Tips And Challenges For Hot Weather Application

Marvin Joles III

This summer at Wis-Coat, we have been doing a decent amount of infrared patching. We have used this method and equipment for a few years now and have learned a lot along the way. To say that I had the general idea when we started of how the machines work and the process goes would be correct. But that’s not enough to do infrared patching and repairs in a way that lasts.

I have come to learn through meeting people and interviewing them through Blacktop Banter, that not all regions require the same process when doing infrared patching and that some require a little extra. I am going to do my best to summarize the important things to remember when performing the process in this article.

To get started, let me try to describe the process and reason for infrared patching. Infrared patching is a method for repairing asphalt surfaces that have deteriorated due to age, weather or heavy traffic. It involves heating the existing asphalt with an infrared heater to a pliable state so that it can be blended with new material for a seamless repair. Let’s look at the general process.

Preparation
Examine the area to determine the extent of the damage. Infrared patching works well for issues such as clusters of cracks and small to medium-sized potholes.

Remove any loose debris, rock, dirt, water and vegetation from the damaged area. Use a steel broom or blower to ensure the surface is clean.

Define the Repair Area
Clearly mark the edges of the repair zone. It’s often helpful to use chalk or marking paint.

Heat the Area
Position the infrared heater over the repair area. Once turned on, the machine emits infrared radiation that penetrates the asphalt, warming it to a temperature where it becomes soft and workable.

Heat the area for about 5-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the asphalt and the size of the area. Try to heat the asphalt to approximately 275-325°F (135-163°C).

Asphalt Rake the Surface
Use a rake to mix and loosen the heated asphalt. This process helps in blending the old asphalt with any new material that will be added.

Add New Asphalt and/or Rejuvenator
Add fresh asphalt mix into the heated area. Try to use a quality mix that matches the existing asphalt in terms of composition and grade. If you can’t, try to mix it well with the existing asphalt.

You may want to use, or your equipment manufacturer may recommend using, a type of rejuvenator (oil), which is designed to add life back into the pavement to promote patch longevity.

Use a plate compactor or roller to compress the new asphalt and blend it with the old material.

Time and Curing
Let the patched area cool naturally. Avoid heavy traffic on the patch until it has fully cooled and cured.

After cooling, inspect the repair to ensure it is level and properly integrated with the surrounding asphalt.

Bonus Tips for Successful Infrared Patching

• Perform repairs during favorable weather conditions. Avoid working in extreme cold or rain, as these conditions can affect the effectiveness of the repair.
• Ensure that the infrared heater is properly calibrated.
• Follow all safety guidelines while operating machinery and handling hot materials.

By following these steps, you can effectively perform an infrared patch repair that extends the life of your asphalt surfaces and maintains a smooth, even driving surface. It is a great tool for fixing “new pave” blemishes, as well as a great tool for performing higher performing patches than “cold-mix” options.

As always, if you have any insight or criticisms about this article or anything in it, please feel free to email me at marvin@blacktopbanter.com, and of course, reach out to us at Blacktop Banter on any form of social media. You can listen to the Blacktop Banter Podcast anywhere podcasts are available, and the video versions are always posted to the Blacktop Banter YouTube Channel.

Marvin Joles III, Owner of Wis-Coat Asphalt Maintenance and host of Blacktop Banter podcast. You can listen to and watch Blacktop Banter podcasts by visiting https://blacktopbanter.com