Revive the Client’s Driveway with Infrared Patching
BY Rudy Curtler
During the driveway job, the crew handled crackfilling as well.
EverLine Coatings, Twin Cities, Minnesota, is a parking lot line striping and pavement maintenance service that handles projects for the long-term preservation of asphalt. One of our customers was looking to have his driveway repaired after years of wear and tear. He had taken good care of it and maintained it for over 20 years, but it had really begun to wear down recently. Part of the problem had been a recently purchased, large, heavy pickup truck regularly parked in the driveway. The weight of the vehicle caused two noticeable “ponding” areas at the front of the driveway near the garage. There was also some noticeable asphalt beginning to fail along the side of the driveway, which was causing some concerns.
When we first arrived at the home to assess his driveway, we knew that a conventional approach would not suffice. Simply repairing the damaged areas would only offer a temporary fix, and replacing the entire driveway would be costly and unnecessary. As experts in asphalt maintenance, we suggested a more sustainable and cost-effective solution: infrared patching.
Infrared patching is a technique that is one of the most effective ways asphalt can be repaired. This method uses infrared rays to heat the damaged asphalt, softening it to a workable state. We then add fresh asphalt, seamlessly blending it with the existing surface to create a smooth, durable patch. Unlike traditional methods that require cutting out damaged areas, infrared patching eliminates the need for a full excavation, making the whole project and overall product more stable. Our client was intrigued by this solution, and after explaining the process and its advantages, we moved forward with the process.
During the job, the crew kept the surface clean and ready for each step.
We performed 10 infrared patches, each measuring 6 feet by 3 feet, targeting the area most in need of attention. The result was remarkable, with the once troublesome spots now smooth and level, allowing rainwater to drain away effectively. Furthermore, the failing asphalt on the side of the driveway was effectively restored, eliminating any safety hazards and preserving the overall integrity of the driveway.
The benefits of infrared patching were twofold for the client. Not only did it resolve the “ponding” areas caused by the weight of the heavy pickup truck, but it also addressed the failing asphalt along the side of the driveway. But we didn’t stop there. To ensure the longevity of the repairs and give our client’s driveway a fresh, polished appearance, we applied three coats of sealcoat. Sealcoating provides an additional protective layer, shielding the asphalt from the damaging effects of UV rays, water and chemicals. Not only does it improve the aesthetics of the driveway, but it also significantly extends its lifespan, saving the client unnecessary expenses in the long run.
Our client was delighted with the results. Not only did the driveway regain its former glory, but it also received a boost in resilience and is better equipped to handle the demands of the regular wear and tear the asphalt takes. The combination of infrared patching and sealcoating offered the perfect solution, and the client was amazed at how this approach surpassed initial expectations and is now built to stand demanding weather conditions for years to come.
After patching, the area down the side of the driveway no longer shows signs of raveling.
Looking at the benefits of infrared repair, the overall process is an effective solution to some of the most deteriorating asphalt problems. For contractors working in this space, this process also helps save time and money by eliminating the need to cut and jackhammer, and decreases the manpower needed for the repair job. The results are also longer lasting compared to just filling a spot with asphalt. Leaving joints and seams in the asphalt opens the door to water infiltration, which will reverse all the work that has been put into a project.
Using state-of-the-art technologies like infrared repair can really make the life of a contractor or repair company a lot easier by saving time and resources, plus the customer money in the long run with an effective solution.
Rudy Curtler is the owner and principal operator of EverLine Coatings, Twin Cities, Minnesota, a parking lot line striping and pavement maintenance service for commercial and residential property owners.
Women in the Asphalt Business
Earlier this summer, EverLine Coatings added to its senior leadership team when it brought aboard Bridgette Morgan as vice president of market development, bringing her years of experience in overseeing sales and product marketing operations and cultivating customer relationships to drive business growth.
In her new role, Morgan will define and execute comprehensive market development strategies, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives. She will oversee sales quotas and assign strategic account objectives for the national accounts team, fostering revenue growth and client retention, plus track key performance metrics for the executive team, highlighting progress and recommending actionable insights. Other initiatives include identifying market trends, customer needs, and competitive landscape to guide product development and market positioning and spearhead efforts to position the company as an industry leader in brand image, presence, and thought leadership.
“I am excited to join the EverLine team at this time of growth and expansion,” Morgan said. “This role is critical to enhancing the overall EverLine brand experience, and I’m enthusiastic about the opportunity to focus on sales and marketing initiatives that will support our ever-growing franchise organization.”
For information on becoming a franchisee, visit https://everlinefranchise.com/us/