MARVIN JOLES
W hen I first started in asphalt maintenance, sealcoating was the bread and butter. It was the service most customers knew, and it kept us busy season after season. But as time went on, I realized there was a gap between sealcoating and full-depth replacement that was needed in some areas. Cracksealing those areas made for large rubbered areas, which created a mess, and just wasn’ t the“ right” repair. Cutting it and replacing it was. Here was the problem, I didn’ t have the manpower or equipment to do those types of repairs. People needed permanent repairs without the cost and disruption of tearing out sections of pavement. That’ s when I discovered the value of infrared asphalt repair, after discovering the machines at an expo— and it’ s a game-changer if you’ re looking to expand your services. For anyone just getting started, there is a learning curve that I discovered the hard way. I’ m here so you don’ t have to, here’ s what you need to know.
What is Infrared Asphalt Repair?
Infrared repair uses a machine that heats the existing asphalt surface with infrared rays, softening it without burning. This allows you to rework the pavement in place. Instead of cutting and patching, you’ re essentially rejuvenating the asphalt, adding new hot mix as needed, and compacting it back into a seamless repair. The key is the bond. Because the edges stay heated and workable, the repair fuses into the surrounding asphalt instead of leaving a cold joint. To your customer, that means no saw cuts, no ugly patch lines, and a fix that blends in almost like nothing happened.
Why Add It to Your Business?
If you’ re already sealcoating or doing small maintenance jobs, infrared repair fills a natural gap in your service menu. Here’ s how, and why:
IN THE MIX
ADDING INFRARED ASPHALT REPAIR to Your Sealcoating Business
MARVIN JOLES
3. Upsell Potential – Sealcoating customers are often sitting on small potholes, birdbaths, or uneven spots. Infrared lets you solve those problems while you’ re already on-site. With little added service time.
4. Professional Image – Offering infrared repair positions your company as a“ full-service” pavement maintenance provider. It sets you apart from the sealcoat-only companies that may be competing with you.
What You’ ll Need to Get Started
• The Infrared Heater: There are trailer-mounted units, walk-behind options, and larger truck setups. Start with what matches your job size and budget.
• Hot Box or Asphalt Access: You’ ll want fresh hot mix on hand to blend into repairs. Some units come with built-in hot boxes. We use a dump trailer at Wis-Coat, but originally, I used a truck bed and a shovel.
• Standard Tools: Lutes, rakes, infrared-safe rejuvenator if needed, and a quality plate compactor or roller.
• Training: The process is simple, but like any trade skill, there’ s a learning curve. Spend time on practice repairs before rolling it out to paying customers. Most the companies that sell the machines, will assist in helping you get trained.
Best Practices for Beginners
1. Surface Prep Still Matters – Even though you’ re reheating asphalt, clean the area thoroughly. Dirt and debris will compromise the bond. Including heating up old crack sealant. Try to remove as much of it as you can if possible.
1. Higher Profit Margins – Infrared patches can be completed quickly, with less material than traditional cut-and-replace. That efficiency translates to higher margins.
2. Customer Convenience – Driveways and parking lots can often be reopened almost immediately after compaction. No jackhammers, no dump trucks or trailers hauling the cut-out asphalt or debris.
2. Watch Your Heat – Too much time under the heater can scorch the asphalt, ruining its bonding integrity. Too little, and it won’ t work into a seamless patch.
3. Blend Carefully – Feather your edges and compact evenly. The art of infrared is making the repair invisible.
4. Educate Your Customer – Many clients don’ t know this tech-
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