Western Canada’s GREENER Way to Repair Asphalt

Why infrared repair is better than conventional methods.

How Does Infrared Repair Stack Up Against Traditional Methods?

Properly repairing road surfaces requires following a series of essential steps, whether you opt for conventional methods or the innovative infrared process. While both approaches aim for durability and effectiveness, each has its limitations depending on the type of repair needed.

Infrared repair offers several advantages over traditional methods by simplifying some of the steps involved, extending your repair season, and delivering a high-quality, long-lasting solution. Let’s explore how this advanced process provides a more efficient and flexible alternative to conventional road repair techniques.

Conventional: (no base problem)

1. 1. Cut out area to be repaired.
   2. Dig out old material.
   3. Load and haul away old material to dump (if possible).
   4. Sweep away loose soil and or standing water.
   5. Prepare surface areas and apply the tack coat to cold edges.
   6. Replace old material with a new mix.
   7. Lute to correct grade.
   8. Compact to correct compression.
   9. Apply sealers as needed.

The steps described is the most familiar method of asphalt repair. The major disadvantage of conventional repair are cold-joints. Even when a very thorough job is done, you are still placing heated material against a cold surface. Whenever you have two materials of varying temperatures placed together, a cold joint is formed, this is a point of weakness. Even with proper compaction there is really nothing for the two surfaces to bond to and eventually these areas separate. This creates a point of entry for debris and water penetration of the base material, ultimately leading to repair failure.

Infrared Repair: (no base problem)

1. 1. Sweep away any loose soil or standing water in the area being repaired.
   2. Position infrared panel over the area being restored.
   3. Allow infrared to penetrate for 5 to 9 minutes depending on the depth, season, and aggregate.
   4. Rake weakened in place material removing old joints, seams and rough areas.
   5. Add the material if necessary to meet grade.
   6. Lute to correct grade.
   7. Compact to correct compression.

When using infrared for repairs, some steps may be similar to other methods, but there are key differences worth noting. Infrared repair focuses on consistently heating and softening an area 8 to 10 inches in size. This ensures that both the repair zone and the surrounding pavement are worked on at the same temperature, eliminating cold joints or seams. The result is a seamless area fully bonded to the existing pavement, reducing points of weakness. This prevents water or debris from penetrating the seams and avoids potential repair failures. It’s important to note that infrared technology works without flames coming into direct contact with the surface—the softening occurs through the unique properties of infrared rays.

The applications of Smartfix Asphalt’s infrared repair and reclaiming are many, and the limitations few.