Asphalt Patching Methods: Choosing the Right Fix for the Problem

Not all pavement failures are the same, and not all patches are equal. Understanding your options ensures effective, lasting repairs.

Commercial Property Services

Pavement failures range from surface cracking to deep structural failure. The cause and depth of failure determines the appropriate repair method — selecting the wrong approach wastes money and fails prematurely.

Throw-and-roll patching fills potholes quickly with cold-mix asphalt. It's a temporary measure suitable for emergency repairs in cold weather. Long-term durability is limited.

Industry Best Practices

Cut-and-patch (saw cut) removes failed asphalt to clean, straight edges, allows inspection of the base course, and installs new hot-mix asphalt in layers. This is the most durable repair method for isolated failures.

Infrared repair heats and re-works existing asphalt, adding virgin material where needed. This method is effective for moderate surface failures, leaving seamless edges that resist water infiltration.

How D&D Commercial Services Can Help

Mill-and-fill removes the surface layer with a milling machine and installs a fresh asphalt layer over the sound base. Appropriate for widespread surface distress without deep structural failure.

Full-depth reclamation grinds the entire existing pavement and base, mixing it in-place and compacting it as a new base course. Used for severely failed pavements requiring complete reconstruction.

Choosing the right method requires a proper assessment of failure cause, depth, and extent. A reputable contractor will assess before recommending — beware of contractors who propose the same solution for every problem.

Devon Moore, Operations Lead Co-Founder & Operations Lead — D&D Commercial Services

Devon Moore is the co-founder and Operations Lead at D&D Commercial Services, delivering professional commercial property maintenance across Waterloo Region.