Infrared Asphalt Repairs

Infrared Asphalt Repairs - U.S. Pavement Services Inc.

Damaged asphalt doesn’t just look bad—it puts your property at risk of injury or damage liability. Whether you’re dealing with surface cracks, potholes, or settled spots, U.S. Pavement Services offers a seamless, long-lasting solution with professional infrared asphalt repair. 

Contact us today to schedule your repair with our reliable paving experts and keep your paved surfaces smooth and safe.

What is Infrared Asphalt Repair?

Infrared asphalt repair is a specialized process that uses infrared heat to soften existing asphalt, allowing it to blend with new material for a smooth, seamless finish. This thermally bonded method ensures the repair area fuses tightly with the surrounding pavement, creating a long-lasting patch that resists water infiltration and future cracking.

Also referred to as infrared patching or infrared asphalt patching, this repair method is ideal for commercial properties that require fast and efficient asphalt restoration without tearing out and replacing entire sections.

The Infrared Asphalt Repair Process

Infrared Asphalt Repairs are a cost-effective way of eliminating further damage, liability, deterioration, and pavement-related headaches. The finished product has the same or better life expectancy as the surrounding asphalt. Infrared patching is frequently less costly than removal scopes and involves considerably less downtime or impact on the property.

1. Preparation

The repair area is swept clean and thoroughly dried to remove all debris, dust, and moisture that could interfere with bonding.

2. Heating the Surface

 Specialized infrared panels are positioned over the damaged section. These emit uniform heat that raises the asphalt’s temperature to 300–350°F, softening it for raking and rejuvenation.

3. Raking and Rejuvenating

Once softened, the deteriorated material is raked and the damaged aggregate is removed. A rejuvenator is applied to restore lost oils and flexibility to the existing asphalt.

4. Adding Fresh Asphalt

New hot-mix asphalt is introduced and blended with the existing material, ensuring a smooth transition between old and new.

5. Compacting

A vibratory roller or plate compactor compresses the mixture, forming a seamless, watertight patch that bonds to the surrounding pavement.

6. Ready for Traffic

One of the key advantages of infrared pavement repair is how quickly the surface can be reopened, often within minutes, minimizing business disruption.

When is Infrared Asphalt Repair the Right Choice?

Infrared pavement repair is ideal for targeted asphalt damage that doesn’t require full-depth reconstruction. It’s best used in the following situations:

  • Potholes that haven’t reached the base layer
  • Early-stage alligator cracking that hasn’t compromised the subbase
  • Uneven surfaces or settling caused by freeze/thaw cycles
  • Depressions or low spots that collect water
  • High spots around utility covers, catch basins, or manholes
  • Seams or joints in parking lots or roadways that need reinforcement
  • Transition areas between asphalt and concrete

Infrared asphalt patching is also a preferred method for commercial properties that need quick, durable repairs with minimal impact on daily operations.

Advantages of Infrared Patching

Infrared Patch

This method is cost-effective, often less expensive than traditional methods, minimizing both material and labor costs. Infrared patching is also environmentally friendly since it uses fewer materials.

Cold Patch

Cold patches are quick and easy to apply, making them a convenient temporary solution. They do not require specialized equipment and can be used immediately after the repair.

Traditional Patch

Traditional patching provides a more permanent solution than cold patches. This method is effective for larger, more severe pavement issues.

Limitations: When Infrared Repair is NOT the Answer

While infrared repair is highly effective, it isn’t appropriate for all types of asphalt failure. In the following situations, full-depth patching or reconstruction is the better choice:

  • Sub-base Failure: If the foundation under the asphalt is damaged, structural repairs are needed.
  • Widespread Alligator Cracking: Resembling the skin of an alligator, this type of extensive cracking indicates deep damage and cannot be corrected with infrared. These areas require complete pavement reconstruction.
  • Heavily Oxidized Asphalt (20+ years old): When asphalt has deteriorated beyond restoration, new material won’t properly bond or restore flexibility.
  • Extremely Thin or Failing Pavement Sections: Surfaces that have worn too thin or show signs of total collapse need more robust repair methods.

In these cases, we may recommend asphalt paving services or overlays to maximize the lifespan of your commercial lot or road.

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Why Choose U.S. Pavement Services for Infrared Repairs?

At U.S. Pavement Services, we bring deep expertise and a commitment to quality on every infrared asphalt repair project. With decades of experience serving commercial and industrial clients, our team understands the unique challenges of maintaining paved surfaces in high-traffic environments.

We use cutting-edge infrared equipment and follow proven processes to deliver repairs that are fast, clean, and built to last. Whether you’re managing a retail center, logistics hub, or municipal property, we’ll work around your schedule to minimize disruption and maximize results.

From the initial estimate to final compaction, our focus is always on safety, precision, and customer satisfaction, no matter the size or complexity of the repair.

Our Service Areas

The Nation’s Leading Pavement & Concrete Service Provider

Offering national coverage under one management team and one brand, you’re guaranteed unparalleled service. As part of a partner community under the Pave America brand, you can find top-tier pavement and asphalt repairs and maintenance across the United States.

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Infrared Asphalt Repairs - U.S. Pavement Services Inc.

FAQ: Infrared Asphalt Repair

Browse through some of the most frequently asked questions regarding infrared asphalt repair below.

Most infrared asphalt repairs can be completed in less than an hour, depending on the patch size. Since there’s no need for cutting or curing time, the area can usually be reopened to traffic, often within 30 minutes, leaving minimal downtime for a commercial business. 

When done correctly, infrared pavement repair provides a long-term solution that lasts several years. The thermally bonded repair blends seamlessly with the surrounding pavement, making it resistant to water infiltration and surface separation.

Infrared asphalt patching is generally more cost-effective than traditional cut-and-replace methods. It uses fewer materials, requires less labor, and doesn’t involve hauling away old asphalt. The result is a high-quality repair at a fraction of the typical cost.

Yes. One of the major benefits of infrared technology is its flexibility in cooler weather. While some methods are limited by temperature, infrared patching can be performed effectively during winter months, making it a valuable year-round maintenance option.

Yes, infrared repairs are scalable and can be used across large commercial parking lots, streets, and other paved areas. It’s particularly effective for spot repairs or transitional areas that need attention without full repaving, making it a smart choice for road or parking lot maintenance programs.

INFRARED ASPHALT REPAIR PROCESS

Watch as we demonstrate how quickly asphalt can be repaired through our Infrared Asphalt Repair technology. Work is performed outside of the legendary Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox.

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