FAQs
Western Canada’s GREENER Way to Repair Asphalt
Frequently asked questions.
WHAT IS ASPHALT RECLAIMING?
Asphalt reclaiming is the process of taking waste asphalt or stockpiled plant mix and slowly heating it up to working temperature where the asphalt can then be used as new pavement or patch material to repair existing pavement.
Performing the process of recovering ensures a better bond between the existing, surrounding asphalt and the now warm fill asphalt.
DOES THE WEATHER AFFECT THE ABILITY TO USE INFRARED DURING COLD MONTHS?
Outside temperatures will affect the time that you will need to allow for full depth penetration. This will vary slightly from season to season, but you can conduct repair operations on a year round basis. The outside temperatures will not compromise your ability to create thermally bonded surfaces, or full depth repairs.
CAN INFRARED BE USED TO CORRECT REFLECTIVE CRACKING?
If an inadequate support causes the reflective cracking, then the answer is no. The key to a successful infrared application relies on having a quality base. If your base lacks proper drainage, or is of a material that causes the surface to shift, the infrared process will dress up the area, but the reflective crack will work back through.
WILL INFRARED PENETRATE THROUGH MULTIPLE LIFTS?
YES, if done in steps. If you had a single course of asphalt 3 inches thick, the rays would penetrate through the entire course. If you were to have 1″ overlay on top of that 3″ course, the rays would penetrate only the overlay, or one course at a time. The solution is to rake back the softened course, exposing the next course to heat. The rays then penetrate the exposed course. Utilizing the proper steps, you can achieve full depth penetration. Full depth penetration is not called for in certain situations. In the case of many potholes, the multiple layers will be exposed to the infrared rays already.
WILL INFRARED PENETRATE THROUGH WATER?
NO, infrared rays are unable to penetrate standing water such as you might find in a bird bath. Any standing pools of water should be swept away prior to heating otherwise the asphalt underneath will not properly heat. Moisture or dampness will have no effect on penetration.
DOES INFRARED REPAIR/RECLAIMING CHANGE THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PAVEMENT?
Very slightly, we have received results from our lab tests that indicate no differences in physical properties or characteristics of the pavement. Please keep in mind that pavement characteristics vary from different geographic locations. Remember true infrared is a ray and does not require excessive amounts of heat to accomplish its task.
Infrared and conventional repair are similar in the respect that you only achieve good results from taking the time and proper steps to insure a quality job. This includes preparation, proper luting, and correct compaction. If any of these elements are missing then the result will suffer. We feel that infrared excels in the areas of application, seasonable usage, and the permanence of the repairs.
WHAT APPLICATIONS CAN INFRARED BE USED FOR?
- Catch Basins
- Railway Crossings
- Utility Cuts
- Potholes
- Street Imprinting Contractors
- Cracked Areas with Base
- Manhole Covers
- Bridge and Ramp work
- Expansion Joints
- Levelling Frost Heaves
- Placing rings for resurfacing over manholes
- Leveling seams in parking lots and roadways
- Building up road shoulders and drain gutters
- Keyholes
- Airport Runways
- Reshaping asphalt: Redirect water flow/prevent unwanted runoffs
- Reshaping asphalt: Around drain areas
- Pavers: Joining side street to a repaved street
- Tennis Courts: Remove coatings, fix joints, cracks
- Manhole Covers: Shape asphalt so Snow Plows don’t hit lips
- Bridges: Removing asphalt from wooden bridge decks
- Help install risers on manhole covers on newly paved roads
- Make a clean joint where asphalt meets concrete
- Remove asphalt from cobblestones to restore old streets
- Help pavers achieve smoothness, bonus for roads
- Aid to Stripers: Dry out pavement in the morning
- Help with thermoplastic striping
- Help achieve adhesion and compaction along cold joints
- Help pavers avoid tender spots (Early cooling in spots, causing poor compaction)
- Drying out pavement after wet grinding operations