Asphalt can suffer from cracks as it ages and begins to wear out. Finding a quick solution for paving potholes before they worsen and require expensive repairs is essential. The best way to prevent further damage is through a hot patch or cold patch.
What is the distinction between a cold patch and a hot patch? With over 50 years of experience, Neyra Paving is here to help you understand the difference between the two, their benefits, and which one could be best suited for the repairs you have in mind.
When is Cold Patch Asphalt Used?
Cold patch is commonly used as a temporary patching solution for repairing asphalt potholes during the cold winter. It is effective in cold temperatures and is used to make fast repairs. A cold patch is directly applied to the surface without heat. In most repairs, the patch can be applied without any rolling machines, and the asphalt contractors only need to pour it directly into the pothole.
When is Hot Patch Asphalt Used?
Hot patch asphalt is commonly used in extensive projects such as entire resurfacing of roads, driveways, or full parking lots. Since hot patch asphalt is meant to cover a greater surface area, it’s a more involved technique. It requires heavy machinery, such as a milling machine, and is the method most people associate with asphalt repair.
Hot patch asphalt combines materials such as sand, stone, and gravel. It first must be heated to high temperatures of up to one hundred and fifty degrees before being transported to the application site. Our team at Neyra Paving then applies it to the surface, evening it out, and then finally flatten it out, most times with a milling machine, as mentioned.
Which Asphalt Should be Used for Repair?
Selecting between a cold pack asphalt or hot patch asphalt is dependent on the type of repair job and the weather conditions. Cold asphalt patching can be applied year-round. Whereas for hot asphalt to take its intended effect, we aim for the warmer months.
But depending on what the job entails determines which one is best.
Pros of Hot Mix Asphalt
Hot mix asphalt is weather resistant and can withstand harsh weather elements due to its ability to absorb heat. It can help melt snow or ice to provide your pavement with sufficient protection.
The process of hot mixing asphalt allows for it to be a more permanent solution. This makes it ideal for larger projects like highways, driveways, and roads. While it’s usually more expensive than the cold mix, it usually requires a certain temperature window for installation.
Pros of Cold Patch Asphalt
Cold patch asphalt is the more affordable option of the two. It also requires less effort when installing it, and you can purchase small amounts based on your needs. In a situation where you have a small pothole in your driveway, cold patch asphalt could be the perfect solution.
Seeing as how cold patch asphalt doesn’t need to be heat-activated, it can be used in the winter months. After applying it, it could take longer to cure, however. Also, if your property is scheduled to be completely repaved and you need a small patch taken care of, cold patch asphalt would be the solution in that instance.
Cold patch asphalt only provides a temporary fix to your cracks or potholes. But the best way to deal with a pothole is either hot patch asphalt or our asphalt crack sealing and pavement repair services if you’re looking to prevent potholes from forming down the line.
Neyra Paving Offers Asphalt Repair in Cincinnati, OH
We hope we’ve been able to show you today that both hot patch and cold patch asphalts have their benefits and how they differ in application. With over 50 years of experience in asphalt paving, sealcoating, and excavation services, our team at Neyra Paving can help you select the best asphalt repair you need if you’re in the Cincinnati, OH, region.
Contact us today to get a free quote and learn more about each type of asphalt and which one is ideal for your asphalt repair project.
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