Sunday, December 15, 2013

What You Should Know About Asphalt Patching

By Cornelia White


Asphalt is a popularly used material for the paving of driveways, parking lots and other surfaces. It is popular because of its high durability, strength and cost-effectiveness. However, for this material to last for a long time, it has to be properly maintained. Asphalt patching is one of the maintenance activities that must be done from time to time by property owners.

Patching is normally necessary for the areas where potholes have developed. Potholes happen when water enters into improperly sealed portions of your pavement. Additional damage will then occur when this water freezes because the crack then becomes wider. When the temperature rises and ice melts, there will be a void and the paving in the vicinity will cave in.

The asphalt patching procedure is not complicated. It is done simply by filling the affected portions with a hot or cold mixture of the material. The type of mixture that is used is dependent on the season and the location of your site. Part of the surrounding area will have to be removed so that the repair work will be more effective.

Since water easily gets into the holes, they should be patched immediately they are discovered in order not to cause serious damage. The preparatory stage starts with the removing of any crumbled or dislodged material. The dirt on the surface is then sucked up with the use of a vacuum. The asphalt mix can be poured in once the area is well cleaned.

The property owner should be aware of the cost of this job before the project commences. Factors that will influence the rate you will be given include the level of damage to be repaired and where the site is located. You can obtain quotations from a number of companies so you can compare them. Your costs can be lowered if a contractor that is closer to the site is hired.

Prior to beginning the project, the exact condition of the driveway must be determined. If a substantial portion has crumbled, it is a sign that water has seeped underneath and the gravel is being eroded. If the affected area is too large, your contractor may advise you to replace the whole driveway. If the crumbly portion is small, the gravel can be re-compacted before patching is done.

Choosing the right contractor is vital if you want this job to be correctly done. It should not be difficult to find a company that offers this service in your local area. If you ask other people with similar properties, they should be able to give you the contact details of the service providers that they know.

Through asphalt patching, your investment in your property can be given proper protection. The driveway or parking lot will also last for several years if ongoing maintenance is handed over to a reliable company. Regular application of seal coating will be done. In addition, routine inspections will be carried out to detect areas that are exhibiting signs of deterioration so they can be repaired almost immediately.




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