It is without doubt that asphalt surfaces, at one time or the other, would require some repair. After installment, it takes 5 to 7 years before you would need to do any kind of asphalt repair in Miami, and this typically depends on the quality of the construction. In the early years of the asphalt’s surface, the repairs that would be needed should be minor, and the kind of repairs you might need to do are, seal coating, crack filling, and minor patching.
A usual, small problems, when not handled, metamorphose into bigger problems, and the solution needed for their repairs also get more and more complex, and expensive. In this article, we will talk about the common types of asphalt repairs in paving, and you can decide which is best for you.
First, what is surface patching?
Surface Patching
This is a kind of asphalt repair that is only limited to the top 1 – 2 inches of the existing asphalt surface layer. It is pocket friendly, but if you are looking for a permanent solution, then this option is not what you should opt for. It only works for small surface areas and drainage issues.
The surface patching only works on surface layers as it is dependent on the base to provide some support to whatever repairs that will be done. Adhesion issues that require attention will also limit the efficiency of any repair. Tack coating and grinding are the two ways known to properly improve adhesion to the existing surface before you apply the new asphalt patch.
Asphalt Replacement and Removal (Peel and Pave)
This is the best solution as when compared to just surface patching, and it also resolves tension cracking problems that are caused by paving over distressed asphalt.
You start by marking out the distressed area, and you saw-cut along those lines for a smooth edge. Then the asphalt is stripped down to the existing stone subbase with a skidsteer, a backhoe, or an excavator. The subbase would be tested to make sure that it is able to handle the weight of a vehicle load before any asphalt is laid.
Full Depth Repair
These are repairs that make use of asphalt as a complete structural system. Normally, asphalt is mixed with a course of stone to give the required strength that will form the structural matrix that makes up the permanent system. Sometimes, stripping the asphalt to the existing stone subbase is not sufficient to make a long-lasting repair.
If the stone base below the asphalt gives way to the weight and frequency of traffic, the asphalt would need to be thickened so as to make up for the deficiency found in the stone base.
Milling and Paving
Sometimes, when large areas or an entire parking lot start to give signs of distress, there is a need to employ a more efficient means of removal to have a more long-lasting fix. And one of those other ways is called cold milling.
What cold milling does is that it grinds up layers of damaged asphalt, and breaks it into smaller, gravel-like pieces that would be suitable for reuse to a certain predefined depth. The material, automatically, is taken to the truck for removal and is transported back to the asphalt plants for recycling purposes, or to new construction sites for the pavement of roads and parking lots.
