FEATURE
INFRARED
PAVEMENT REPAIR
The steps to a durable solution
By Jeff Winke
G iven the options , it is becoming clear that infrared repair may be the best choice for performing critical asphalt pavement repairs that do not need more extensive resurfacing or replacement . It is the process through which existing , damaged pavement is heated and replenished before being mixed with new asphalt and compacted .
An infrared heating unit heats in-place asphalt to soften it to a workable state . New asphalt can be added if needed to fuse seamlessly to the old . Compared to the old saw-cut method , where a square of damaged asphalt is cut out , removed and filled with new hot mix asphalt , the infrared method eliminates the seams that can ruin the effectiveness of saw-cut patches . The infrared advantage is the feathered joining of the new patch material to the surrounding pavement . Being seamless can eliminate water infiltration . Saw-cut seams permit rainfall to enter , which can introduce moisture and freeze / thaw damage into the patch , which means many such patches will have to be redone yearly or sooner .
What is the process in order to make sure your infrared repair lasts ? There are numerous information articles and howto videos available . Ray-Tech Infrared , KM International and ARS , LLC all have several instructional videos that address how best to use infrared asphalt recyclers for repairing compromised pavement . www . callape . com [ 18 ] 1.800.210.5923