You may think that Nashville’s mild winters help to prevent asphalt cracks, but that’s not always the case. There are quite a few causes for asphalt cracking and potholes forming. From natural stresses like rain and ice to heavy amounts of traffic, small cracks will form and continue to expand until they become hazardous. Leaving potholes and road hazards unrepaired isn’t an option and it can seem like a pain to arrange road maintenance. Our top priority here at Hargrove Sealcoating is to make asphalt patching in Nashville simple for the community. There are a number of ways to complete the task, all depending on the situation at hand. Here’s a brief explanation for each process and recommended situation:
1. Cold Patch
A cold patch is a temporary solution for pothole repairs. You can purchase cold patch from a home improvement store. It comes in a 50lb. bag and is very easy to install with a shovel and a square hand tamper. Cold patch would definitely only be ideal for emergency situations, as it won’t last long before erosion occurs. This is a good solution to alleviate tripping hazards and further damage until you can arrange professional repairs in the near future.
2. Saw Cut & Removal
For “crocodile cracking“, which requires complete replacement, the typical procedure is to identify areas of the asphalt that are failing. Once these areas are identified, they’re marked with paint and snapped with a chalk line. The perimeter is then cut with a saw and the cracked asphalt is excavated from 2″-6” deep. The section is refilled with hot mix asphalt and compressed with a vibratory roller. Once those steps are complete, the saw cut joint is filled with a hot rubberized crack sealant to prevent water intrusion.
3. Infrared Asphalt Restoration
Arguably the “highest tech” repair process, Infrared Restoration is a “green” alternative to other asphalt patching methods. At the surface, Infrared Road Repair (IRR) is the absorption of radiation, or heat, into the damaged asphalt to assist the removal. The damaged areas are heated to a temperature of 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The damaged section is then replaced with new or reclaimed material and reheated to bond with the old, undamaged patches. It is replaced using a hot mix. This process can be completed 24/7 because the asphalt can remain continuously heated at the correct temperature within the hot box throughout the day. IRR can be used on any defect, except crocodile cracks. An additional bonus to this type of asphalt repair is the fact that it is joint-less, meaning there is no need for any additional seal to help prevent water intrusion.
4. Skin Patching/Surface Patching
Skin Patching or Surface Patching is a temporary fix, much like cold patch, except a hot mix is used in the process. The use of a hot mix means it will last longer than a cold patch, but will still need to be replaced using a saw cut removal or IRR. Skin patching is an ideal quick fix for high traffic areas where cold patch would quickly erode. This process is often used in between a proper parking lot resurfacing. If a parking lot is scheduled to be resurfaced within the next couple of months, but there are still many potholes, etc. that need to be filled in the meantime, skin patching will get the job done until the full repair can be made.
As you can see, there are plenty of options for asphalt patching. Choosing the right solution for your asphalt will depend on the situation, weather, and timeline. Our desire is to equip you with the knowledge necessary to approach these situations stress-free. Hargrove Sealcoating will always be here for you, no matter the situation, weather, or timeline. If you’re currently in need of asphalt repair, don’t hesitate to contact Hargrove Sealcoating today.