A correctly engineered, properly constructed, and well-maintained asphalt pavement may not need any type of repair for the first few years of its life. However, once the pavement begins to show signs of distress or age, it is important to have a competent asphalt contractor make repairs as soon as possible.
Why Are Timely Asphalt Repairs Important?
Asphalt pavements require a stable foundation to give them the flexibility and strength they need to withstand the loads that they must support. This foundation needs to be protected against water infiltration to avoid erosion and destabilization. Pavement breaks, including potholes and alligatored asphalt, allow water to penetrate to the foundation, jeopardizing the pavement’s structural integrity. The pavement’s life will be shortened, and repairs will become increasingly frequent and more expensive.
What Are Some Common Repair Methods?
An asphalt repair typically involves one of three patching methods. Not every method is suitable for all types of repairs, so your contractor will need to recommend the appropriate method for your situation.
- Surface patching is the most economical method, but it is usually just a temporary fix for minor problems that do not extend more than an inch or two into the pavement. A surface patch can sometimes be a good choice to correct certain drainage issues.
- Partial-depth patching involves the removal of the damaged area, typically by cutting it out with a saw. The depth of the asphalt removed may be a few inches, or it may extend as far as the base. New asphalt is then installed to replace what the contractor removed. A partial-depth patch can be the best option if the foundation is relatively stable, but the damage extends too far for a surface patch to be effective. Partial-depth patches typically last significantly longer than surface patches, but they may need to be replaced periodically.
- Full-depth patching is considered a permanent repair. The damaged asphalt is removed to expose the base so that the base can be strengthened or repaired. After the work on the base is completed, new asphalt is placed and compacted. A full-depth patch is usually the best solution if the damage pattern indicates that the base lacks the strength it needs.
At Peterson Grading & Paving, our mission is to ensure that our customers receive exemplary paving results on every job. Our client base includes lodging facilities, retail stores and shopping centers, homeowner associations, facility managers, religious institutions, commercial property management firms, condominiums, and educational facilities. We offer an extensive range of services, including asphalt sealcoating, asphalt milling, asphalt paving, asphalt crack repairs, asphalt overlays, asphalt patching and repair, parking lot maintenance, pavement markings, parking lot striping, ADA compliance, parking lot signs, line removal, marking removal, bollard installation, epoxy coating, warehouse striping, concrete repair, shot blasting, concrete parking lots, concrete curbs, concrete sidewalks, and concrete ramps. We have earned an impeccable reputation for high-quality results and extraordinary customer service. Submit the online form to request a free quote, or call our office at 949-402-6979 to discuss your upcoming project in greater detail.