EXPERT ADVICE
“ “ Infrared asphalt repair leaves sealed watertight joints for longer durability of a repair patch . The repair requires less equipment on the site , and is quiet and less intrusive .” “
“ Here ’ s a step-by-step guide to the repair process : 1 . The area to be treated is swept free from debris and thoroughly dried out , ensuring that nothing blocks the infrared repair process from reaching the asphalt surface . 2 . An infrared heater is placed above the damaged asphalt area and is heated for about 5-10 minutes . This heating time may vary depending on the existing aggregate , the season , and the depth of the damage . More extensive damage takes longer to treat . 3 . Once heated , the area to be repaired is raked , removing loose and failed aggregate . 4 . A rejuvenator is added to the remaining aggregate , replenishing oils lost through age and oxidization . 5 . New asphalt is added and mixed , ensuring the asphalt is graded to the proper level . 6 . Once mixed , the area is compacted with a multi-ton vibratory roller or plate , creating a seamless patch .
With this background in mind , how can a contractor best sell infrared asphalt repair ? When should infrared be used to repair damaged asphalt ?
“ The question really should be : When should infrared NOT be used to repair damaged asphalt ,” stated R . E . Kieswetter , P . Eng ., president , Heat Design Equipment Inc ., Kitchener , Ontario , Canada . “ Our opinion is that as long as the subgrade does not appear to be rolling , we would recommend infrared to meet most needs of pavement owners . It is important to realize that using infrared instead of cutting out the bad area reduces the CO2 emissions by some 50 %, and with recent climate change disclosures , all pavement owners should look at extending the life of their pavements by hot-in-place patch repair .”
For many , infrared asphalt repair is the go-to first choice for correcting pavement damage .
“ Infrared repair can be used for a variety of repair applications , but some of the more common repairs include potholes , cold seams , damage around storm drains , utility cut repairs , alligatored areas ,” said Michael Blake , director of marketing , KM International , North Branch , Michigan . “ It is important to note that when a base failure occurs , or is in the process of occurring , infrared can be used ; however , if the base failure is not addressed directly , infrared may only be a temporary solution .”
There is agreement among the experts that infrared asphalt repair technology may not be the best solution for severe repairs .
Jeff LeClair , senior business development executive for Ray-Tech Infrared , Charlestown , New Hampshire , stated that “ infrared asphalt repair is best when a repair is NOT a replacement of an entire area , roadway , parking lot or driveway due to foundational earth and water issues .”
Rose Paving cautioned , “ Infrared repair is an intermediate solution to pavement failure , not a permanent one . Unfortunately , infrared repair won ’ t solve all of your paving woes . If there are deeper structural or base problems with your asphalt , those can ’ t be fixed using this method . Infrared repair can be used to prevent existing damage from worsening , but areas with serious structural issues will likely fail again within 12-24 months of repair .”
However , infrared asphalt repair does play a significant role in contractors ’ pavement maintenance and repair solutions .
LeClair outlined three key features of infrared technology which can be used to sell customers on the methodology : 1 . Seamless outcome as joints are fused hot material against hot material . 2 . Clean results with almost no waste . 3 . Less traffic or public disruption due to speed of repairs
Kieswetter added that “ infrared asphalt repair leaves sealed watertight joints for longer durability of a repair patch . The repair requires less equipment on the site , and is quiet and less intrusive .”
Since infrared repairs utilize in-place recycling of existing asphalt , it means the solution is environmentally friendly , and can be described as being a “ green technology .”
A big benefit of infrared repair technology is how quickly repairs can be made .
“ If you are working with a commercial customer on a parking lot you can perform a repair in about 1 / 3 the time as traditional methods resulting in less disruption to traffic flow ,” Blake said . “ Additionally , in most cases , infrared is a more cost-efficient option .”
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