Why repairing asphalt potholes is important to the overall performance of your parking lot.
Asphalt is an extremely durable substance, but it’s certainly not indestructible. Cracks that appear due to heavy use, extreme weather, and other events can turn into potholes as the changing seasons cause a contraction and expansion to occur. As a business owner, repairing asphalt potholes is a responsibility that you must tend to right away.
1. The Importance of Pothole Repair
Everyone who’s driven a motor vehicle has most likely hit quite a few potholes in their lifetime. It’s an unpleasant thing, especially when one has gotten big enough to make a real impact when you drive over it. Repairing asphalt potholes on your property must be done right away because once a one has formed; it doesn’t take long for it to get larger and more damaging. Not only will this give your property an unsightly appearance, customers and clients won’t look at you favorably when they hit one.
2. Five Choices for Pothole Repair
The good news is that there are different options available when repairing asphalt potholes, depending on a few factors. The best solution will always be to enlist the assistance of a professional company specializing in asphalt paving, asphalt repair, and asphalt sealcoating in Tampa, but these five choices may be available:
3. Throw-and-Go Solution
The quickest solution is to fill the pothole with cold mix asphalt until it sits above the surface. Once that’s done, tamp it down with either your hand or by driving a car’s tire back and forth over it. This is also the least effective method, which means it’s definitely meant for the short term.
4. High-Performance Mix
This asphalt mixture combines aggregate and emulsion, allowing it to adhere to both itself and the pavement. This mixture is available in bags or in bulk, is resistant to moisture, and can be designed to work in specific climates. While it’s more expensive than cold mix asphalt, it will usually last quite a bit longer, making it more cost-efficient in the end.
5. Infrared Repair Option
The first step in infrared repair is to heat the damaged area so that it’s more malleable. The next part involves raking the pavement and adding asphalt mix, along with spraying it with a rejuvenator. After that, compact the heated area to complete the process. This isn’t a long-term solution and is used most effectively as a temporary quick fix or to treat cracks before they turn into potholes.
6. Spray Patching Process
With this process, air pressure first blows water and debris from the pothole. After it’s been cleared, spray a tack coat of binder on the sides and bottom. Once that’s done, a high degree of air pressure is used to blow asphalt and aggregate into the hole, followed by the patched area being covered with a layer of aggregate. This process allows the pavement to be used immediately after the work is complete.
7. Remove and Replace
If you want the very best results, this approach is the one you want to choose. While it’s more expensive, in part because it requires more labor and equipment, it will improve the pavement structure and last much longer than other methods.
The Importance of Professional Repair
Although you may be inclined to take on the task of repairing asphalt potholes yourself, this is definitely one job that should always be left to the professionals. An experienced, well-trained team has the equipment and know-how needed to ensure that the job is done right the first time and that the results last as long as possible. You can always treat do-it-yourself methods as a stopgap procedure, but hiring a professional is the best plan of action.
Contact Parking Lot Services for Asphalt Repair in Tampa
Parking Lot Services specializes in asphalt installation, paving, repair, sealcoating, and related services. If you have any questions about repairing asphalt potholes or are in need of our parking lot repair services, call (813) 563-6189 today for assistance.