt is a cost-effective measure to repair the damaged pavement, and it just buys time before it needs to be resurfaced. A good patching technique enables the patched pavement to bear more traffic and weather before needing more elaborate asphalting repair or reconstruction. You can also consider professional help if there is something you don’t know how to do for better patching.