Thursday, February 26, 2009

Dirt Coming Through Blacktop

When answering this question it is important to first understand exactly how the mud got there and it all comes back to proper preventative maintenance. Typically, if you see mud showing through in your blacktop it means that water usually by way of a surface crack has penetrated beyond the gravel base and into the underlying soil layer. If this happens, mud can then be pumped up into the grave acting as a lubricant and causing the overlaying asphalt to shift as cars and trucks drive across it. You see this a lot in areas which have a vast amount of cracks and in many cases inadequate drainage.

The solution is a full depth replacement. Simply putting a patch over such a repair will only cover the problem temporarily, causing it to worsen. With a full-depth replacement our crew will come in tear out the damaged blacktop and gravel layer and replace it with new stone and newly laid asphalt. Important to note here – this fix among several others in many cases could have been avoided with proper asphalt maintenance, like crack filling and sealer, which studies prove can add up to 30-50% more life span to your lot, eliminating costly repairs.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Differences Between Patching, Peel & Pave, and Mill & Pave

Asphalt Patching
Patching is a common asphalt repair in areas where the asphalt has cracked, but the base is still stable, or in areas where potholes have occurred. This process begins by cleaning the repair area and applying a tack coat to help the new asphalt adhere to the existing surface. A layer of asphalt is then installed upon the existing surface; the depth will vary from 1”-2.5” depending on the severity of the existing damage. Patching is a cheap solution to asphalt defects; however it will not last as long as removal and replacement. Eventually cracking will reflect through the new patch, or spread beyond the patch.
Asphalt Removal & Replacement
Asphalt removal and replacement or as we call it “peel & pave” is another common repair. The repair is often prescribed for areas with cracking and or base/failure. This process begins by saw cutting the perimeter of the repair area in order to achieve a clean edge. After the edges are saw cut, the existing asphalt is removed to the depth specified. Typically the new asphalt is installed in 2 lifts; a binder course usually at 3” is followed by a 1” top course. The depth of repair will vary dependent upon the extent of existing damage, and/or the load requirements needed to be met. By adding up to 10 times more life span than patch work, asphalt removal & replacement is often a very cost effective fix for your surface’s distressed areas.
Mill & Pave
Milling, or grinding, takes a much different approach than either patching or peel & pave in that it removes built-up layers of deteriorated asphalt down to a specific depth, making room for a new surface, by actually grinding up the existing asphalt into a tiny like gravel. The millings, as they are often referred to are then hauled off site and can easily be recycled. The newly grinded surfaced is then layered with tack and set to receive a fresh smooth coat of asphalt. In many cases this type of fix is done on much larger areas where a peel and pave or patch is just not sufficient.