What is Hot Patch Asphalt?

One of the most popular paving materials around the globe is Asphalt. When it comes down to it, not all Asphalt is created nor used equally. There are two options when it comes to asphalt slurries. We will discuss accurate and comprehensive information on this subject to quell the curios and give a current and strident answer to a simple question: What is hot patch asphalt?

Broken down to the basics, the key ingredients are heat & Asphalt. The summer months are naturally the hottest times of the year and can be a trying time when laying hot mix asphalt. However, in the heat of the California sun, temperatures can quickly get up to 120°F during the day. Therefore, keep in mind that when laying hot mix asphalt, the heat is a minimum of 300°F coming out of the bin.

The best solution for an asphalt patch is concerned is hot mix asphalt. However, before the job concludes and to get the best repair, the Asphalt next to the pothole needs to be reheated and blended into the patching material.

How does temperature affect Asphalt? We all know that heat, incredibly high heat, can cause cracks. The result can be water seeping into the Asphalt. The water may not damage the Asphalt initially, but as it freezes, as it is likely to do when in cold temperatures, this water can cause damage to the Asphalt by eroding sub-surface layers. Also, air gaps can form within the pavement causing tertiary issues. 

Can You Reuse Asphalt?

Asphalt materials have a long lifespan in that they can be recycled and reused repeatedly. Additionally, Asphalt can be recycled without moving it from a job site using pulverization.

How much does the hot mix cost?

You can expect to pay between $25 to $40 per square meter. A hot mix driveway will cost more than a warm mix, and the aggregates used for each type will also impact the cost.

How long does hot mix asphalt last?

A Hot Mix Asphalt patch has a lifespan directly tied to where it is located, how much stress it receives, and how it is used. For example, if we take a simple residential driveway — which doesn't get much traffic; one can expect this type of pavement repair to last up to 25 years. Yet, only if it is new construction. Repaved driveways can have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years.

How is hot Asphalt made?

First, we have to heat aggregates to make hot mix asphalt and reduce the viscosity of the binding agents. This will make the whole slurry more fluid. Next, dry it. This removes any remaining moisture. Finally, heat it again - the hot mix asphalt is then mixed hot at 200-350° F.

What is hot Asphalt made of?

Hot Mix Asphalt, often abbreviated as (HMA), is created from stone (approximately 95%), sand, sand, or gravel. These materials are bound together by asphalt cement, a product of crude oil. Asphalt cement is heated aggregate, which has been mixed with the aggregate at the HMA facility.

Where does hot Asphalt come from?

While Asphalt can still be found naturally, modern Asphalt is most often processed from petroleum. Oil wells will supply petroleum to oil refineries. This is where it is separated into diverse factions, one of which – is Asphalt. Asphalt is derived from the heaviest part of petroleum.  

Can I put Asphalt over concrete?

Yes. It is safe to pave Asphalt on top of concrete. One of the beautiful things about concrete is its excellent base material. This is because it is stable and allows for excellent asphalt compaction above. As a result, many miles of concrete roads are paved with Asphalt annually.

Can you torch cold patch asphalt?

Getting a good bond between your repair and the original surface is one of the stickiest parts of winter asphalt repair. Bonus points make it possible to heat the original Asphalt with a torch. This should warm the Asphalt enough so that it bonds with your repair. Then, add the crack sealer and call it a day.

What is hot mix asphalt used for?

Hot mix asphalt is most useful for large-scale paving applications like roads, parking lots, and driveways. Hundreds of thousands of square miles of pavement make up America's roads and parking lots due to hot mix asphalt's versatility.

Can you reheat the hot patch asphalt?

As long as you do not burn the glue, you can reheat the hot patch of asphalt if and when it starts to cool down. However, a better approach might be to work with the appropriate amount. Do not heat any more hot mix than you can finish.

What is the difference between hot patch and cold patch asphalt?

Hot mix asphalt is best for filling cracks and potholes in warm, dry weather. On the other hand, cold patch products are well-suited for installation in cooler weather. For this reason, many asphalt seal coating contractors decide to use cold patch asphalt as a temporary solution until the weather warms up.

What is the difference between warm mix asphalt and hot mix asphalt?

Warm Mix Asphalt is produced and mixed at temperatures roughly between 100 and 150 °C. Hot Mix Asphalt is produced and mixed at temperatures roughly between 120 and 190 °C. The production temperatures of Hot Mix Asphalt depend on the bitumen used.

How do you apply hot patch asphalt?

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Hot Mix Asphalt Vs. Cold Patch Asphalt

Most asphalt paving companies halt services at the end of December, while others offer winter paving. Winter asphalt is typically in the form of cold patching and is not the same as summer asphalt. Cold patch asphalt is beneficial and often necessary. However, it differs significantly from the hot mix asphalt you get in summer.

Cold Patch Asphalt:

• Cold patching asphalt is essentially what it sounds like; filling a pothole with gravel/asphalt material without heating it.
• It is cheap and quick, but it's only temporary.
• Cold patch asphalt is not heated, and it's meant for temporary or emergency repair (usually as a way to get a parking lot through winter to hot asphalt paving season).

Hot Mix Asphalt:

• Hot mix asphalt is the best way to repair potholes, as it is a more permanent method.
• The traditional Asphalt paving you're familiar with involves a hot mixture and compaction machinery.
• There are a couple of different paving methods used –

1. Milling – This is a method of resurfacing paving. Using a milling machine to grind down the top layer of the existing Asphalt (typically 1.5" depth). A recycling center takes these millings for recycling. A new paving layer is put on top to match the prior thickness.
2. Pulverization/Full Depth Reclamation – Asphalt reclamation is a very "green" paving method. In this process, the full depth of the Asphalt and pulverizing of the remaining portion of the underlying materials takes place. Then blended to produce a stabilized base course to pave on. Reconstructing the existing Asphalt and transforming it into processed stone in-place takes place. This process eliminates costly truck moves and hauling expenses.

• There are several different types of hot mix asphalt patching used for repair

1. Saw Cut & Patch – This method involves the cutting and removing of sections of pavement that have deteriorated. After removal, filling these sections with hot mix asphalt occurs (according to the appropriate depth and grade).
2. Milling & Patching – As described above, the milling process involves a pavement's surface being ground to the desired depth so that a new layer of hot asphalt mix can be put on top. This process is very economical because you can choose the depth of your repair.
3. Infra-Red Patching – Innovative machinery heats and softens the asphalt surface. Therefore, allowing it to be workable in any weather (above 0 degrees).

Preparation List

You will want to prep your hot mix asphalt so that it is ready to take on the elements - hot or cold. Preparation can include; inspection, cleaning up your lot, drainage check, crack filling, pothole patching, seal coating, as well as re-striping parking lot lines.

By proactively maintaining and repairing your hot mix asphalt patch, you can help extend its lifespan and ensure a safe hold.