Asphalt pavements can have extremely long lives if they receive adequate care. Routine maintenance procedures can help prevent many types of damage, but they may not stop all damage, especially as your pavement ages. When your pavement needs more attention than sealcoating or crack filling can provide, you want to call for an asphalt repair. Prompt, professional repairs can prevent the damage from expanding or turning into a more costly repair.

What Techniques Do Contractors Use When They Make an Asphalt Repair?

There are several methods available to contractors for making asphalt repairs. The two most common techniques are asphalt resurfacing and asphalt patching. Contractors choose the best repair method after evaluating the type of damage, its source, and its severity.

What Is Asphalt Resurfacing?

When contractors install an asphalt overlay to repair pavement damage, they often refer to it as asphalt resurfacing. Typically, the first step in the process is the asphalt removal. A milling machine is capable to removing as much or as little of the existing pavement to a very precise depth. Normally, contractors remove two to three inches of the existing pavement. After removing the pavement, the contractor may need to make asphalt repairs to fix any damage that the milling machine did not remove. The contractor usually applies a tack coat, then replaces the asphalt paving to return the pavement to its original elevation. This technique is normally the best option for widespread raveling, some block cracks, or significant edge cracks.

What Is the Asphalt Patching Method of Making an Asphalt Repair?

There are three patching methods that contractors use frequently to repair asphalt pavements.

1. Skin patches are an economical way to repair damage that does not extend more than an inch or so into the pavement. They are best for small, shallow depressions or potholes. Most skin patches will have brief lives, then the contractor will need to install a new one.
2. Full-depth asphalt patching is normally a permanent repair. Some contractors refer to this method as an asphalt removal and replacement. The contractor’s crew members will saw out a rectangle or square of the pavement that contains the damage. They will remove all layers of the asphalt to expose the base so that they can repair or strengthen the base. Next, they will install a sufficient number of asphalt courses to replace what they removed. This method is best for situations where the damage has compromised the base’s integrity. Full-depth patching is often the best choice for asphalt potholes and alligator cracking. Your contractor may also recommend this method to repair areas of upheaval, depressions, or small areas of raveling.
3. Partial-depth patching is almost identical to the full-depth asphalt removal and replacement method. The only difference is that the contractor will usually not remove enough of the pavement to expose the base. Contractors can often use this technique to repair the same types of damage as a full-depth patch if the damage does not extend to the base.

Whether you need asphalt repairs, or routine asphalt maintenance, Marathon Solutions Group can help. Our services include asphalt patching, sealcoating, asphalt resurfacing, concrete paving, thermoplastic markings, asphalt crack repair, asphalt paving, concrete repair, parking lot striping, parking lot signage, marking removal, and bollard installation. We are a respected company with an exemplary reputation for professionalism, integrity, craftsmanship, and customer service. If you would like to request a free quote, you can call 800-879-1147, fill out the online form, or email Sales@Marathon-Solutions.com.