The best means for repairing failed asphalt
is the Remove and Replace (R&R) method. With R&R, we
mark and saw cut the perimeter of the areas to be repaired and
remove the broken asphalt down to a minimum of 3" (the
actual thickness depends on the normal weight of the traffic
that will be driving over the pavement; heavy trucks demand
more thickness). Prior to replacing the asphalt we proof
roll the exposed base by driving a loaded truck over the area
to make sure it is sufficient to support the new pavement. Two
reasons an area could fail a proof roll is: 1.) There is not
enough aggregate base materials. 2.) The soil beneath the
base is not strong enough to support the weight. If either
case exists, we remove the existing base and excavate the
soils to the proper depth (or down to a more stable material).
For example, black dirt under the base could very well be the
reason the existing pavement failed. Typically you want to
build your base over a compacted clay sub-grade. The repairs
done in this method do not have to be removed when the time
comes to do a complete resurface of the pavement.
Another, and a less expensive, method is the Overlay
Patch or Repair which is not usually our recommendation. This
is typically called a Band-Aid in the industry. This method
requires us to clean the existing pavement, apply a tack coat,
and then overlay the existing pavement. The pavement is
typically tapered down along the edges of the patch. This
method has been known to have an adverse affect on the
existing drainage. Additionally, it can cause some problems if
you use a snowplow to clear snow from the pavement due to the
unevenness of the surface. Because we overlay over badly
cracked or broken pavement, the repairs often do not hold up
very well. Additionally, these patches usually have to be
removed before you can do a complete resurface of the
pavement; thus adding an additional cost at the time of
resurfacing. The only advantage to using an Overlay Patch or
Repairis cost. Additionally, one should keep in mind
that this method has no warranty. So, if a contractor does
warranty an overlay patch, you should be skeptical as the
warranty is only as good as the company that stands behind it.
Caring For New and Old Asphalt Pavements.
Sealcoat Protection.
Following are a few helpful suggestions about the care of your asphalt
pavement. While asphalt is very durable and requires very little maintenance,
there are some precautions that should be taken to protect the material.
Unfortunately, commercial installations cannot be monitored like a residential
driveway. Therefore, virtually all commercial installations have much heavier
paving and compaction equipment than residential installations. However, the
commercial and residential pavements can benefit from some of the following
tips. One should always avoid turning the wheels of your vehicle while it is not
moving. This can break up the structure of the aggregate. One also should never
place any of the following items on freshly paved asphalt: an automobile jack, a
bicycle or motorcycle kickstand (if this cannot be avoided we suggest placing a
block of wood between asphalt and the item), any chair or table set, ladders, or
any other pointed objects. This suggestion takes on special importance during
the heat of the summer, when the pavement is in direct sunlight and can be much
more pliable than at other seasons. Fresh asphalt absorbs a lot of heat and
usually cools down towards the evenings after the sun sets, and this heat is
especially brutal in the summer.
Gasoline kills; especially asphalt. If you routinely park your car, or
fill your lawnmower gasoline tank on the pavement, you should use extreme
caution. Gasoline, as well as oil will soften and damage your asphalt. One
remedy available; you can apply a gasoline and oil resistant coating to the
asphalt after it has cured at least 30 days. Evans & Son can professionally
seal your asphalt to improve its looks and increase its life expectancy.
Our commercial grade asphalt sealer is a water based coal-tar emulsion that
we've added silica sand to (which keeps the pavement from becoming slippery when
wet). Asphalt is naturally porous and the sealer with sand helps fill these
pores. This coating will seal off the surface of the pavement, thus protecting
it from the elements. In addition, the sealer helps to maintain the black color
by blocking out harmful ultraviolet rays; which cause the asphalt to turn gray.
Additionally, sealing helps retard flaking, chipping, and cracking of the
asphalt. Due to our bulk-buying, we can usually apply a coat of sealer on your
pavement for what it would cost you in materials alone. We can generally furnish
interested clients with a price to seal coat over the phone. Please
Contact
our office to request a seal-coat estimate.
