Why You Should Not Do Asphalt Repairs Yourself

If your asphalt pavement is showing signs of damage such as cracks, depressions, warping, aggregate loss or discoloration, then prompt repairs from a professional pavement contractor will preserve the intact, remaining asphalt.

However, if you attempt to do the asphalt repairs yourself, here is more information on the possible issues you may face:

• There is a greater risk of repair failure – The asphalt experts bring a specialized set of skills to every pavement project, and these skills ensure a reliable, long-lasting repair.

  For example, asphalt contractors can identify the underlying cause behind any type of asphalt damage, so they can resolve the actual factors causing the problem.

  DIY asphalt repair typically involves patching the pavement’s surface by filling in some cracks or a pothole, for instance. However, surface-level repairs are rarely effective on their own.

  When an experienced asphalt contractor assesses a pavement repair job, they will thoroughly inspect things like the pavement’s base (is it stable and properly compacted?), its construction (what kind of mix was used and is it an overlay or a new pavement installation?), its age (how worn is the asphalt and what is the state of its surface?), and whether the pavement has been properly maintained with sealcoating and other protective measures.

  This deep assessment means reputable asphalt repair companies can identify the right repair method to guarantee optimal results. If you do asphalt repair yourself, it will be difficult to develop the right repair protocol without this specialized knowledge. Ultimately, that will result in less efficient repairs that cost your organization more money and time in the long run.

• You will need to rent or purchase specialized equipment – Asphalt repairs rely on specific equipment for the job, including compactors, crack sealers, saw cutters and, depending on the job, striping machines. If your asphalt repair project will include drainage additions or base stabilization, you will need some heavy machinery.

  The point is that commercial asphalt repairs require a major investment in equipment. You can rent or buy it, but in either case, once you factor those equipment costs in, you may not save money by repairing asphalt yourself.

  Asphalt repair companies bring their own equipment, which not only saves your organization the expense – it guarantees the pavement crew will have the resources they need to observe expert practices.

• You will need additional manpower to handle the job – This is an extension of the previous point. If you attempt asphalt repairs on your own, you will be taking on a job that requires an entire team. For example, after surveying the pavement, you may find that its failures are more widespread than originally believed. There may be issues with the asphalt’s base that require additional stabilization. The site may need to be graded again. There may be fatal problems with the pavement’s construction or mix that cannot be resolved with a simple repair.

  There are many situations in which a basic asphalt repair becomes something that necessitates an entire crew. If your organization is not prepared for this, mobilizing the necessary manpower may be more costly than hiring an asphalt company to manage the job from the start.

• There are health and safety risks involved – Asphalt is an inert material once it’s installed and cured, but it is hazardous to handle when mixing and handling it. Hot mix asphalt can leave thermal and chemical burns on skin. It also emits fumes that can irritate the eyes and lungs. In susceptible people, exposure to these fumes may exacerbate any health issues.

  The asphalt repair experts are equipped and trained to minimize health and safety risks, ensuring your project stays on its timeline and your personnel are not put in harm’s way.

• It is a time-consuming, dirty job – Some asphalt repairs will occupy the pavement crew for at least one day, but larger projects will take several days to see through. If your business can’t spare that much time among its personnel, an expert asphalt company can save your business that precious time. Asphalt repair professionals will also minimize the disruption to your property while they work, adding value to their services.