Blog / Asphalt Repair

How Do Professionals Restore Functionality to Damaged Driving Surfaces?

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When damage appears on your driveway or parking lot, it's important to get it taken care of quickly. We can tell you if you need asphalt patching for more targeted fixes or a more comprehensive asphalt repair & maintenance to keep your drive or parking lot clear and smooth.

The Asphalt Repair & Maintenance Process

Initial Assessment

We usually begin by walking every square foot of the surface to look for patterns in the damage. Is it isolated or widespread? Does it follow drainage paths? We check the edges where vegetation might push in or where water pools and use tools like measuring wheels and core samples to help us understand the depth of the problem.

Thorough Explanation

We'll point out in plain terms which spots need immediate patching versus areas that could respond well to sealing, and why. Our goal is avoid both over-treating and missing any critical spots. 

Preparing the Surface

The first step is to sweep everything off, power wash any oil stains, and remove loose material. If we need to do a deep repair, our crew will cut clean edges around the damaged sections using saws to create straight lines so the new material bonds well to the old. Vacuuming or blowing out dust ensures nothing interferes with the adhesion process.

Asphalt Patching

When dry conditions at the right temperatures are forecast (which is important so the materials set correctly), we'll start patching. Targeted patching restores load-bearing capability in specific spots, and for small potholes, we'll apply a tack coat before filling. Hot mix asphalt is going to give you the strongest bond for permanent repairs. In high-traffic spots, we sometimes use infrared heating to blend that new material in. 

For larger areas that need partial-depth or full-depth removal, there are some extra steps. Partial-depth repair works when the base is still solid. You mill it down to remove the worn top layer, and then new asphalt goes down. Full-depth repair goes down to the subgrade and is the right choice when structural failure has occurred. 

Crack Sealing and Filling

If you just have cracks, or if there are cracks in addition to the major holes, we'll fix these using a hot, rubberized sealant that can flex with temperature changes and keep water out. We apply it slightly overfilled and then tool it smooth to prevent it getting tracked around.

Sealcoating

After the structural repairs, we'll do sealcoating. This creates a barrier against UV rays, water, and chemicals and slows down the oxidation process that makes asphalt brittle. If you get sealcoating every few years, that'll keep your pavement surface flexible and dark and extend the life of the pavement.

Line Striping and Safety Markings

If needed, we'll re-apply lines and safety markings after the repair. We use high-quality paint or thermoplastic materials and follow all ADA compliance procedures.

Give us a call at PowerSurge Plus today to schedule an assessment. Our experienced team will give you results that keep your pavement functional and looking sharp. We've got over 25 years of focused local expertise in asphalt maintenance in Philly, Bucks and Montgomery Counties, and throughout PA, NJ, and DE.

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