Asphalt Patching & Repairs

The team at Airtight Construction has been in the Bay Area asphalt construction and repair business for more than four decades. Over that time, we have seen the importance of maintaining and repairing damaged areas on your existing asphalt surfaces. Regular maintenance is the only way to preserve asphalt pavements and prevent mounting repair costs.

Your old asphalt should last up to 15 years before you need a replacement. Asphalt longevity depends on the traffic, climatic conditions, and how well it is maintained.

Regularly maintained asphalt parking lots and driveways will last and look better for longer.

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TYPES OF ASPHALT DAMAGE WE REPAIR

There’s a reason we pave public roads with asphalt. Asphalt offers a smooth surface, improving fuel consumption and reducing noise. Asphalt is quick to repair, minimizing traffic disruption. In an emergency, a cold patch can reduce the risk and maintain traffic flow while more extensive repairs are planned.

Still, asphalt does have downsides, the most common of which is cracking. That’s why you should regularly inspect your paving and repair cracks as soon as they appear. Preventative maintenance, like regular sealing, will help to prolong the asphalt’s life by keeping water out and preventing cracks. Even so, cracks will appear sooner or later.

Various asphalt cracks require different repair procedures. Types of cracks include:

SLIPPAGE CRACKS

Paving contractors create asphalt paving by layering asphalt on top of base layers of sand and rock. If the bond between the layers isn’t strong enough, the mix will slip and form what looks like stretch marks. These are slippage cracks.

ALLIGATOR CRACKS

Alligator cracks, also known as fatigue cracks, result from overloading. These cracks indicate a weakened structure and may result from poor installation or drainage problems. The cracks may originate with the foundation layers. A full-depth patch is the only way to remedy these cracks before they spread.

BLOCK CRACKS

Block cracks form geometrically in joined rectangular shapes. If the asphalt mix contains too much aggregate and is not wet enough when laid, temperature changes will cause the material to expand and contract. This causes block cracking.

EDGE CRACKS

Crescent-shaped edge cracks result from unsupported edging. Plant growth and poor drainage may also cause edge cracks. Before we repair cracks of this sort, we will identify the cause and rectify the problem.

LONGITUDINAL CRACKS

Longitudinal cracks run lengthwise down the pavement, resulting from poor construction methods.

TRAVERSE CRACKS

Traverse cracks run across the paving from edge to edge. The source of these cracks is rooted in the base layers.

ASPHALT REPAIR SERVICES

Failing to fill small cracks in your asphalt paving is a big mistake that could result in more extensive damage. Small cracks eventually grow into alligator cracks or potholes. Early detection and asphalt paving repair will save you money.

If the cracks are small enough, we can repair them by pouring hot sealant into them to prevent future damage. The sealant keeps water and other contaminants out. If there is, however, a deeper issue, your asphalt paving may need more extensive repairs. An Airtight Construction asphalt contractor can assess the scope of the problem, formulating an optimal solution for the asphalt paving cracks.

Our Comprehensive Asphalt Repair Services include:

Pothole Repair: Potholes pose a safety hazard and can lead to more extensive damage unless you repair them. Our skilled team uses quality new asphalt and tried and trusted processes to ensure that the pothole repair holds.
Crack Sealing: Asphalt cracks can compromise the pavement’s structural integrity. Specialized sealants create a protective barrier on the driveway to extend the asphalt surface and prevent water infiltration, reducing the likelihood of further damage.
Surface Patching: Surface patches address localized damage. We’ll assess the damage and apply patching techniques to restore the parking lot to its original smooth finish.
Overlay and Resurfacing: For more extensive damage or aging surfaces, overlay and resurfacing are viable options. This involves applying a new asphalt layer over the existing pavement, providing a fresh and durable paved surface.
Routine Maintenance: Routine maintenance ensures your asphalt looks good and lasts longer. We offer routine maintenance services like cleaning, sealcoating, and minor repairs to address issues before they escalate.

The Asphalt Repair Process

Hot asphalt, also known as hot mix asphalt (HMA), is crucial for roadway repairs and construction because it is durable, flexible, and can withstand heavy traffic loads. Here’s an overview of the asphalt repair process.

Asphalt Assessment

We thoroughly assess the area before we plan the asphalt driveway repairs. We’ll identify the extent and source of the damage. Our repair plan outlines the process and materials required.

Surface Preparation

Successful asphalt repairs depend on proper surface preparations. The damaged area is cleaned, removing debris, loose asphalt, and vegetation. This ensures a clean and stable surface for the new asphalt layer.

Pothole Repair

The damaged area is squared off or cut to create clean edges. This creates a stable base patching. Hot asphalt is poured into the pothole and leveled to match the surrounding surface. Heavy equipment compacts the asphalt mixture for optimal density.

Crack Sealing

We thoroughly clean the paving cracks to remove debris and moisture. We apply a crack sealant to the cracks, creating a waterproof seal. This halts crack progression and enhances the pavement’s structural integrity.

Overlay and Resurfacing

Where damage is extensive or the pavement shows signs of aging, we may recommend an overlay or resurfacing. The existing surface is cleaned to apply a new layer of hot asphalt, providing a smooth and durable surface.

Compaction

Compaction is a critical step in the asphalt repair process. Compaction ensures proper bonding between the new asphalt and the existing surface, creating a strong and stable roadway.

Cooling and Setting

Once the hot asphalt is properly compacted, it begins to cool and set. During the process, the asphalt hardens to achieve its desired strength. Traffic is restricted from the repaired area until the asphalt is completely cool.

Striping and Markings

Striping and pavement markings are applied once the asphalt has cured. This includes painting lane lines, crosswalks, and other necessary road markings to guide traffic. Where necessary we’ll replace or repair concrete curbs.

Call Airtight Construction for all your Bay Area asphalt repairs. We have the skills and equipment to restore your asphalt surfaces and extend their lifespan.