Spring is well on its way which means flowers are blooming, days are getting longer, and orange cones are popping up on the roadways. It is very common for potholes and cracking to form inside asphalt parking lots and roads throughout the winter months. It is even more common for spring to be the best time for cleanup.
When it comes to pothole repair, there are several options available.
Asphalt repair contractors employ several repair methods for potholes. The complexities of the repair will vary based on the method along with the extent of the damage to the asphalt. If your asphalt parking lot needs pothole repair, be sure to educate yourself on these five different types.
1. Throw & Roll Repair
Typically the most simple quick fixes, the throw and roll pothole repair method is exactly as its name suggests. It consists of filling the pothole with asphalt aggregate and then rolling over it with a heavy vehicle or bulldozer. The aggregate will compact into the hole and create a smooth surface again for traffic to drive over. This method is a temporary solution and will not hold for a long time, but it can fix the problem until a contractor can repair the pothole more permanently.
2. Semi-Permanent Repair
Only second to a fully permanent pothole repair, which we’ll get to in a minute, a semi-permanent repair is a great option for your potholes. This repair begins by clearing all water, debris, and other material from the pothole. Next, clean cuts will be made along the edges of the pothole to widen the opening and create a stronger base. After this, an asphalt aggregate is poured into the opening and compacted with a plate or roller. Regular traffic, weather, and other elements will require the pothole to be repaired from time to time once the semi-permanent repair is complete.
3. Permanent or Full-Depth Repair
The best pothole repair option is the permanent or full-depth repair, however, it is also the most complex and most expensive. This is considered the best repair method because it is also considered the most effective and long-lasting. Using the old asphalt that is ground and mixed with water and cement aggregate to produce a base. A durable asphalt surface is created using this base. Being so complex and needing heavy equipment, a full-depth or permanent pothole repair should only be completed by an asphalt contractor.
4. Edge Seal
An edge seal pothole repair begins with the throw-and-roll repair method. Once the pothole has been filled with the asphalt aggregate and then rolled over, an asphalt tack material is then placed around the edge. This will connect the existing pavement with the patched area. Sand is then placed over the area to prevent tire tracks from marking the repair while also preventing the patch from reopening as vehicles drive over.
5. Spray Injection
While the spray injection pothole repair is very similar to the semi-permanent method, it requires a very specialized piece of equipment. Similar to a semi-permanent repair, the pothole is cleaned using a large hose to blow water and debris from the inside. A tack coat of binder is then sprayed on the walls and bottom of the pothole. Asphalt and aggregate are then sprayed into the pothole, which sticks to the binder. The spray injection method does not require compaction because the pothole is filled with a generous layer of aggregate.
Hire A Professional
As you can see, there are several types of pothole repair available. Each comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Whether you are looking for a quick fix that may be a little cheaper, it may not last as long as a more complex solution. Weighing the pro and cons before hiring a contractor to complete the repair is essential so you do what is best for your business.
If you are looking for a professional pothole repair contractor in the greater Mooresville area, Toste Construction is here for you. Our team is experienced in repairing potholes of every size and complexity. We also offer other professional asphalt services to get everything done at once. Contact our office to request your FREE estimate today.
Toste Construction specializes in sealcoating and crack filling to ensure you and your customers have a smooth surface to drive on. We are your Mooresville asphalt and pavement maintenance company. Our services include asphalt sealcoating, striping, patching, pothole repair and crack filling for both residential and commercial projects throughout western North Carolina.