Now is the Time for Pavement Patching

Winter in the Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia area has been mild this year. The majority of the DMV area has seen excess rain instead of snow which has some asphalt surfaces showing damage earlier than usual. Roads and parking lots are always prone to potholes and large areas of cracking. Patching and repairing pavement at the first signs of damage will save you time and money in the long-run. We’ve put together a comprehensive guide to the most common asphalt repair methods that your asphalt professional will use to repair your asphalt:

Throw-and-roll: In this patching method, liquid asphalt is poured into a hole or a crack and then compressed with a heavy vehicle or roller. Although this is the most common method of pothole repair, it is only a temporary fix. It is typically done in the winter when an emergency fix is required. It will not be a permanent repair, but it will get you through the rest of the cold season.

Edge seal repair: This is the throw and roll method with another step added. After the patch is rolled over with a heavy vehicle, asphalt tack material is added along the edge of the patch, overlapping the pavement and the patch. The seal helps maintain the fix a little longer.

Semi-permanent patches: This method lasts longer but requires some preparation. Debris and pooled water first must be removed from the damaged area, usually using an air compressor. The area around the pothole is then cut out to ensure the damage is completely removed. The prepared hole is then filled with an asphalt patching combination and flattened with a roller.

Spray injection method: This method requires special equipment that is used to first eliminate debris and excess water with a high-pressure spray. Then, the same spray equipment is used to inject the patching material into the hole. Since the process is done at high pressure, no compression is required.

Full-depth patching: This technique is a permanent fix. It involves digging the affected area to a depth of four or more inches and at least one foot wide. A tack coat is applied, then an asphalt mix is added and then a backfill. These three layers ensure a proper bond so that the asphalt is strong and solid.

Infrared pothole repair: This new technique is both cost effective and environmentally-friendly. Rigs use infrared heating panels to pre-heat the pothole and the surrounding area. Warmed asphalt is tossed in the hole, the entire area is raked, and a roller flattens it out. When the road and existing pavement are heated, a thermal bond is created. Without a seam present, water will not be able to seep underneath and reopen the pothole. One of the biggest advantages of the infrared heating method is that it recycles asphalt and reworks the existing asphalt into a workable state. By recycling, this process is more cost-effective and allows for faster, more effective repairs than the traditional route of cutting out and replacing asphalt.

Ready to repair asphalt damage before it worsens and the spring rush begins? Team Cam is your local asphalt and paving expert. We have a fleet of milling machines, steam rollers, and excavators that we will use to repair your asphalt. We will evaluate your situation and choose the best method for a long lasting, high quality repair solution. If your commercial or municipal property is in need of pothole repair or other commercial construction services, contact Team Cam at (443) 304-2237.