How Asphalt Patching Can Help Repair Your Pavements

By Rosella Campbell


One aspect you will have to deal with if you have constructed driveways or parking lots using asphalt is cracks and potholes. Like many other paving materials, asphalt experiences shrinkage and hardening which causes cracks. There are different methods of restoring cracks and one is asphalt patching. Those beautiful black jet asphaltic driveways and parking lots can experience issues that need timely and proper repairs.

Once you have constructed your pavements, they begin deteriorating due to use and exposure to natural and manmade elements. One element that damages pavements is the sunrays. The ultraviolet rays that are released by sun will bake pavement outer most layer or the blacktop and cause hardening.

Once cracks have started forming, consider repairing them as soon as possible. There are different techniques you can use including crack sealing, overlays, sealcoats, patching, and removal and replacement. Each technique depends of the extent of damage of the pavements. An asphaltic material is elastic and flexible when it is laid down but after some time, it dries out and begins cracking.

The first cracks you will see are small little and tiny cracks. They are at first invisible and not a threat as such. These tiny cracking can be resolved using sealcoats. However, when you leave them to continue expanding, you will have to deal with a more complex problem. The small cracks can widen and form deep and wide cracking that requires an effective method of restoration. Patching is one way to resolve issues of potholes and localized cracks.

Potholes are formed when moisture penetrates the pavements and makes the sub grade layer loose. Potholes are also formed when heavy vehicles turn over roads and cause pressure that pushes the material apart leading to degradation of the pavements. With potholes, they need to be repaired immediately because they cause a big threat to the life of driveways. If you do not repair potholes, you might soon have to replace the entire paving structure.

During this time, you may have tiny small cracks known as hairline cracks. These are not a problem as such since they may not allow moisture to penetrate however, if they are left unrestored, the will widen and become visible. The fine hairline cracks could easily be solved by just sealcoating. But, one thing with sealcoating is that it is not meant to be a repair technique but rather a preservation process.

On the other hand, the hot patches are intended for larger areas, and where there are no sidewalls to hold the material. If you are repairing an area that has no sidewalls to hold the patch material, then you can consider the hot patches. When you use the patching products ensure they area of the highest quality.

You should deal with contractors who use only quality materials so that the repairs can be done properly. Applying the patches helps prevent water intrusion into the sub base layer of pavements through cracks. Water undermines the structural integrity of pavements by loosening the material underlying pavement base.




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