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Asphalt Repair Process
Quick Links: Introduction | Asphalt Repair Process | Repair Costs
Introduction
Holscher Sealcoating has been perfecting the asphalt repair process in Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Massachusetts for over 20 years. Scroll down to learn more about Asphalt, the repair process, and why it's important to do on a regular basis.
What is Asphalt?
Asphalt is a dark, black, and sticky material that is used to pave roads, parking lots, and other surfaces. It is made from a mixture of sand, gravel, and bitumen, which is a thick, sticky substance that is made from petroleum. Asphalt is a durable and long-lasting material that can withstand heavy traffic and weather conditions. It is also relatively inexpensive, which makes it a popular choice for paving surfaces.
Why is Repairing Asphalt Important?
Asphalt repair is important because it can extend the life of your asphalt surface, improve safety, and reduce maintenance costs.
- Extending the life of your asphalt surface: Asphalt repair can help to extend the life of your asphalt surface by preventing further damage from cracks, potholes, and other defects. This can save you money in the long run by reducing the need for expensive replacement.
- Improving safety: Asphalt repair can help to improve safety by filling in cracks and potholes that can cause accidents. This is especially important for areas with high traffic volume, such as roads and parking lots.
- Reducing long-term maintenance costs: Asphalt repair can help to reduce maintenance costs by preventing small problems from developing into larger ones. This can save you money on future repairs and maintenance.
Things that can Damage Asphalt
- Water: Water can seep into cracks in the asphalt and freeze, causing the asphalt to break apart. It can also cause the asphalt to become soft and mushy, which can make it more susceptible to damage from heavy traffic.
- Heavy traffic: Heavy traffic can cause the asphalt to break down over time. The weight of the vehicles can cause the asphalt to crack and rut.
- Tree roots: Tree roots can grow under the asphalt and cause it to heave and crack. The roots can also release chemicals that can break down the asphalt.
- Oil and grease: Oil and grease can ruin asphalt by breaking down the asphalt binder. The asphalt binder is a sticky substance that holds the asphalt together.
Repairing Asphalt
Inspect the Surface
During this step, we look for any cracks, potholes, or other damage. We will remove any loose debris to see the extent of the damage. This gives us a proper assessment to perform the repairs needed.
Clean the Asphalt
Cleaning the surface thoroughly is one of the most important steps. Using a commercial pressure washer, we remove all dirt, debris, and oil from the asphalt surface. This will help the repair materials adhere to the asphalt completely.
Repair Cracks and Potholes
Using crack filler or pothole patches, we repair any cracks or potholes in the asphalt. This ensures the foundation of the asphalt is solid before we apply the sealcoating.
Allow Repairs to Cure
We give ample time for all our repairs to cure and dry completely. Slacking on this step will lead to inevitable damage and repairs down the road.
Apply Sealcoating
We use a high-grade commercial sealcoating to make sure the entire asphalt surface is sealed from the elements. This step is extremely important because it ensures water doesn't seep into the asphalt below. When water seeps into asphalt cracks, it can expand and contract and cause severe damage to an asphalt surface.
Repair Costs
The cost of asphalt repair depends on the size and extent of the damage, as well as the materials and labor costs necessary to get the job done effectively and done right the first time.
Here are some general estimates for common asphalt repair projects:
- Crack filling: Crack filling is the relatively inexpensive part of the process but it's important to get right. The cost of crack filling typically ranges from $1 to just over $3 per linear foot depending on the size of the project.
- Pothole repair: Pothole repair is a more expensive repair than crack filling. The cost of pothole repair typically ranges from $50 to $200 per pothole depending on the extent of the damage.
- Asphalt sealcoating: Sealcoating varies in price depending on the surface. We recommend contacting us to give you a more accurate quote.