Asphalt is the most widely used material for paving commercial parking lots, roadways, and other high-traffic surfaces due to its durability and cost-effectiveness. Known for its resilience, asphalt is designed to withstand the wear and tear of constant use, but even the best-maintained asphalt surfaces can develop issues over time. This is especially true in bustling areas like San Diego, where frequent traffic and exposure to the elements can lead to cracks, potholes, and surface degradation.
Today, we will explore asphalt pavement repair and the best techniques to address common asphalt problems, helping you keep your pavement in top condition for the long term!
But before you dive in, are you in Southern California and need your pavement construction done effectively and efficiently? Then, call the experts at TMC Engineering! We’d love to help you with any concrete, asphalt, or gravel work!
A Guide on Asphalt Pavement Repair in San Diego
The asphalt pavement repair process involves assessing the damage, selecting the appropriate repair techniques, and applying them to restore the surface effectively. Repairs may range from simple crack filling to more comprehensive methods like asphalt patching or full-depth reconstruction, depending on the severity of the damage. By understanding each technique, property owners can make informed decisions about which approach will most effectively preserve and enhance their pavement. Selecting the correct repair method is essential to extending the life of asphalt surfaces, particularly in high-use areas.
Choosing the best repair strategy is especially crucial in San Diego, where intense sunlight, variable temperatures, and heavy traffic can accelerate wear on asphalt. These factors mean that repairs in San Diego may require specialized materials or methods to withstand the local climate and continuous exposure to heat and UV rays. Techniques such as crack sealing, pothole repair, and resurfacing are commonly used to combat the effects of the environment and traffic, ensuring that the repairs hold up over time.
By investing in regular asphalt pavement maintenance and timely repairs, San Diego property owners can significantly improve the lifespan of their asphalt surfaces. With proper techniques, such as full-depth repairs or crack sealing, minor issues can be addressed before they become more prominent and costly. Understanding the repair options available allows for better long-term planning and maintenance, helping to keep pavements safe, smooth, and visually appealing in San Diego’s unique climate.
How To Fix Asphalt Pavement Problems in San Diego
In commercial properties, asphalt pavement problems can arise from heavy daily traffic, environmental stress, and general wear and tear over time. Addressing these issues promptly is essential to maintaining safe, durable, and professional-looking surfaces. Here, we’ll explore common asphalt pavement issues in commercial settings, examine the underlying causes of each problem, discuss the risks of neglecting these repairs, and outline effective techniques to restore and protect asphalt surfaces.
Cracking in Asphalt
What Causes Cracking?
Cracks in asphalt, including asphalt driveway cracks and larger commercial cracks, commonly result from temperature fluctuations, water infiltration, and frequent vehicle loads. In San Diego, these factors are compounded by constant exposure to the sun and traffic. Temperature changes cause asphalt to expand and contract, weakening the structure over time.
Risks of Unrepaired Cracks
When left unrepaired, cracks in asphalt can lead to more severe structural issues. Water seeps into these openings, eroding the underlying layers and causing the pavement to weaken over time. This can result in larger, interconnected cracks and even potholes, creating potential hazards and leading to costlier repairs down the line.
Repair Techniques: Crack Sealing and Filling
Crack sealing and filling cracks are highly effective repair methods for commercial properties. Sealing involves applying a hot rubberized solution that prevents water from penetrating the cracks. Filling is also effective for minor cracks and prevents debris from accumulating. Both methods offer a long-term solution and help extend the life of asphalt surfaces in high-traffic areas.
Potholes
What Causes Potholes?
Potholes are often a result of neglected cracks that expand over time. When moisture seeps below the surface, it erodes the base, weakening the structure. Heavy vehicle traffic exacerbates the problem, especially in commercial areas like loading zones and entrances where vehicles apply more concentrated pressure. You can read about this in our post, “What Causes Potholes in the Road?”
Risks of Unrepaired Potholes
Potholes create safety risks, detract from a property’s appearance, and can damage vehicles. If left unchecked, they can expand and become more challenging and expensive to repair. Larger potholes also threaten the underlying asphalt layers, leading to foundational issues. For more on this, please go through our post on why it is important to look out for potholes.
Repair Techniques: Asphalt Patching and Full-Depth Repair
For effective pothole repair, asphalt patching is a quick and cost-effective solution, filling holes with hot mix asphalt applied at the proper application temperature to restore a smooth surface. For severe potholes, full-depth repair may be necessary, involving the removal of damaged layers and replacement with new asphalt. Full-depth repair is ideal for commercial properties, ensuring a permanent repair that can withstand daily heavy traffic. You can also read our post on how to patch holes in concrete for more on repairs on road surfaces.
Raveling (Surface Disintegration)
What Causes Raveling?
Raveling occurs when the asphalt surface begins to degrade and separate, leading to loose gravel and a rough texture. This issue often arises from oxidation due to prolonged sun exposure, poor-quality asphalt mix, or excessive freeze-thaw cycles, although freeze-thaw damage is less common in San Diego.
Risks of Unrepaired Raveling
The pavement’s durability and traction diminish as the surface disintegrates, increasing the risk of vehicle and pedestrian accidents. Unaddressed raveling can worsen quickly, requiring more intensive repairs if allowed to continue.
Repair Techniques: Surface Patching or Resurfacing
For minor raveling, surface patching can temporarily restore the pavement. However, asphalt resurfacing is recommended for larger affected areas, which involves applying a new layer of asphalt over the entire surface. This method restores the pavement’s original smoothness and integrity, making it suitable for commercial properties with significant traffic. You can also read our post on “Asphalt Overlay vs Replacement” for more on raveling repairs on asphalt pavements.
Alligator Cracking
What Causes Alligator Cracking?
Alligator cracking, or fatigue cracking, appears as a series of interconnected cracks resembling reptile skin. This problem is typically caused by structural failure in the pavement, often due to a weakened base layer, insufficient support, or constant heavy loads from commercial vehicles.
Risks of Unrepaired Alligator Cracking
When left unaddressed, alligator cracking signals a compromised pavement foundation. Water infiltration through these cracks can lead to widespread degradation of the asphalt layers, resulting in severe pavement damage that requires extensive repairs.
Repair Techniques: Full-Depth Reclamation
Since alligator cracking indicates structural issues, full-depth reclamation is the most effective solution. This method involves removing and rebuilding the pavement’s entire foundation and surface layers. While more labor-intensive, it provides a high-quality and durable repair, suitable for commercial areas needing permanent repair.
How Much Does A Full-Depth Asphalt Pavement Repair Cost?
Full-depth asphalt pavement repair costs can vary widely depending on factors like the chosen repair method, the area’s size, and the contractor’s expertise. In general, full-depth repairs are more comprehensive and tend to be more expensive than surface-level fixes.
This repair method involves excavating damaged asphalt down to the base layer and replacing it, which creates a long-lasting, high-quality surface suited for high-traffic commercial areas. Here’s a closer look at the factors influencing the cost of full-depth repairs and what you might expect to pay in a location like San Diego.
Factors Affecting Full-Depth Asphalt Repair Costs
- Repair Method: Full-depth repairs can be done using a saw-cut patching technique, where a section of asphalt is cut out to the necessary depth and then filled with new asphalt. This method typically ranges from $4 to $12 per square foot, depending on the materials used and the level of preparation required. This method is ideal for heavily trafficked commercial areas needing permanent repair.
- Size of the Repair Area: Larger areas tend to increase costs, but they may lower the price per square foot due to the efficiency of working on a more extensive area at once. Conversely, smaller repair jobs may incur higher per-square-foot charges due to minimum service fees and mobilization costs.
- Contractor’s Experience: Labor costs can vary depending on the contractor’s expertise and certifications. Contractors with extensive experience in commercial asphalt paving and full-depth repair may charge a premium. Still, their work is often more reliable and durable, making it worth the investment for a high-quality outcome.
- Regional Factors: In areas like San Diego, regional costs are affected by the availability of materials, local weather conditions that dictate repair timing, and competitive contractor rates. Also, hot-mix asphalt plants often have minimum purchase requirements, influencing project costs.
- Minimum Service Charges: Some contractors may apply minimum service charges for more minor repairs, which can increase the overall cost of a small-area repair. This is particularly relevant for projects in high-demand areas like San Diego, where contractors may impose these charges to cover setup and transportation expenses.
Additional Asphalt Repair Costs for Comparison
While full-depth repairs are typically more costly, other asphalt repair options can address less severe damage and may be helpful for routine maintenance:
- Filling Cracks: Repairing cracks with asphalt emulsion or similar materials costs between $1 and $3 per linear foot. This method is suitable for minor cracks that haven’t penetrated deeply into the asphalt.
- Patching: For isolated areas of damage, asphalt patching can cost anywhere from $100 to $500, depending on the patch’s size and the damage’s extent. Patching is often used for quick pothole repair or as a temporary fix for larger cracks.
- Resurfacing: This involves placing a new asphalt layer over the existing pavement, providing a fresh surface without complete excavation. Resurfacing costs around $1 to $4 per square foot or approximately $500 to $2,000 for larger commercial areas. It’s a cost-effective solution for worn surfaces but not structurally compromised.
- Hot Patch Repair: Hot patch repairs cost between $100 and $375 for a short-term solution. This repair can last up to two years and is helpful for minor, temporary repairs in high-use areas, although it may need more frequent replacement than full-depth repairs.
Due to regional demand and higher living costs in San Diego, full-depth asphalt repairs may be on the higher end of the cost spectrum. Business owners should plan for an investment of $4 to $12 per square foot for a complete, long-lasting repair.
Consulting with a local, experienced contractor can help you get an accurate estimate tailored to your property’s specific needs and ensure the highest quality results for the unique climate and conditions in San Diego. TMC Engineering is your best bet to get the job done right!
Keep your asphalt surfaces looking and performing at their best for years.
From hot mix asphalt and full-depth repairs to routine crack sealing and pothole repair, maintaining your asphalt surface with appropriate repair methods ensures a high-quality, durable finish that will withstand San Diego’s demands. Taking proactive steps in asphalt pavement repair not only extends the life of the pavement but also prevents costly, extensive fixes in the future.
Asphalt pavements are easy to maintain and repair thanks to the expertise of experienced paving contractors. To learn more about asphalt pavement topics, check out our blog. You’ll find informative posts comparing concrete vs asphalt parking lots and other posts detailing different types of asphalt, concrete parking lot repairs, and how to remove oil from asphalt.
Here at TMC Engineering, we have a deep commitment to delivering projects characterized by the highest safety standards, workmanship, and client satisfaction. We aim to provide valuable, informative content and insights related to the services our team of experts provides!
Whether you require asphalt paving, striping, sealing, or concrete work, we offer a full suite of transportation construction solutions. Because our team members’ experiences range from 20 to 33 years in this industry, we can work in all weather conditions and have challenged them for our confirmation. We invite you to contact us today for a FREE QUOTE. Let’s make quality projects together!
