Asphalt is a great choice for driveways, paths, parking lots, and roads. It’s durable, cost-effective, and can last for years if properly maintained. However, no matter how well you look after it, every asphalt surface will eventually develop cracks or other damage requiring an asphalt repair.
More than just an eyesore, damaged asphalt can even pose safety risks and damage any vehicles that drive over it, so it’s important that it’s repaired as soon as possible. Here, we’ll be taking a look at 5 of the most common asphalt repairs.
Patching
Out of all the asphalt repairs listed here, asphalt patching is by far the simplest and most cost-effective solution. It’s ideal for repairing minor damage and involves patching over small, shallow holes with a hot asphalt mix. The main purpose of an asphalt patch is to prevent water from penetrating the surface of the asphalt and causing further damage. This means that patches need to be applied as soon as any damage is noticed to prevent the damage from spreading and requiring a more comprehensive asphalt repair.
Crack Filling
Cracks in asphalt usually happen when the surface can’t expand or contract in line with temperature changes. Like asphalt patching, crack filling is vital to maintaining the longevity of your asphalt and protecting it against further damage. It’s a process that involves pouring a hot rubberized filler into cracks to prevent water from penetrating them and weakening the gravel sub-base. Bear in mind, however, that the effectiveness of crack filling largely depends on the type of filler used. At Holloway Paving, we use a commercial-grade hot pour rubberized filler to ensure a long-lasting solution.
Seal coating
Asphalt surfaces are often sealed with a sealer to protect them and give them a deep black finish. The seal acts as a protective and sacrificial layer that protects asphalt against water, oil, and weather exposure. Because of this, seal coatings will need to be touched up or reapplied as the surface ages and the elements take their toll on the sealant. Combined with high-quality equipment and the expertise of a professional asphalt repair company, applying a fresh seal coating or resealing your asphalt surface is a cost-effective way to extend its usable life and keep it looking good.
Resurfacing
More than just a simple asphalt repair, resurfacing involves applying a new layer of tar to the existing pavement and adding a new layer of asphalt on top. Despite it being a comprehensive repair, however, resurfacing should not be seen as a cure-all and more extensive damage might require the surface to be completely removed and replaced. This is why you should always have any asphalt damage assessed by a trustworthy asphalt maintenance and repair contractor. Nevertheless, resurfacing asphalt is often still the best solution to breathe new life into an old or worn-out asphalt surface.
Pothole Repairs
Potholes are holes caused by weak areas in the gravel sub-base shifting and dislodging chunks of the pavement. Over time, the weight of vehicles passing over potholes and moisture penetrating the asphalt can cause the surface to break down even further, to the extent where potholes could pose serious safety hazards. Therefore, it’s essential that potholes are quickly repaired. The pothole repair process is similar to asphalt patching and, like all other asphalt repairs, its effectiveness is largely based on choosing the right asphalt paving contractor to carry out the work.
Asphalt Repairs by Calgary’s Most Trusted Paving Company
Asphalt surfaces are by no means small investments and require regular maintenance and repairs by trusted asphalt experts. Here at Holloway Paving, we’ve established a reliable reputation through our quality workmanship and dedication to customer service over the last 20+ years and are proud to be Calgary’s most trusted paving company. Get in touch today to find out more about our asphalt repair services in Calgary.