Asphalt deteriorates over time due to a multitude of reasons. Regular sealcoating and crack filling helps to slow the deterioration of an asphalt driveway, but eventually the asphalt deteriorates to a point where it needs replacement or overlay.
Fixing potholes and asphalt failures is a common need in the North East. There are many types of asphalt failures. Potholes, cracking, and rutting are just a few. Potholes are formed when water gets under the pavement and to the sub-base through cracks in the asphalt surface. The water loosens the sub-base and in the winter freezes, causing frost heaves. When the freezing under the asphalt thaws out you are left with a void. The weight of cars and the asphalt itself sinks into this void, causing asphalt cracking and eventually a pothole. Cracking is an asphalt failure that may require different types of repairs depending on how severe the cracking is. Straight linear cracks less than an inch wide can be crack sealed.
Cracking that looks like a spider web, shattered glass or alligator skin, called “alligator cracking,” cannot be sealed and must be cut out and replaced Repairing asphalt failures can be done in a variety of ways. The most popular method is by cutting out the failed area by saw cutting the asphalt, excavating out the damaged area, repairing the sub-base, and then paving the area with the standard courses of asphalt. When the patch is complete it is important to seal the edges with an asphalt emulsion tack (asphalt glue) which bonds the seams of the new and old asphalt to help prevent it from peeling up.
Most contractors do not do this, so make sure that yours does. Another method growing more popular is infrared asphalt repair which heats the asphalt to a temperature that makes the asphalt workable again. From there you add fresh asphalt and additives to the existing asphalt, rake, regrade and compact the repaired area. We can handle any asphalt patching repair that you need. All projects are important to us and we put as much importance into our asphalt patching repair work as we do all of our other work. We provide asphalt patching and asphalt crack filling services for the New Jersey Metro Area.
Residential Asphalt Repair
While asphalt driveways are an important and large investment, over time, they will begin to detoriate and degrade. This is often caused by the asphalt outliving its useful life, consistent usage, as well as foreign bodies entering the asphalt layer. This can come in the form of liquids such as water, oil, or other hazardous chemicals. Also, foreign objects entering the top layer of asphalt will slowly help to generate cracking within the asphalt surface. When this occurs, the asphalt cracks will grow in size and number. Finally, larger potholes will form. Repairing your asphalt driveway is of the utmost importance to protect your investment, vehicles, and person from unnecessary damage or injury.
Residential Asphalt Repair Services: How To Repair an Asphalt Driveway
What are the various ways in which residential asphalt surfaces can be repaired? While we have a full article discussing the various repair options in detail, we will provide a quick summary here:
- Asphalt repair using methods such as surface sealer, crack filler, and the like
- Pothole patching
- Asphalt resurfacing
- Rutting Patching.
- Crack Sealing.
- Driveway Repair.
- Asphalt Paving.
- Asphalt Milling.
- Driveway Additions.
Asphalt additions and replacement consists of:
Saw Cut, remove and dispose of failed/loose/deteriorated asphalt to the specific contract depth. Haul off debris to a local recycling facility where it will be recycled into new asphalt in the future. Re- compact exiting sub grade then Lay DGA stone (if applicable), grade and compact. Apply tack oil to all adjacent asphalt edges prior to the placement of new asphalt. Install 2 to 3″ NJDOT approved asphalt mix. Compact surface with a vibratory plate (small patch surfaces) or a smooth drum roller for medium to large repair areas. The asphalt should be smooth in appearance when compaction is complete. Thoroughly clean the work area from any loose debris with power blowers. Asphalt overlay also referred to as “R & R” (Remove & Replace)This application is used when
the asphalts integrity has been compromised by various factors such as sub grade failure, severe potholes, alligator cracking or other defects that require full depth replacement. This repair method is intended to extend the life of your existing asphalt thus protecting your investment.
Asphalt overlay consists of:
Saw Cut, remove and dispose of failed/loose/deteriorated asphalt to the specific contract depth. Haul off debris to a local recycling facility where it will be recycled into new asphalt in the future.
Add NJDOT approved asphalt mix to excavated areas. Prep rest of surface for application of tack coat to assist proper bonding of new asphalt to the existing asphalt. Level areas that are low and/or uneven with NJDOT approved asphalt mix. Resurface with 2″ of NJDOT approved asphalt mix. Compact surface with a vibratory plate (small patch surfaces) or a smooth drum roller for medium to large repair areas.
The asphalt should be smooth in appearance when compaction is complete. Thoroughly clean the work area from any loose debris with power blowers. We also offer hot asphalt repair for various sized potholes and depressions in your asphalt driveway. We patch small areas that require repair, while maintaining the existing asphalt driveway and avoiding the high costs of repaving.
How does asphalt deteriorate and how can you tell if it’s time for repairs
Asphalt deterioration is typically caused by one or a combination of the following:
Age and weathering – Asphalt pavements are designed to last for many years. However, they will eventually break down due to the effects of weather and aging. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can damage asphalt, making it more brittle and prone to cracking. Extreme changes in temperature can also cause asphalt to deteriorate, especially if there are frequent freeze-thaw cycles. Oxidation is another process that contributes to asphalt pavement deterioration. This happens when oxygen reacts with the pavement, causing it to become hard and brittle.
Heavy traffic – Asphalt pavements are designed to withstand heavy traffic. However, if they are not properly constructed or maintained, they can deteriorate faster. Improper drainage – If water is not properly drained from an asphalt pavement, it can seep into the base and subbase, causing them to erode. This can lead to cracking, potholes, and other problems. All of these factors can lead to asphalt pavement deterioration. If left unaddressed, this can eventually result in the need for costly repairs or even complete replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most common types of asphalt repair jobs are pothole repairs, crack filling and sealcoating. Potholes are usually caused by water seeping into the asphalt and causing it to weaken. Crack filling is used to fill in cracks that have formed in the asphalt. Sealcoating is a preventative measure that helps to protect the asphalt from weather damage and wear and tear.
The average cost of residential asphalt repair is $2 to $3 per square foot. For larger jobs, the cost can be $4 to $6 per square foot. Some companies may charge an hourly rate for asphalt repair services. The typical cost for a pothole repair is $100 to $300, while the cost for crack filling is $300 to $500. Sealcoating typically costs between $0.15 and $0.30 per square foot. But these are only rough estimates as there are so many factors that ultimate determine the cost of your specific case. Contact us for free consultation, evaluation and estimate.
In choosing a repair contractor for your residential asphalt driveway or pavement, you should consider the company’s experience, reputation, price and warranty. It’s also a good idea to ask for references from previous clients.
When you’re looking for an asphalt repair contractor, make sure they have experience in the type of repair you need. There are different methods of repair for different types of damage, so you’ll want to make sure the contractor you choose is familiar with the kind of repair you need.
Price is always a factor when choosing a contractor, but be wary of companies that offer rock-bottom prices. In many cases, these companies cut corners on materials and labor, which can lead to subpar repairs that won’t last.
Warranty is also an important consideration. A good asphalt repair company will stand behind its work and offer a warranty on both materials and labor. This shows that the company is confident in its workmanship and is committed to customer satisfaction.
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