EXPERT ADVICE
The Infrared Edge , ADDS PROFIT
T here is agreement among those in the know that incorporating infrared asphalt restoration into a current paving business gives a contractor an edge ... adding a service niche that may set them apart from their competition . Infrared allows contractors to provide an alternative to standard methods , such as sawing or cutting patch repair or fixing potholes with a shovel and cold mix . The surface is restored to an “ as before ” condition with seamless , welded edges . No joints for water to see through because it is bonded to the existing pavement around it . Infrared units add extra services to a paving company , bringing in additional revenue . Infrared is simply the absorption of radiation ( heat ) into the damaged asphalt to aid in removal . The next step is to replace with new or reclaimed material and reheat to bond the patch with undamaged areas .
Infrared patching is a pavement repair method of blending new asphalt with existing to create a joint-free integral patch . Its numerous uses include to repair holes and surface deteriorated areas ; to eliminate depressions , water holes , and tripping hazards ; to achieve smooth black top at transition joints ; and for repairing newer pavement without any sawing or cutting . Infrared patching is also used to adjust pavement height to manholes , lower high areas , and repair deteriorated paving seams .
Infrared units in today ’ s market have a wide range of sizes and configurations . They can range from covering 4-squarefeet to 64-square feet . And they are available as walk-behind , truck-mounted , and trailer-mounted units . All units can be used for the same applications , but some may be a better choice than others depending on jobsite conditions .
The question to ask is how does infrared pavement repair contribute to a contractor ’ s business ’ success ?
By Jeff Winke
“ In today ’ s day and age customers are looking for a contractor that can offer all necessary services to complete a job ,” stated Cliff Cameron , president of KM International , North Branch , Mich . “ Most businesses in the asphalt industry focus on one service , paving , sealcoating , line striping ... but many fail to realize the untapped market of pavement maintenance and repair services . Providing a complimentary service such as infrared repair can open up business to a whole new list of prospective customers and give another service to market .”
Offering infrared patching repair services can offer a source of contractor income .
“ Whether you are a paver looking to use the infrared strictly for paving mistakes or a sealcoater looking to bring repair work in house rather than sub-contracting it out , adding infrared can be a real game changer for any pavement maintenance company ,” said Michael Blake , director of marketing , KM International . “ Infrared repair is particularly appealing to those who are new to the pavement industry because it is a relatively low cost equipment set up and the profits yielded can be exponential and can help scale the business quickly . In our experience we have had some new business owners invest in an infrared and hotbox set up and have the equipment paid off within a month or two with work scheduled out for a whole year , infrared is truly that profitable and lucrative .”
Blake provided a contractor example : “ A paving contractor customer who recently finished a new paving job received an $ 80K check for a cold seam repair . With the infrared unit , the customer fixed the cold seam in a few hours and was able to collect the money and in the end their customer was very happy with the job completed . So as much as we talk about the potential money making aspect
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