During the winter months, many asphalt paving companies experience a revenue slowdown, especially in climates with snow like Canada. However, your business does not have to cease when the snow comes. Instead, you can use hot in-place patching to continue growing your business.

The Problem with Winter for Parking Lots

Winter is particularly tough on parking lots, especially without proper maintenance. Snow and water wind up in asphalt cracks. The liquid then goes through several freeze and thaw cycles, which force the cracks wider. Eventually, chunks of asphalt break off, and the parking lot is left riddled with potholes. These are a safety hazard, and the parking lot must be repaired quickly.

The freeze and thaw cycle does not cover all of the damage that asphalt takes in the winter. Items like increased wear from cars and lack of summer maintenance also play a part in the formation of massive potholes. 

Understanding the Available Hot In-Place Asphalt Patching Machines

Hot in-place asphalt machines use infrared technology to create an asphalt patch that does not have cold seams. The technology heats the asphalt to a workable temperature, even when it is below freezing. The patch can be perfected and compacted. The results speak for themselves, and you can extend your repair season well into winter.

Steps for Hot In-Place Asphalt Patching

Buy Scrap Asphalt

You can buy scrap asphalt reasonably cheaply from your local asphalt plant. Ideally, you can procure a ton or two that is still black in color for hot in-place asphalt patching. You can store this asphalt outside under a tarp for use in the winter.

Pack Asphalt into the Hole

Once you arrive at the pothole, you need to lay chunks of scrap asphalt to fill the hole as much as possible. The goal here is to get enough material in there that you do not have to run the machine twice to add more.

Activate Machine

The infrared machine quickly warms up the material under it. On average, this takes seven minutes to reach the right consistency. However, the weather and climate where you are is a significant factor in this timing.

Rake

Using the rake is the most intensive step in terms of labour. Your team will need to rake the asphalt until it is smooth and uniform. It’s also vital to work quickly, as trying to work cooled asphalt is not advisable.

Compact

Compaction with a vibrating plate is the final step. This step ensures that the asphalt is stable and well-bonded in the pothole. If you have done the process correctly, the pothole patch will be level with the surrounding parking lot.

Pricing Hot In-Place Asphalt Repair

As a general guideline, you can charge 95 dollars every time you start up the infrared machine. That’s more than enough to help you take your company through the winter with only hot in-place asphalt repair.