How to Prepare an Area for Asphalt Patch Work to Ensure Long-Term Durability

Asphalt is an incredibly durable material, but eventually, you might notice small cracks, potholes, or soft spots developing. Areas that have cold and wet winters, such as Philadelphia, PA, put the surface under particular strain. The good news is that you don’t need to replace the whole surface, as asphalt patch work can usually rectify the problem. When carried out by experienced professionals, patch work protects the integrity of the asphalt and ensures durability.

How to Prepare an Area for Asphalt Patch Work to Ensure Long-Term Durability

Patching asphalt is a skilled task, especially if you want a seamless finish. An experienced asphalt maintenance and repair company will prepare the damaged area before carrying out the patch work. This is an essential step that ensures the patch joins properly with the existing asphalt and creates a strong bond.

Preparing and Laying Asphalt

Clear the Asphalt

A new patch requires a clear surface for proper adhesion. The first step should therefore always be the removal of all debris, loose asphalt, dirt, and rubble. Do not use water to clean the cracked or broken surface, as this can further jeopardize the structural integrity of the asphalt.

Cut Out the Damaged Area

Using a chisel or saw, the edges of the damaged area should be cut out and shaped. The goal is to create clean, straight edges without any crumbling. This ensures good adhesion when the new patch is laid.

Check the Asphalt Base

After the damaged area has been removed, the sub-base should be checked. Any layers that have been damaged by water should be removed, together with any asphalt that has started to degrade or break down. Tightly compacted gravel can be used as a replacement base, if required.

Lay a Tack Coat

Before adding the new asphalt, a tack coat is applied to the underlying base. This acts as a bonding agent between the new asphalt patch and the base material, creating a tight and impervious bond.

Pour in the Asphalt

The new asphalt mixture should be poured evenly into the hole, starting from the edges. Sufficient asphalt should be added so that it’s slightly higher than the existing level of asphalt. Using a compacting tool, the asphalt patch should be tamped down, leveling the surface to eliminate air pockets and create a smooth finish.

When Should Patch Work on Asphalt Be Done in Philadelphia, PA?

Minor damage can quickly worsen, so it’s preferable to get any patch work done immediately. This can prevent small cracks and potholes from causing major structural failures in the asphalt. Extremely hot or cold weather isn’t ideal for laying asphalt, so it’s preferable to get repairs done in either the fall or spring.

However, don’t delay getting any repairs done just because it’s out of season. The freeze-thaw cycles of Pennsylvania winters can drive water deep into any cracks, so swift action is more important than waiting for ideal conditions. An experienced asphalt repair company will know how to handle the challenges of working on asphalt in all seasons.

If you have any damaged areas of asphalt, we can help. Contact us at PowerSurge Plus in Lansdale, PA to find out more about our services.

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »