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Forest Fog

FAQs

The following are Frequently Asked Questions about Infrared Asphalt Repair, Sealcoating, Striping/Marking Pavement and Crack Sealing. If you have other questions, please call 319-294-4310 or use our Contact Page.

  • Why use Infared to repair my asphalt?
    Cost savings: The repair is completed with fewer raw materials Time savings: Repair takes less time than traditional asphalt resurfacing Seamless repairs: The patch bonds to the existing surface leaving no joints for water to penetrate Fewer traffic interruptions: The patch can be driven on almost immediately Reduces trip & fall liabilities and potential lawsuits Infrared asphalt technology is an effective solution for critical repairs. This unique method blends hot-mix asphalt right in with the original and then compacts the area to create a seamless restoration. If you notice potholes--especially in high-traffic areas, pavement heaving, uneven surfaces surrounding catch basins (this is a common problem resulting after several freeze-thaw cycles), or rough surfaces in drive lanes or parking stalls, it is a good idea to consider infrared repair.
  • What is the Infrared process?
    Infrared rays allow deep penetration asphalt repair and reclaiming without causing burning, scaling, or separation of the asphalt from the aggregate. The area to be repaired will be swept or blown clean, removing all loose aggregate, sand, and/or water. The surface area will be heated to 325 degrees for 5-10 minutes depending on the depth, season, and existing aggregate (typically 1-to-3 inches). Once the repair area has been heated, it will be raked to remove failed aggregate and a rejuvenator will be applied to replenish lost oils due to oxidation. Additional material will be applied to the area, while raking and grading it to the proper level. Once the fresh material is placed, it will be compacted with a multi-ton vibratory roller and/or vibratory plate.
  • What are the benefits of the Infrared Repair process?
    Infrared rays allow deep penetration asphalt repair and reclaiming without causing burning, scaling, or separation of the asphalt from the aggregate. Additional benefits include: cost savings, as the project is completed with fewer raw materials; time savings, as this repair option takes less time than traditional asphalt resurfacing; seamless repairs, as the patch bonds to existing surface and produces no joints for water to penetrate; and fewer traffic interruptions, as the patch can be driven on almost immediately. For more information about this unique option, please Contact Us.
  • Can Infared Repair only be done in the summer like traditional the asphalt repair season (April thru November)?
    Infrared is an effective winter time repair. Do you have defects on your parking lot? Why wait for warmer temperatures; fix defects NOW using Infrared Asphalt Repair! Infrared asphalt technology is an effective solution for critical repairs needed in the winter months as it can be performed year-round. This unique method blends hot-mix asphalt with the original and then compacts the area to create a seamless restoration. Infrared Asphalt Repair can be used to quickly and efficiently repair pothole damage on parking lots, pavement heaving, deterioration on/around catch basins, and rough surfaces in drive lanes/parking stalls.
  • Why should I seal my asphalt?
    Beautification When covered with a dark black sealant, pavement looks and wears like new. Parking lot sealcoating helps to project a positive image of the company, facility, or residential complex. Slows oxidation and water penetration Sealcoating fills surface voids, which reduces exposure to oxygen and UV rays and reduces the depth to which oil or gas can penetrate the pavement. Sealcoating acts as a waterproofing agent, minimizing the rate at which water enters pavement. Without it, water can permeate more freely resulting in freeze/thaw expansion and contraction of the pavement. Sealcoating resists oil and gas spills Gasoline dripping from a topped-off fuel tank during hot weather can soften and break down unsealed asphalt pavements. Coal tars used in sealcoat are impervious to gas and oil spills. Asphalt sealcoating is easier to clean and maintain Sealcoats fill surface voids while coating the pavement surface. The resulting smooth and even texture makes the surface easier to maintain year-round. For example, snow is easier to remove from a smooth surface, and sweeping is far more effective on a smooth surface. Sealcoating increases pavement flexibility Sealcoat brings a dark black color to the pavement. The blacker it is, the more heat a pavement draws from the sun. And, the hotter it gets, the more pliable it becomes, which helps it to withstand traffic without cracking. Restaurant parking lots often extend to areas near dumpsters, where food-processing machines are pressure washed. Food waste near the dumpsters may also need to be washed away if it can't be swept away. Sealcoating protects asphalt cement from the high-volume water pressure and detergents used in pressure washing. Asphalt sealcoating is cost effective The price of asphalt will always be affected by crude oil prices, which fluctuate when supplies vary. Sealcoating preserves asphalt for pennies per square foot. Preparation and Application Prior to pavement sealing, any structural failures or cracks on the pavement must be repaired. All potholes must be removed and replaced, cracks must be cleaned and filled, and oil spots cleaned or primed.
  • What should I take into consideration when have my asphalt pavement marked?
    Maximize Space A property owner aims to get the most cars possible into a parking lot to maintain cost-effectiveness. The right layout and parking lot striping can help meet this goal. Efficient Traffic Flow Customers want parking lots that allow them to enter, park, and exit quickly and safely. Attractive and properly placed parking stalls, arrows, and handicapped-reserve signs help to efficiently direct travelers. Designated Parking Before parking lot striping, it important to consider whether a parking lot needs designated parking spaces for disabled persons, customers, employees, visitors, or other individuals. ADA Guidelines Signed into law in July 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) affects every property owner. Regardless of company size, all businesses must now have the proper amount of handicapped-accessible parking stalls, and required van parking spaces. Many municipalities require a newly constructed parking lot (at commercial or large residential properties) to be striped up to ADA requirements before an operating permit is issued. In addition, they must also have a minimum number of parking spaces per 1,000 square feet of utilized facility. Layout Options Providing the most stalls possible in a functional parking lot is the main goal of a layout. The straight-in design (90°) always allows for the most stalls; but, for a variety of reasons, angled stalls (45°, 60° or 75°) are preferred. Straight-in stalls are easiest to lay out and stripe, plus they permit two-way traffic. Angled stalls, on the other hand, are easier for drivers to turn into and back out of and require a narrower lane. In addition, angled stalls provide a controlled one-way traffic flow and create a herringbone design that many owners find appealing. Unfortunately, the greater the angle, the more space is taken up. Pavement Marking Procedure We use the highest quality material and the latest equipment to get the job done efficiently. Our parking lot stripers are also equipped to provide specialized markings and signs for any application. Preparation involves cleaning the lot of all debris with a power blower or broom and, where applicable, removing old stripes. Pavement Marking Facts Since we only apply environmentally friendly acrylic water-borne paint, the temperature must be 45° Fahrenheit and rising. Traffic should be kept off a newly striped lot for at least one hour. Pavement marking should never be considered the end of maintenance. Rather, lot marking indicates that all surface repairs are complete and the pavement is ready for efficient use by both the public and property owner.
  • Why should I seal cracks in my asphalt?
    Crack sealing is used as a first defense against pavement deterioration because it offers several important benefits. Effective crack sealing keeps water from entering and weakening the base or sub-base. It helps preserve the pavement adjacent to the cracks; prevents sand, stone, and dirt from making its way into open cracks causing compressive stresses; and extends pavement life by minimizing crack growth. Proper attention to cracks will prevent problems from spreading and double the life of the pavement. Pavement repair in the early stages of deterioration will pay big dividends later by delaying costly resurfacing.
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