Potholes can be a significant safety risk. Whether in a private area such as a neighborhood or driveway or in public spaces such as parking lots and highways, they must be repaired as soon as possible. The most common method of fixing potholes is asphalt patching, due to its efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
It’s not worth leaving a pothole to grow and cause more damage! From the experts at Asphalt Doctors, here’s all you need to do about how asphalt potholes are patched.
Any asphalt surface, including parking lots, driveways, roads, highways, and footpaths, can develop potholes. A pothole is a depression in the surface of asphalt where the tar has worn away, most often through extensive use, heavy weight, or weather erosion. Potholes can cause damage to the tires on bikes and vehicles along with a car’s alignment, suspension, and framework.
Potholes can cause a car to swerve or veer slightly, leading to hundreds of road accidents every year. Furthermore, the potholes can grow and size and cause other structural issues if left unattended. It is, therefore, crucial that swift and effective repairs are made.
Potholes can form when cracks develop on an asphalt surface. Heating during the day and cooling at night (along with similar seasonal temperature patterns) can cause the asphalt to expand and contract which causes the cracks to form. Water from rain, snow, and frost enters these cracks and, when the temperature drops below freezing, will cause the cracks to expand, creating more damage. As stress is added with continual traffic and the weight of moving vehicles, these cracks can grow further, developing into larger holes - also known as potholes.
There are several different methods used to repair potholes, including skin, infrared, and full-depth patching.
Skin patching is a quick method for repairing minor defects in asphalt surfaces, such as low areas, depressions, minor rutting, delamination, and slight deterioration. This method replenishes the top layer of asphalt.
Infrared patching is used for critical repairs such as high-traffic area potholes, pavement heaving, uneven surfaces surrounding catch basins, and rough surfaces. This method allows for deep penetration asphalt repair in a short period of time.
Full-depth patching is a patching method for major displacement, faulting, alligatoring, potholes, and other asphalt defects that require the asphalt to be patched at its full depth. This method completely removes and replaces damaged asphalt.
How potholes are patched will vary slightly depending on the solution chosen, but they all follow a general set of steps.
Some asphalt surfaces, such as footpaths, may be different, but most asphalt surfaces are laid on top of a foundation of compacted gravel that sits above the soil layer. An evaluation of the condition of the foundation will ensue before beginning any repair work.
All damaged asphalt will need to be removed including the surrounding space which likely has cracks - any cracks that remain could cause the pothole to reform and become worse. Using an asphalt saw and hammer, a professional team will remove all damaged asphalt, specifically in the shape of a square or rectangle which will last longer than other shapes.
If performing a surface patch for spaces with minimal damage, no asphalt will be removed - a new layer will simply be applied over the surface. If performing an infrared patch, the existing damaged material will be heated and reused on the spot with a mixture of new asphalt material.
Once all damaged material has been removed and the area has been squared off accordingly, the area will be cleaned including all dust, debris, and plant life. Roots need to be carefully removed in order to prevent plants from growing through cracks or the patch.
Now that the area is properly excavated and cleaned, the foundation must be repaired if there is any damage. Top up the foundation with a mixture of gravel and sand, then tamper and compress it accordingly to create a flat surface. Be sure to use a level to check that the foundation is properly repaired.
Surface patching will begin by applying CSS-1H tack coat to the repair surface, followed by a hot asphalt plant mix which is feathered and compacted appropriately. The work is finished by being neatly squared off.
Infrared patching utilizes an infrared heating unit to heat the damaged surface over 6-12 minutes after it has been treated with a reclamite rejuvenating agent. A new hot asphalt plant mix is added to the existing asphalt, and the repair area is raked, tamped, and treated. Finally, the finished product is compacted at least twice in accordance with industry standards and squared off.
Full-depth patching will apply CSS-1H tack coat to exposed vertical surfaces once all damaged asphalt material has been removed. Several layers of new asphalt plant mix are added to the repair area and compacted thoroughly with each application. The job is finished by squaring off the repair area.
After the asphalt surface is repaired, all the old, unused material is hauled away from the repair site in order to be recycled.
All debris resulting from the process will be cleaned and the surface will be fully prepared for future use.
The family-owned team at Asphalt Doctors knows just how important it is that our asphalt surfaces are repaired as efficiently and effectively as possible - that’s why we only use the best practices and materials, and why we hold ourselves to the highest professional standards. We care deeply about our customers, employees, suppliers, and contractors. Contact our team today to schedule your asphalt patch and to learn why our clients love working with us.
Asphalt is one of the most frequently used materials for driveway surfaces due to its durability, cost-effectiveness, and versatility. However, whether it's through heavy use, extreme weather, or even just a long life, asphalt driveways may incur some damage from time to time and require repair.
If you’ve been doing some research, you’ll probably know that there are many different ways to repair an asphalt driveway. Some are better than others, and even our recommended method, asphalt patching, comes in a variety of different forms. From the team of experts here at Asphalt Doctors, here is the best way to patch an asphalt driveway.
Asphalt patching is a broad term referring to the repair of cracks and holes within an asphalt’s surface. Regardless if it is recent or older damage, small or extensive, asphalt patching is the most cost-effective way to repair and protect your pavement. In its most general form, asphalt patching includes the mixing of used and new asphalt that is relaid and paved on top of old asphalt. Damaged sections of the asphalt driveway may be excavated, reheated and mixed with new asphalt, then relaid and tamped down to form a surface that appears and functions like new.
There are several different types of asphalt patching. The first delineation is hot and cold asphalt patching. Cold patching or cold asphalt repairs are fast and don’t require special heavy rolling machines or applicators. Asphalt is simply shoveled or poured into the pothole, crack, or damaged section and tamped down. Cold patching is certainly a temporary fix, but it is much quicker and easier to achieve. This is a great option if you’re looking for a DIY solution for a private road or driveway, but it does not last very long and another repair will likely be due in the not-too-distant future.
Hot asphalt lasts much longer, is much more durable, and provides a more solid base. However, it does require specialist equipment and trained contractors, which makes it a slightly more expensive option. Hot asphalt is the best way to patch an asphalt driveway to ensure longevity and structural integrity, but the type of hot asphalt patching depends on your driveway’s particular situation. Hot asphalt has several different forms that are used in a variety of applications, such as:
Surface “Skin” Patching: this hot asphalt patching method is used for minor defects such as low areas/depressions, minor rutting, delamination or slight deterioration of asphalt. As such, this method is not used for potholes or major breaks.
Infrared Patching: this asphalt patching incorporates a blend of hot-mix asphalt with the original, damaged asphalt. Potholes, cracks, and rough surfaces are excavated, compacted, and reapplied for a seamless restoration. This is a very popular patching method as the infrared rays allow deep penetration asphalt repair and reclaiming without causing burning, scaling, or separation of the asphalt from the aggregate. Infrared patching has additional advantages including cost savings, as the project is completed with fewer raw materials; time savings, as this repair option takes less time than traditional asphalt resurfacing; seamless repairs, as the patch bonds to the existing surface and produces no joints for water to penetrate; and fewer traffic interruptions, as the patch can be driven on almost immediately.
Full Depth Patching “R&R”: Full depth patching is another hot asphalt patching method, used primarily for major damage that requires the full depth of the asphalt to be repaired or replaced. Damage such as displacement /faulting, alligatoring, and major potholes need this type of repair.
There are certain situations when a new asphalt driveway may be recommended over patching. A general rule of thumb is that asphalt driveways will have a lifetime of 15-20 years. If your driveway is at this age or beyond, we recommend a new driveway as the amount of repairs it will need will only increase and a new driveway will be much more cost-efficient. Similarly, if your driveway has cracks and potholes covering one-third or more of the driveway, a replacement will be more cost-efficient than trying to repair it all.
If, however, your driveway is still generally young and the damage is not too extensive, patching will always be recommended because it will be less expensive and much quicker to complete.
Many people might wonder whether the best way to patch an asphalt driveway is to hire the help of a professional contractor or to get it done as a DIY project. The answer to this ultimately depends on your goals. If you want the quickest and least expensive asphalt patch, then a DIY repair will be the way to go. Unfortunately, DIY projects are only able to use cold asphalt mix as hot mix requires extensive experience and heavy machinery that is hard to use and expensive to rent.
If your goal is to patch your asphalt driveway with a solution that will be durable, long-lasting, and structurally sound, then hot asphalt patching with the help of a professional is the wiser choice. If time is your biggest concern, hot mix takes slightly longer to apply than cold mix, but in most situations, a driving surface can still be ready within a few hours!
The best type of asphalt patching largely depends on the particular situation of your asphalt driveway, such as the extent and type of damage. Working with experts such as the Asphalt Doctors will not only be able to provide all the most effective types of asphalt patching, but our experienced team will help you determine the optimal patching method that your driveway needs.
If you’re ready to get started with your asphalt patching project or if you still have a few more questions, don’t hesitate to contact the friendly professionals at Asphalt Doctors today!
People wonder, for good reason, why many of Colorado’s highways are still made using concrete, whereas practically all other roads are made of asphalt. Asphalt is less expensive, more flexible, and easier to maintain, so why would construction companies and local authorities opt for concrete instead? The answer is, unfortunately, not as straightforward as you might hope; several factors contribute to the different choices of materials for highways and streets in the United States.
Since 2010, our team of experts at the Asphalt Doctors has gained extensive experience working with Colorado roads - read on for our insight on why concrete is used for highways and how this may be changing.
Concrete driveways, parking lots, sidewalks, and roads are made up of aggregates, including rock, lime, or gravel mixed with cement, which acts as a binder. Concrete can be fully recyclable using natural materials. Asphalt roads are very similar except that instead of cement as a binder, asphalt is a semi-solid form of petroleum.
Asphalt roads are semi-recyclable and have become incredibly popular due to their low cost to install and maintain compared to concrete. They are extremely quick to install and reseal, further reducing costs. Furthermore, the rough granulated texture of asphalt roads provides far greater traction and skid resistance than concrete roads; asphalt is also heat-absorbing, which can better defrost winter ice and frost, significantly reducing the hazards of a slippery road. On top of that, because of asphalt’s flexibility, damaged asphalt roads usually only require a quick patch compared to concrete, which often requires a full slab to be removed and replaced.
There are over 4 million miles of road in America and over 45,000 miles of road that compiles the Interstate Highway System. The United States government began building the Interstate Highway System in the 1950s, and their primary standards were that the road would A) provide a long service life and B) provide safe travel. Both concrete and asphalt were in use at this time, but concrete was predominantly chosen due to the first standard - that these highways would offer a long service life.
The main benefit of concrete is that it has a very long lifetime. Concrete roads can last up to 40 years before needing to be resealed, are naturally resistant to oil leaks, and are far less likely to develop potholes than asphalt. Asphalt, on the other hand, is usually resealed within 14 years and is less durable. Concrete is what is referred to as a “rigid” pavement, whereas asphalt is referred to as a “flexible” pavement - concrete has the advantage that it can withstand much heavier traffic for longer periods of time, and thus, it almost becomes obvious that concrete would be chosen even though it has a higher installation cost than asphalt. While less well-known, concrete can also be better for fuel consumption. Due to its reduced friction, vehicles may save between 1-14% on fuel when driving on concrete instead of asphalt.
Concrete has historically been a popular highway choice, but this is not the case with roads across America more broadly. Only 30% of the Interstate Highway System still uses concrete today, and approximately 94% of urban roads use asphalt. Concrete lasts longer, so why is asphalt now the favored option?
Probably the biggest reason for asphalt’s popularity is its low installation cost, coming in at around 40% less overall expense. In areas with harsh weather and temperature changes, concrete can be prone to cracking and often requires an expensive repair. Asphalt, on the other hand, is very inexpensive to repair comparatively. Asphalt can be laid and repaired faster and for less than concrete, making it an ideal choice when finances are a 10-20-year consideration.
Asphalt is also a safer driving surface. As previously mentioned, asphalt roads have more excellent traction than concrete, making them less prone to hazardous freezing conditions - the same reason concrete is considered more fuel efficient: its slicker and less friction-inducing surface makes it less safe. While concrete roads can withstand heavier traffic over extended periods of time, asphalt is more flexible and better suited to accommodate frequent turns, stopping, and starting, a common feature of urban and residential areas. Finally, asphalt roads are known for reducing noise pollution due to their softer texture. According to a 2013 study by the World Road Association, asphalt roads were able to reduce sound by up to 7 decibels - a key advantage, once again, in urban and residential areas.
In summary, concrete has been used for highways due to:
On the other hand, asphalt roads are being used more for highways and non-highway contexts due to:
While we are indeed the Asphalt Doctors, our experienced professionals can deliver a solution to your roadway project using concrete or asphalt. Each paving material has advantages and disadvantages, but we’re here to serve you with a product that meets all standards of professionalism. Our experts are here to exceed your expectations through quality, ethics, and service.
If you or someone you know is searching for a new roadway surface or repairs to an existing one, contact the Asphalt Doctors today!
Colorado’s extreme weather (and corresponding temperature fluctuations) unfortunately strongly impacts the structural integrity of our roads. With over four million miles of roadway across the United States, every foot, including your own asphalt driveway, is at risk.
Investing in seal coating is one of the most effective ways to ensure the longevity of your asphalt driveway. By applying a new layer above the existing asphalt, professional seal coating has preserved the safety of our roads and untold thousands of driveways. It gained popularity across the U.S. for its strength and ease of use, but how does it work, and how often should it be used? Read on to hear what our experts have to say.
Asphalt is especially susceptible to the elements.
Colorado, therefore, makes survival for asphalt roads particularly challenging. Depending on where you live across this beautiful state, temperatures can have more than 150°F worth of variance between its officially recorded hottest and coldest temperatures. And you only really need to live in Colorado for a year to experience all four seasons in a single week.
Our state makes asphalt longevity difficult enough; seal coating is our best choice to maintain them.
The benefits of seal coating asphalt driveways include the following:
It is usually recommended for a professional to undertake the seal coating service. It deals with harsh chemicals and fumes, requiring experience and skill to do it right. If you’re still determined to make it a DIY job, here are a few general guidelines before getting started:
Clean the driveway of dirt, dust, and debris. Clean stains, oil, and grease, and remove all weeds along the driveway’s border. The pressure washer works well for initial cleaning.
Patch cracks and holes well before treating a driveway with seal coating.
Mix sealant buckets one at a time and clean the surface again.
Begin sealing the driveway from top to bottom by pouring sealant and brushing it into place with a squeegee. Use a paintbrush along the edges to ensure precision. The squeegee should be held at a 45-degree angle to push the sealant accordingly so that, with its self-leveling properties, a flat surface is made.
Wait 24 hours, then apply a second coat. After the second coat, allow another 24 hours before walking on it and 72 hours before driving.
Sealer should be applied to a brand-new asphalt driveway three to six months after installation. Sealing coat your driveway every three to five years is generally recommended, depending on a few variables.
Seal coating might be needed more frequently on Colorado driveways due to the harsh Colorado climate, weather, and sunshine. Furthermore, should a driveway appear faded or damaged in isolated areas, it may indicate that another seal coat is required. Pay attention to the signs, but you can expect to seal asphalt driveways at least every few years. Consistent treatment is key to longevity and aesthetic quality.
If the driveway is over 20 years old, the foundation is unstable, or cracks run deeper than 2 inches, seal coating might not be as effective because it will combat an underlying weakness.
Seal coating is popular for a reason, but its use has some limitations. Seal coating should be considered a protective layer, not a magical solution to a damaged road. Seal coating will not, in fact, repair or restore asphalt in any way; it will simply protect it from further damage while making it appear renewed in color and texture. If the structural integrity of a road is compromised, it must be repaired before seal coating can be used.
Asphalt seal coating is a widespread solution to preserve the vitality of our roads and driveways. By applying a new layer of protection, your driveway is safe against the harsh Colorado climate and continues to look like the day it was installed.
Are you seeking protection for your asphalt driveway? Asphalt Doctors is Colorado’s top choice for seal coating and all things asphalt. Contact our team of experts with any questions or to get started with seal coating today!
Preparing an outdoor surface that can stand up to the harsh Colorado elements can be a challenging undertaking, but technology has offered us a number of innovative solutions to overcome this. Asphalt seal coating is one of the most common methods for protecting driveways, walkways, and parking lots, and it’s likely only going to continue growing in popularity.
But what is asphalt seal coating, and how does it benefit you? Here’s a deep dive into everything you need to know from the experts at Asphalt Doctors.
Asphalt seal coating is an inexpensive process that helps to extend the lifespan of underlying hard surface material such as concrete or asphalt. This liquid coating is rolled or painted over the area, and once allowed to cure, it effectively seals (hence the name) the material from potential exterior damage. It comes in two forms: Coal Tar Emulsion and Asphalt Emulsion.
Seal coating is the most common solution to small damage, such as cracks or holes caused by freezing temperatures and frequent traffic. It also helps protect the underlying surface from excessive oxidation, prevents damage from spreading to other areas in the underlying structure, and defends against air, water, oil, gas, salt, chemicals, and ultraviolet rays.
It is a thoroughly effective and highly efficient method that offers protection and resiliency to surfaces to remain in good condition, even in extreme weather conditions.
As previously discussed, asphalt seal coating comes in two primary forms: Coal Tar and Asphalt Emulsion.
Coal Tar seal coating comprises a thick black liquid, a byproduct of bituminous coal. It is made of thousands of chemicals and is different molecularly than asphalt. Coal Tar seal coating is then created by mixing the bituminous coal byproduct with inert fillers, water, and emulsifying agents.
Asphalt Emulsion seal coating is made of asphalt, water, and a small amount of emulsifying agents.
Coal Tar is the industry’s most commonly used asphalt seal coating.
Every asphalt company has a different asphalt seal coating process, but at Asphalt Doctors, our process includes the following:
Seal coating is completed during the spring, summer, and autumn – temperatures of at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit are required.
Various other methods exist for installing asphalt or conducting an asphalt surface repair. One of the most common, alongside seal coating, is asphalt paving. This is a holistic renewal and new installation of asphalt, and it can be applied directly to materials such as concrete, gravel, or even existing asphalt.
Other methods for conducting an asphalt repair include:
Asphalt seal coating effectively and efficiently protects outdoor surfaces such as roads, walkways, and parking lots. This extremely quick process creates resistance to all types of liquids, chemicals, and even UV radiation so that your surfaces have longer lifetimes, even after incurring damage.
If you’re considering asphalt seal coating or any other type of asphalt solution for your project, be sure to contact the experts at Asphalt Doctors – we are committed to quality, ethics, service, and efficiency. Give our team a call today!
Recycled asphalt, or reclaimed asphalt, is among the most common surfacing materials for roads, parking lots, footpaths, and playgrounds. But what exactly is recycled asphalt, why is it important, and how does it work?
Read on to learn all about recycled asphalt from our team of experts.
Asphalt is a man-made material primarily composed of a binding substance (bitumen) and aggregates. Bitumen is a black, viscous by-product of oil, and aggregates are a mixture of crushed rock, sand, and gravel. Combined, asphalt is a durable and cost-efficient material for surfacing outdoor spaces.
There are many benefits of asphalt.
Asphalt is recyclable using advanced commercial equipment. While an existing asphalt surface can be crushed and recycled offsite, new techniques allow asphalt to be recycled and relayed onto the roadway or surface structure without being transported elsewhere. This can include additional recycled asphalt millings to supplement surface repair or as a sub-base material directly beneath the surface.
Recycled asphalt is an economically efficient and environmentally friendly way to repair surfaces, including road shoulders, potholes, utility cuts, etc. Asphalt is chemically composed of residue from the distillation of petroleum (resins and oils) along with compounds of hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, and oxygen – being able to recycle these chemical components has a significant impact by reducing the environmental footprint of acquiring more production material.
Asphalt is recycled through hot and cold methods, either offsite at a central processing facility or in-place recycling.
Recycled hot mix is often produced at a processing facility. The process produces a finished granular asphalt product processed to the desired gradation. This product is subsequently incorporated into hot-mix asphalt paving mixtures as an aggregate substitute.
Hot in-place recycling is a process of repaving that is performed as either a single or multiple-pass operation using specialized heating, scarifying, rejuvenating, lay down, and compaction equipment. There is no processing required before the actual recycling operation. One of the most common techniques is called ‘infrared patching.’
The asphalt processing requirements for cold mix recycling are similar to those for recycled hot mix, except the asphalt product is incorporated into cold mix asphalt paving mixtures as an aggregate substitute.
The cold in-place recycling process involves specialized plants or processing trains, whereby the existing pavement surface is milled to a depth of up to 6 inches, processed, mixed with asphalt emulsion (or foamed asphalt), and placed and compacted in a single pass. There is no processing required before the actual recycling operation.
Recycled asphalt is used to construct, repave, patch and repair driving surfaces along with walk and bike paths, parks, outdoor basketball courts, schoolyards, and more. Recycled asphalt saves money on time and materials instead of investing in an entirely new surface, extending the lifetime, safety, and good appearance of an existing asphalt surface.
Recycling asphalt is a process that requires both experience and commercial equipment, such as crushers, infrared heating machinery, screening units, conveyors, and stackers. In addition to these hurdles, asphalt contains potentially hazardous materials that are dangerous if not handled with the proper care, expert techniques, or safety equipment. It is recommended that recycling asphalt is left to professionals.
Recycled asphalt is the best method for repaving an existing surface because it is less expensive, faster, and more environmentally friendly than newly created asphalt admixtures alone.
Asphalt recycling may seem complex at first, but you don’t have to face it by yourself. If you manage an asphalt surface that needs repaving, don’t hesitate to contact the experts in recycled asphalt today!
Driving surfaces, whether parking lots or roads, are often made of one of two types of material: concrete or asphalt. Concrete and asphalt have their respective advantages, but is one material better to use than the other? Read on for our neutral comparison, and gain deeper insight to help decision-making on your own project.
Need professional help for your road, parking lot, or driveway project? Contact the experts at the Asphalt Doctors right away.
Concrete is made from a mixture of sand, cement, and gravel. This mixture is then poured and left to cure for approximately one week, creating a strong, durable, and long-lasting concrete surface. It is often gray in color.
Asphalt, on the other hand, is made from a mixture of sand, stone, and petroleum products to create a durable adhesive that is rolled out and cooled. It is often black in color.
Overall, many factors contribute to whether concrete or asphalt is the best option for parking lots and roads. Ultimately, it comes down to your project’s particular situation and needs, but for most situations, our team of experts recommends asphalt parking lots and roads.
If you have a project that needs a short-term solution, asphalt is great because it has a lower average cost ($2-4 per square foot vs. concrete’s $4-6 per square foot). Repairs are also easy, quick, and inexpensive compared to the alternative.
Additionally, in climates like Colorado, it’s smart to choose a product that can withstand the frequent fluctuations in temperature. Concrete can easily erode and crack with constant freezing, thawing, and the application of antifreeze chemicals. Asphalt, on the other hand, does well against highly variable temperatures and can, again, be easily repaired in case of damage.
Some projects, like major highways, must withstand up to 40+ years of wear and tear, making concrete a more economically viable solution. Similarly, if a project requires as little greenhouse gas emissions as possible, concrete could be the right choice for you.
If you are considering a new road, parking lot, or driveway, it’s important to work with the experts in Colorado. Contact the professionals at the Asphalt Doctors today to get started!
It is important to have a pavement management plan in place to protect your asphalt and give it a longer life. As pavement ages, repairs will become necessary in order to keep it looking good and working well – infrared asphalt patching is an efficient, cost-effective method that is the best choice in pavement management for all your asphalt patching needs.
Infrared asphalt patching is a repair technique that utilizes infrared radiation to increase the malleability of your currently existing asphalt pavement surface. Asphalt is heated and reworked on site, then combined with new asphalt to resurface a damaged area. This is a perfect solution for a low-cost yet highly effective repair of roads, driveways, and walkways. It is easy, quick, and outperforms other methods of repair.
Infrared asphalt patching revolves around working with the existing, compromised asphalt that is in need of repair in tandem with new and compacted asphalt. The process includes:
There are many benefits to infrared asphalt patching, including:
Infrared asphalt patching uses infrared rays that allow deep penetration asphalt repair and reclaiming without causing burning, scaling, or separation of the asphalt from the aggregate.
Infrared asphalt patching outperforms other methods due to its simplicity and effectiveness. By recycling and reusing existing materials, the result is less expensive as well as more environmentally friendly by reducing waste. Furthermore, it reduces the cost and impact of increased fuel and labor required for manufacturing and transporting new asphalt in mass.
This method is also superior to complete road replacement as it is much less disruptive. It won’t disrupt underground infrastructure like electricity, water, and internet and will be completed in a short period of time, allowing traffic to resume after about 30 minutes.
While infrared asphalt patching is a fantastic, immediate solution for pavement failure, it is not permanent. This is specifically the case if the damage is not just surface level but structural. If there is a structural problem underlying the pavement, the repair will likely fail again as the platform continues to degrade.
One of the best aspects of infrared asphalt patching is that it can be done all year round — from the intense heat of summer to the freezing cold of winter — this method of pavement repair is consistently reliable and always viable.
Asphalt repair costs normally shoot up during the winter season due to the increased amount of machinery and equipment required to keep materials at the correct temperature. Fortunately, infrared asphalt patching negates this entirely and is there for you when you need it at no additional charge.
When it comes to pavement management, infrared asphalt patching is by far the best solution out there. This method will save you time, money, and stress, and the experts at the Asphalt Doctors are your team of specialists that will get the job done. Check out our customer testimonials and contact us today for questions, advice, and support for all your asphalt needs.
Colorado’s extreme weather (and corresponding temperature fluctuations) unfortunately strongly impacts the structural integrity of our roads. With over four million miles of roadway across the United States, every foot, including your own asphalt driveway, is at risk.
Investing in seal coating is one of the most effective ways to ensure the longevity of your asphalt driveway. By applying a new layer above the existing asphalt, professional seal coating has preserved the safety of our roads and untold thousands of driveways. It gained popularity across the U.S. for its strength and ease of use, but how does it work, and how often should it be used? Read on to hear what our experts have to say.
Asphalt is especially susceptible to the elements.
Colorado, therefore, makes survival for asphalt roads particularly challenging. Depending on where you live across this beautiful state, temperatures can have more than 150°F worth of variance between its officially recorded hottest and coldest temperatures. And you only really need to live in Colorado for a year to experience all four seasons in a single week.
Our state makes asphalt longevity difficult enough; seal coating is our best choice to maintain them.
The benefits of seal coating asphalt driveways include the following:
It is usually recommended for a professional to undertake the seal coating service. It deals with harsh chemicals and fumes, requiring experience and skill to do it right. If you’re still determined to make it a DIY job, here are a few general guidelines before getting started:
Clean the driveway of dirt, dust, and debris. Clean stains, oil, and grease, and remove all weeds along the driveway's border. The pressure washer works well for initial cleaning.
Patch cracks and holes well before treating a driveway with seal coating.
Mix sealant buckets one at a time and clean the surface again.
Begin sealing the driveway from top to bottom by pouring sealant and brushing it into place with a squeegee. Use a paintbrush along the edges to ensure precision. The squeegee should be held at a 45-degree angle to push the sealant accordingly so that, with its self-leveling properties, a flat surface is made.
Wait 24 hours, then apply a second coat. After the second coat, allow another 24 hours before walking on it and 72 hours before driving.
Sealer should be applied to a brand-new asphalt driveway three to six months after installation. Sealing coat your driveway every three to five years is generally recommended, depending on a few variables.
Seal coating might be needed more frequently on Colorado driveways due to the harsh Colorado climate, weather, and sunshine. Furthermore, should a driveway appear faded or damaged in isolated areas, it may indicate that another seal coat is required. Pay attention to the signs, but you can expect to seal asphalt driveways at least every few years. Consistent treatment is key to longevity and aesthetic quality.
If the driveway is over 20 years old, the foundation is unstable, or cracks run deeper than 2 inches, seal coating might not be as effective because it will combat an underlying weakness.
Seal coating is popular for a reason, but its use has some limitations. Seal coating should be considered a protective layer, not a magical solution to a damaged road. Seal coating will not, in fact, repair or restore asphalt in any way; it will simply protect it from further damage while making it appear renewed in color and texture. If the structural integrity of a road is compromised, it must be repaired before seal coating can be used.
Asphalt seal coating is a widespread solution to preserve the vitality of our roads and driveways. By applying a new layer of protection, your driveway is safe against the harsh Colorado climate and continues to look like the day it was installed.
Are you seeking protection for your asphalt driveway? Asphalt Doctors is Colorado’s top choice for seal coating and all things asphalt. Contact our team of experts with any questions or to get started with seal coating today!
Preparing an outdoor surface that can stand up to the harsh Colorado elements can be a challenging undertaking, but technology has offered us a number of innovative solutions to overcome this. Asphalt seal coating is one of the most common methods for protecting driveways, walkways, and parking lots, and it’s likely only going to continue growing in popularity.
But what is asphalt seal coating, and how does it benefit you? Here’s a deep dive into everything you need to know from the experts at Asphalt Doctors.
Asphalt seal coating is an inexpensive process that helps to extend the lifespan of underlying hard surface material such as concrete or asphalt. This liquid coating is rolled or painted over the area, and once allowed to cure, it effectively seals (hence the name) the material from potential exterior damage. It comes in two forms: Coal Tar Emulsion and Asphalt Emulsion.
Seal coating is the most common solution to small damage, such as cracks or holes caused by freezing temperatures and frequent traffic. It also helps protect the underlying surface from excessive oxidation, prevents damage from spreading to other areas in the underlying structure, and defends against air, water, oil, gas, salt, chemicals, and ultraviolet rays.
It is a thoroughly effective and highly efficient method that offers protection and resiliency to surfaces to remain in good condition, even in extreme weather conditions.
As previously discussed, asphalt seal coating comes in two primary forms: Coal Tar and Asphalt Emulsion.
Coal Tar seal coating comprises a thick black liquid, a byproduct of bituminous coal. It is made of thousands of chemicals and is different molecularly than asphalt. Coal Tar seal coating is then created by mixing the bituminous coal byproduct with inert fillers, water, and emulsifying agents.
Asphalt Emulsion seal coating is made of asphalt, water, and a small amount of emulsifying agents.
Coal Tar is the industry's most commonly used asphalt seal coating.
Every asphalt company has a different asphalt seal coating process, but at Asphalt Doctors, our process includes the following:
Seal coating is completed during the spring, summer, and autumn - temperatures of at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit are required.
Various other methods exist for installing asphalt or conducting an asphalt surface repair. One of the most common, alongside seal coating, is asphalt paving. This is a holistic renewal and new installation of asphalt, and it can be applied directly to materials such as concrete, gravel, or even existing asphalt.
Other methods for conducting an asphalt repair include:
Asphalt seal coating effectively and efficiently protects outdoor surfaces such as roads, walkways, and parking lots. This extremely quick process creates resistance to all types of liquids, chemicals, and even UV radiation so that your surfaces have longer lifetimes, even after incurring damage.
If you’re considering asphalt seal coating or any other type of asphalt solution for your project, be sure to contact the experts at Asphalt Doctors - we are committed to quality, ethics, service, and efficiency. Give our team a call today!