Spring Showers Bring Paving Problems. Are You Prepared?

Spring has sprung early in Maryland, and with excess rain in place of snow, asphalt surfaces are showing damage earlier this season than usual. Sub-base shifts after heavy rainfall and cold weather thaw are causing alligatoring, potholes, and even sinkholes across the Baltimore and D.C. area.

Even with the utmost care taken when paving your property, potholes can and will happen over time with extended daily use and the changing of the seasons. Being prepared and having knowledge of the process for repairs will help you determine the best method to make your repair in a timely manner. Below are some of the most common asphalt repair methods:

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 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. This technique eliminates the “cold joint”–the interface between an existing asphalt layer and freshly laid asphalt. 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 your spring asphalt damage? Team Cam is your local asphalt and paving expert. We will evaluate your situation and choose the best method for a long-lasting, high-quality repair solution. If your commercial property is in need of pothole repair or other commercial construction services, contact Team Cam at (443) 304-2237.