It’s pretty common to see some cracks or other damage in parking lots, walkways, roads, etc. since it’s a natural process of pavement deterioration. However, those cracks speed up the process if they’re left alone, and the pavement will need to be completely replaced before their time if other actions aren’t taken. So, when the base of the pavement is still structurally sound, some cost-effective solutions can be utilized instead.
Firstly, surface patching can repair a damaged area for a more affordable option than complete replacement. We start by cleaning the area, and then we apply a tack coat known as asphalt glue. New asphalt is paced on the area, and one of our experts uses a special machine to smooth it down into a compact and durable surface. To finish, we blend the edges to ensure the surface is level and ready to withstand its usual traffic.
Mill patching, a similar process, has the patch areas milled down to ensure a level finish with the existing pavement. It just depends on the current state of the pavement and which process would be best.
When larger areas have deteriorated, but still have the appropriate structure, then we recommend an overlay. Just like patching, we ensure that the existing pavement allows for it. The overlay process starts with milling down the affected area and then repairs it with a new layer of asphalt. It’s typically used along concrete and tight drainage areas.
While similar, the patching and overlay process are more effective for different areas, so it’s important to have an expert evaluate your current pavement, its stability, and where it can improve. These options are a great alternative to a complete replacement when it is not needed, so we try to use these more cost-effective solutions whenever applicable.