What is infrared asphalt repair, anyway? It could be just the thing to fix your pavement.

Asphalt repairs are necessary at some point, whether for your driveway, the business parking lot, or the highway. Not all asphalt damage can be repaired, but for damages that are salvageable, you can take advantage of the method called infrared asphalt repair.

What Infrared Asphalt Repair?

Infrared asphalt repair, also known as IRR, is a method of asphalt repair wherein a repairman uses an infrared plate to heat up the repair area and remold the surface layer, adding new asphalt mix if necessary. Instead of removing and replacing the broken asphalt, you can just soften it with heat and reshape it.

How Does It Work?

As described above, IRR softens the asphalt with infrared heat. What are the steps involved?

1. Clean the affected area of debris with a blower or a broom.
2. Apply the infrared panel to the repair spot and heat the area to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. The time it takes to soften the asphalt adequately depends on the area’s size and the weather.
3. Remove the infrared panel.
4. Rake the softened asphalt so it is level.
5. Add the appropriate materials like asphalt rejuvenator and new asphalt mix if needed.
6. Grade the area with a lute.
7. Compact the asphalt with a vibratory roller.
8. Allow the repaired asphalt to cure until it is ready for traffic. It can be ready in as soon as 20 minutes.

Applications and Conditions

What projects can infrared asphalt repair take on? The project must start with a clean surface, so it cannot take place on a surface with excessive dirt and debris. It also cannot handle projects involving standing water, as the infrared panel cannot penetrate underwater asphalt. You should also replace asphalt pavement if the damage is across a very large portion or affects the sublayers.

Now that you know what IRR cannot repair, let’s see what it can do.

• Potholes
• Cracks
• Ruts
• Unevenness
• Gouges

Other than repairs, infrared heating can also help achieve the following:

• Creating rumble strips
• Smoothing transition between old and new pavement
• Removing oil stains
• Creating maintenance hole transitions
• Bonding speed bumps to pavement

Does Your Pavement Need Infrared Asphalt Repair?

Infrared asphalt repair is helpful in many asphalt repair cases, but not all. Contact Tri-State Paving to see if IRR is the right solution for your asphalt repair needs.

Receive Asphalt Paving Services with Tri-State Paving

Call Tri-State Paving. We’re a seasoned asphalt pavement company based in Maryland and have the experience and knowledge to help you turn your backyard into the perfect retreat quickly and affordably. Our experts will work with you to find a design and layout for the outdoor kitchen and dining area that you’re sure to love for years and years to come.

Our area numbers are:

West Chester: 610.563.9456

Oxford: 610.932.3566

Delaware: 302.757.4100

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