Sunday, December 22, 2013

Repair Alligatored Cracks With Use Of Asphalt Patching Technique

By Cornelia White


Asphalt is a durable material that will survive for long if proper preventive maintenance is observed throughout its life. If the pavement suffers from cracks, asphalt patching contractors may help repair those defects and preserve the quality of driveways or parking lots. Pavements are patched when the cracks are large but localized, and if they do not spread in many areas of the roads.

Asphaltic pavements suffer progressive deterioration as they age, and this is caused by the changes in the molecular structure of the material. Through the oxidation process, the materials change from its beautiful black appearance. It fades away thus attaining a grayish color. The quality of blacktop also diminishes and unraveling begins.

The patch method is best used in localized repairs. If you have a few areas that need to be restored, then the method may be appropriate. With time, asphaltic blacktop suffers from the effects of sunlight, water, and substances like salt and gasoline products. Ultraviolet rays lead to hardening and unraveling of blacktop material. As the rays heat the surface directly, they accelerate the oxidizing process leading to unbinding of asphaltic material.

If the damages have affected the sub base layer, patches can help restore them. In this repair process, the ground is properly excavated and all the loose materials are removed. The patches are applied through hot or cold patching process but the process needs to be done by a specialist to avert the applied material from wearing out within a short time.

When ultraviolet rays shine on asphaltic blacktop, they heat and dry the surfaces. Because of loss of elasticity, the blacktop begins to unravel and form cracking. Cracks allow water to enter inside making the sub base aggregate materials loose. If water enters the sub base of driveways and parking lots, it causes many damages.

When the surface is acted upon by moving vehicles weight, it can collapse easily leading to sections of areas which need properly repair. The patch technique is used in areas which have receive extensive damage such a potholes, sink holes, alligatored cracks, and other large damages particularly those which are localized or affect a small area.

As drivers try to avoid hitting the potholes, they may hit other oncoming vehicles leading to accidents. The owners of premises need to make sure they repair the damaged sections of roads to prevent accidents from occurring. Cold patch is applied on the damaged area without heating it. The ground is first prepared by removing any debris and cleaning it properly to ensure it is dry and free of any loose materials.

The cold patch process does not require the use of heavy rolling machines and it is not dependent on warm weather for application. One reason why the asphaltic repair crew uses the cold material is that it retains its pliable properties as the temperature drops. Hot asphaltic mix may also be used to patch the damaged areas of pavements. The asphalt patching contractor will determine which procedure works best and affordably while providing long lasting solutions.




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