07 Jan How to Repair Damaged Asphalt Using Infrared Asphalt Repair
How to Repair Damaged Asphalt Using Infrared Asphalt Repair
Asphalt maintenance is crucial for extending the life of your pavement, whether it’s a driveway, parking lot, or any other asphalt surface. Over time, asphalt can develop cracks and damage due to wear and tear, weather conditions, and heavy loads. Traditional repair methods can be time-consuming and costly, but there’s a quicker, easier, and more cost-effective solution. Infrared Asphalt Repair. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to fix cracks and damaged asphalt using this innovative process.
Step 1: Assess the Asphalt Damage
Before you begin, it’s important to assess the extent of the asphalt damage. This will help you understand the size of the area you need to repair and ensure the infrared asphalt heater you use is appropriately sized for the job.
Step 2: Clean the Area of the Parking Lot or Driveway
For the infrared asphalt repair process to be effective, the damaged area must be clean and free of debris. Use a broom or blower to remove loose particles, dust, and dirt. This ensures that the heat is evenly distributed and penetrates the asphalt for optimal repair.
Step 3: Heat the Asphalt
Position the infrared heater over the damaged area. Turn on the heater and allow it to heat the asphalt. This process usually takes about 7 to 10 minutes, depending on the condition and thickness of the asphalt. The infrared rays penetrate the asphalt, softening it without burning, making it malleable for reshaping and repair.
Step 4: Rejuvenating the Asphalt
Before proceeding to add new asphalt (if needed) and compacting, it’s crucial to address the condition of the existing material. Over time, asphalt loses its light oils due to oxidation, which can lead to brittleness and further damage. To counteract this, mix in a rejuvenator at this stage. A rejuvenator is designed to penetrate the asphalt and replenish the light oils that have oxidized away. This not only restores the flexibility of the asphalt but also improves its ability to bind with any new material added. Carefully apply the rejuvenator according to the manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the heated area. This step is essential for a long-lasting repair that mimics the original qualities of the asphalt, making it more durable against future wear and tear.
Step 5: Rake and Add New Asphalt (If Needed)
Once the asphalt is heated, softened, and rejuvenated, use a rake to mix and level the area. If the damage is severe, you may need to add new asphalt mix to fill any voids or to level out the surface. The heat from the infrared heater will help the new and existing asphalt blend seamlessly.
Step 6: Compact the Asphalt
After mixing and leveling the asphalt, compact it using a vibratory plate compactor or roller. This step is crucial to ensure that the repaired area is solid and smooth, blending perfectly with the surrounding surface.
Step 7: Cool Down
Allow the repaired area to cool down naturally. This may take about an hour. Once cooled, the asphalt is ready to handle vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
Benefits of learning How to Repair Damaged Asphalt Using Infrared Asphalt Repair
- Quick and Efficient: The entire repair process can be completed in less than two hours, making it significantly faster than traditional repair methods.
- Cost-Effective: Infrared repair heaters are an affordable investment, especially when considering the cost savings from reduced labor and materials over time.
- Seamless Repairs: The infrared heating process allows for seamless blending of new and existing asphalt, resulting in a repair that’s nearly invisible.
- Environmentally Friendly: This method reduces waste by recycling the existing asphalt, requiring less new material.
Investing in an infrared repair heater is a smart decision for anyone responsible for maintaining asphalt pavement surfaces. Not only is the equipment affordable, but the savings in time and materials make it an invaluable tool in your asphalt maintenance arsenal. By following these simple steps, you can quickly and easily repair cracks and damages, extending the life of your asphalt and maintaining its appearance and safety.
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