When Is Infrared Asphalt Repair A Good Option?
Asphalt has been a prime paving choice for many years now, and that’s primarily due to its ease of application, durability, and cost-effectiveness. But no matter how well you maintain an asphalt surface, it will need repairs at some point. You may notice water collecting in low spots, (also called “bird baths”) infrared asphalt repair is an ideal and cost-effective solution for addressing low spots before they cause bigger issues like cracks and potholes.
Without knowing what it is, you have probably already seen the process of infrared asphalt repair being done. The asphalt is heated in order to soften it, so that the new asphalt can be more easily mixed in with it. Infrared asphalt repair is quickly gaining in popularity due to its ease, low carbon footprint, and quick drying time. However, it isn’t the right choice in every instance. The typical scenarios where infrared asphalt repair would be a good choice are the following:
- Asphalt overlays
- Elevation changes to accommodate manholes, etc.
- Surface leveling
- Speed bumps
- Rumble strips & other patterns
The process can also be used for drainage issues and temporary fixes. While infrared asphalt repair is great for what it does, there are some not-so-great things about it too. What follows are the pros and cons:
Pros:
- No risk of separation due to the heat
- Prevents burning and scaling of the existing surface
- Easy to lay down
- Prevents water damage
- Recycled asphalt can be used
- Minimal impact to existing surface and surrounding area
- Efficiency (less time and goods needed)
- Less downtime (20-30 mins.)
- Practical for both commercial and residential uses
Cons:
- Not good for complicated networks of cracks
- It’s only a temporary fix
- Won’t work on exposed potholes
- Not good for asphalt sealed with coal tar and similar materials
- Not recommended for fragile surfaces
- Won’t bind to oxidized or raveled asphalt
- Not meant for large areas
Contact Us With Any Questions
Paving Professionals is an asphalt paving contractor serving Fuquay-Varina, NC; Apex, NC; Cary, NC; Chapel Hill, NC; Clayton, NC; Durham, NC; Wake Forest, NC; and Raleigh, NC. We’d be more than happy to help you determine whether your driveway, parking lot, or other asphalt surface could benefit from infrared asphalt repair. It is our impeccable customer service that makes us the best asphalt paving company in the Research Triangle.
Contact us today to get started or to schedule an appointment!
