Infrared Asphalt Repair: A Property Manager's Secret Weapon for Winter

What Causes the Abundance of Potholes in New Jersey During Winter?

Potholes are a persistent problem throughout the year, causing inconvenience and potential hazards in commercial parking lots such as shopping centers, apartments, office buildings and commercial parking lots. Potholes become particularly troublesome during the harsh New Jersey winters, primarily due to the freeze-thaw cycle that exacerbates their formation and severity.

A common misconception that many people hold is that potholes cannot be repaired until the spring arrives. This belief is not only incorrect but also potentially harmful, as delaying repairs can result in the affected areas deteriorating further over the winter months. This neglect can lead to significant property damage and increase the risk of personal injury, which could result in liability issues.

Contrary to the myth that asphalt plants shut down for the entire winter season in New Jersey, the reality is quite different. The state is home to six asphalt plants that remain operational throughout the winter, ensuring that road maintenance can continue. Additionally, companies like FixAsphalt.com have access to virgin hot mix asphalt, which they can recycle in their reclaimers. This capability allows them to perform repairs even on days when temperatures drop below freezing, and the asphalt plants are temporarily closed. Moreover, they can address urgent projects during nighttime hours and weekends, ensuring that potholes and other road issues are promptly managed regardless of the season.

Here's an explanation of why potholes are so prevalent in New Jersey during the winter:

1. Water Seepage: Cracks and small imperfections in the asphalt are inevitable. When it rains or snow melts, water seeps into these cracks.    

2. Freezing and Expansion: As temperatures drop below freezing (a common occurrence in NJ winters), the water inside the cracks freezes and expands. This expansion puts pressure on the asphalt surrounding the crack.   

3. Thawing and Weakening: When temperatures rise above freezing, the ice melts, leaving a void within the asphalt. This repeated freezing and thawing weakens the pavement, making it more susceptible to damage   

4. Traffic Stress: Vehicles driving over these weakened areas further exacerbate the problem, causing the asphalt to crumble and break away, forming potholes.   

5. Plowing: Snowplows, while necessary, can also contribute to pothole formation by scraping against and putting stress on already weakened pavement.   

   
   

   Here's why this is more pronounced in NJ:
   

• Frequent Temperature Fluctuations: New Jersey winters are known for fluctuating temperatures, often hovering around the freezing point. This leads to more frequent freeze-thaw cycles, accelerating pothole formation.   
• Heavy Precipitation: NJ receives a fair amount of precipitation in the form of rain and snow, providing ample water to seep into cracks.
  
• Heavy Traffic: New Jersey's roads experience heavy traffic, putting constant stress on the pavement and increasing the likelihood of potholes forming.   
   

In essence, the combination of water, freezing temperatures, and traffic makes NJ winters a perfect recipe for pothole proliferation.

Infrared asphalt repair (IRR) can be a real lifesaver for property managers in New Jersey winters, offering several key advantages:

1. Year-Round Applicability: Unlike traditional hot asphalt repair, which is challenging in cold temperatures, IRR can be done even in freezing conditions. This means potholes and other damage can be fixed promptly, preventing further deterioration and potential liability issues.   

2. Quick and Efficient: IRR heats the existing asphalt, allowing for seamless patching without extensive excavation. This minimizes disruption to tenants and customers, especially crucial during busy winter months.   

3. Durable and Long-lasting: The heat-fused patch bonds seamlessly with the existing asphalt, creating a strong, durable repair that's less susceptible to future cracking and potholes, even with freeze-thaw cycles.   

4. Cost-Effective: By minimizing excavation and material waste, IRR can be more cost-effective than traditional methods, especially when you consider the long-term benefits of reduced maintenance needs.   

5. Reduced Liability: Promptly addressing potholes and other pavement issues with IRR helps mitigate risks of slips, falls, and vehicle damage, reducing potential liability for property managers.

6. Improved Aesthetics: A well-maintained parking lot enhances the curb appeal of a property, which is important for attracting and retaining tenants, especially during the winter months when everything can look a bit drab.   

Here's how it specifically helps in winter:

• Prevents further damage: Water expands when it freezes. By quickly repairing cracks and potholes with IRR, you prevent water from seeping in and causing further damage during freeze-thaw cycles.   
   
• Maintains accessibility: Winter weather can already disrupt access to businesses. IRR ensures that parking lots and driveways remain safe and accessible for tenants, customers, and emergency vehicles.
• Reduces snow removal issues: A smooth, even surface makes snow removal easier and more efficient, minimizing disruptions and potential damage from snowplows.

In conclusion, infrared asphalt repair offers a practical, efficient, and cost-effective solution for property managers in New Jersey to tackle winter pavement problems, ensuring safety, accessibility, and a positive impression for their properties.

Infrared Asphalt Repair: A Winter Miracle For Property Managers:

Why is it Possible?

Traditional asphalt repair methods often rely on heating the asphalt to a specific temperature for application. However, this can be challenging during colder winter months. Infrared asphalt repair, on the other hand, uses infrared technology to heat the existing pavement directly. This allows for repairs to be made even in freezing temperatures.

How Does it Work?

1. Infrared Heating: Specialized equipment emits infrared energy, directly heating the existing asphalt.
2. Softening the Surface: The heat softens the asphalt, allowing for easy removal of damaged areas.
3. Applying New Material: Fresh, hot asphalt is applied to the prepared surface.
4. Fusion: The infrared heat fuses the new asphalt with the existing pavement, creating a seamless bond.

Benefits of Winter Infrared Asphalt Repair:

• Year-Round Maintenance: No more waiting for warmer weather to address potholes and cracks.
• Quick and Efficient: Repairs can be completed in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods.
• Durable Repairs: Infrared-repaired areas are strong and long-lasting, even in harsh winter conditions.
• Reduced Disruption: Minimal disruption to traffic and business operations.
• Environmentally Friendly: Reduced emissions and waste compared to traditional methods.

By choosing infrared asphalt repair, property managers in New Jersey can proactively address winter pavement damage and ensure the safety and longevity of their properties.

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