What is Asphalt Repair?

Asphalt repair encompasses a range of restoration techniques designed to fix structural damage to your pavement. This includes patching potholes, replacing damaged sections, addressing drainage issues, and rebuilding areas where the asphalt has failed completely.

How Professional Asphalt Repair Works

The repair method depends on the extent and type of damage:

-Pothole Repair: We remove all loose and damaged material, clean the area thoroughly, and check the base for stability. If the base is sound, we fill the hole with hot asphalt mix and compact it to match the surrounding surface level. For deeper holes or unstable bases, we may need to rebuild the foundation layers first.

-Infrared Repair: For larger damaged areas, we use infrared heating equipment to soften the existing asphalt, remove damaged material, add new asphalt, and blend everything together for a seamless repair that bonds chemically with the surrounding pavement.

-Full-Depth Reconstruction: When damage extends through the entire asphalt thickness into the base layers, we excavate the failed area, rebuild the foundation with proper materials and compaction, then install new asphalt in lifts to match the surrounding pavement thickness.

Why Prompt Asphalt Repair is Essential

Damaged asphalt doesn't just look bad – it creates safety hazards and leads to accelerated deterioration of surrounding areas. Here's why quick action matters:

-Safety concerns: Potholes and raised areas can damage vehicles, cause accidents, and create liability issues for property owners.

-Spreading damage: Water infiltration through damaged areas weakens adjacent asphalt, causing the problem area to grow larger over time.

-Foundation protection: Addressing surface damage quickly prevents water from reaching and damaging the expensive base layers underneath.

-Cost escalation: Small repairs become major reconstruction projects when neglected. The cost difference can be 10-20 times higher when problems are allowed to spread.

Signs That Indicate Need for Asphalt Repair

Call for professional repair when you notice:

-Potholes of any size (even small ones will grow rapidly)

-Areas where the asphalt has sunken or raised significantly

-Large cracks (wider than 1/4 inch) or interconnected crack patterns

-Areas where you can see the base material through the asphalt

-Persistent drainage problems causing water to pond on the surface

-Areas where vehicles bottom out or where walking is difficult

-Sections that feel soft or spongy when you walk or drive on them

Emergency repairs needed for:

-Any hole deep enough to damage vehicle tires or undercarriages

-Areas with sharp edges that could cause tripping hazards

-Damage that affects drainage and causes water to flow toward buildings

The Bottom Line: Preventive Maintenance Saves Money

Regular maintenance through sealcoating, crack filling, and prompt repairs typically costs 25-30% of what complete asphalt replacement would cost, while extending your pavement's life by 15-20 years. The key is working with experienced professionals who understand local climate conditions and use quality materials applied with proper techniques.

At Midwest Asphalt, we've seen firsthand how proper maintenance transforms aging, deteriorating pavement into smooth, attractive surfaces that serve property owners well for decades. Don't wait until small problems become big expenses – contact us today for a professional assessment of your asphalt surfaces.