Asphalt Patching For Pavement Repair: Hot Or Cold Patch?

Asphalt Patching For Pavement Repair: Hot Or Cold Patch?

Key Takeaways:

  • Asphalt patching is not a one size fits all job. There are two types of patching: hot mix patching and cold mix patching.
  • As the name suggests, cold patching is for cold temperature, and hot mix patching is, you guessed it, for hot temps.
  • Cold asphalt patching is a quick fix, and hot mix patching is a more permanent solution.
  • Cold patching is best for small cracks, and hot patching is best for bigger cracks.
  • Both methods have their benefits & drawbacks as standard pavement repair techniques.

A well-kept stretch of asphalt is central to the appeal of a home’s driveway and a business’s parking lot. If that goes awry by a few degrees, one can make do with hot mix patching. But why is asphalt patching important in pavement maintenance? And how many types are there?

Potholes and cracks will eventually occur on asphalt-coated surfaces, resulting from extensive, ongoing damage and temperature changes. A good property requires monthly maintenance to stop future damage and lower the expense of asphalt repair. So whether it’s a parking lot or pavement, it is essential to restore asphalt as soon as the damage emerges.

Depending on the extent of the damage, restoration work may occasionally be as simple as patching up the area or need significant effort to restore the surface. There are several methods for repairing, with cold patches and hot mix being the most prevalent.

PowerSurge Plus LLC will discuss the differences between hot and cold patching and when each should be used in this blog post. We will also provide tips on properly doing both types of patching. So whether you are a business owner who needs to repair a driveway or a homeowner who wants to fix a pothole in your street, read on for all the information you need!

Hot Mix Asphalt Patching: The Basics

If you’ve ever passed a highway crew laying down fresh asphalt when it was steaming, it was hot mix asphalt being laid. As the name suggests, hot mix asphalt is a blend of aggregate, such as gravel and sand, and asphalt cement. The mixture needs heating before installation. At the manufacturing facility, hot mix asphalt is heated to a temperature of between 300 and 350 degrees before being delivered and laid at the intended project site. Since hot mix asphalt cools quickly, it reduces the installation time.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Hot Asphalt Patching:

Benefits:

  • Cools down quickly: Since hot mix asphalt is installed at a high temperature, it cools down quickly. This means you can open up the area to traffic much sooner than cold patching.
  • Stronger bond: Hot mix asphalt bonds better to the existing pavement because of the high temperatures. This results in a stronger, more durable repair.
  • Weather-resistant: Asphalt is resistant to many kinds of weather, including wind, floods, and more.
  • Durable: Hot mix asphalt is exceptionally durable, making it perfect for heavily used roads and highways. Cold mix asphalt is not sturdy enough to withstand normal vehicular usage.
  • Flexible: Asphalt is flexible; it can bend but won’t break. The weather may cause it to contract and expand, but it won’t break or get damaged.

Drawbacks:

  • Expensive: Hot mix asphalt is more expensive than cold patching because of the higher cost of materials and equipment.
  • Requires specialized equipment: You need specialized equipment to heat and apply hot mix asphalt. This can be a costly investment for some contractors.
  • Hot weather-sensitive: Hot mix asphalt can only be installed in hot weather. If the temperature drops below 38-40 degrees, the asphalt will not adhere to the surface and will not be set correctly.

When Is The Best Time To Use Hot Mix Patching?

Knowing the optimal circumstances to use hot mix asphalt is crucial. Hot mix patching is best done in hot weather, as the name suggests. A hot mix is a good option if you need to patch your asphalt quickly and don’t have enough time for the weather to warm up. It is also recommended for large-scale paving projects, such as roads, driveways, and parking lots. In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, hot mix asphalt is a common choice for parking lots and roadways.

Cold Mix Asphalt Patching: The Basics

If you’ve ever seen a blacktop patch installed on your street or driveway, it was cold mix asphalt. Cold mix asphalt is made of a blend of aggregate and either emulsified asphalt or cutback asphalt. Unlike hot mix asphalt, which needs to be heated before installation, cold mix asphalt can be applied right out of the bag.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Cold Asphalt Patching:

Benefits:

  • Affordability: Compared to hot mix asphalt, cold mix asphalt is significantly less expensive. Cold mix asphalt is more readily available, but hot mix asphalt calls for enormous volumes. Cold mix in single bags might be the best option for tiny areas without breaking the bank.
  • No heating required: Since cold mix asphalt doesn’t require heat, it can be installed at any time of the year.

Drawbacks:

  • Shorter lifespan: A hot mix asphalt driveway or parking lot will last 20-30 years. Cold mix asphalt will only last for about five years.
  • Temporary: Since cold mix asphalt is only a temporary solution, it’s not ideal for high-traffic areas.

When Is The Best Time To Use Cold Patching?

Cold asphalt is a standard solution for filling up potholes or tiny gaps. Cold patch asphalt is the best option when the outside temperature is too low to utilize hot mix asphalt. Cold asphalt is often used for small-scale repairs like temporary patches until hot mix asphalt can be utilized for a more permanent repair since it is not as robust as hot mix asphalt.

Bottom Line:

Hot mix is the most acceptable option for patching up damage to an asphalt surface. It yields more effective and long-lasting benefits and saves money over time. It is a terrific method to maintain a property’s value. On the other hand, until hot mix patching is accessible, cold patching is an excellent temporary solution (or affordable).

PowerSurge Plus LLC can help!

As the leading pavement maintenance contractor in Philadelphia, PA, we specialize in all asphalt needs. We offer asphalt repair service to clear the surface area of any evidence of degradation.

Potholes, partial base failure, alligator cracking, and other significant damage are easily fixed with patching. Our experts remove the weaker asphalt to build a sturdy pavement and improve it with fresh asphalt. If you need a full teardown and ground-up pavement installation, then you know whom to call!

Get your quote today!