Cold asphalt patch: an alternative to hot mix repair
Mix the cold asphalt patch material and pour it into the hole until it overfills the rim approximately ½ inch. Tamp down the patch material with a tamper or 4×4. Fill in any depressions with more patch material and tamp again.
Minor asphalt repair can easily be done using inexpensive, simple alternatives to hot asphalt. Commonly called a “cold asphalt patch”, the products vary in chemical composition and ease of application. Most are similar to standard asphalt but contain bonding agents that do not require heating. There are also asphalt repair products that are environmentally friendly and only require water to use.
While application instructions for cold patch asphalt repair products vary by brand, methods of use are similar.
- Chisel the crack or hole to remove any loose or cracked pieces of paving. Ideally the edges of the hole are vertical, and the width at the top and bottom of the hole are approximately the same. Clean the pothole thoroughly and removal all loose gravel and debris.
- Blast the hole with water. If any oil or grease remains, wash it off with a mild detergent. Allow the hole to dry.
- If the area you are patching is deeper than 2 inches, first fill the crack up to the 2 inch mark with small, crushed, angular gravel. Don’t use pea gravel or larger gravel as it can shift. Compact the gravel using a tamper or a 4×4.
- Mix the cold patch material and pour it into the hole until it overfills the rim approximately ½ inch. Tamp down the patch material with a tamper or 4×4. Fill in any depressions with more patch material and tamp again.
- Allow the patch to dry for at least 24 hour before driving or walking on it. After 30 days, apply a sealer to allow the patch to harden and cure thoroughly.
If your asphalt repair patch job can’t wait for 24 hours for traditional cold asphalt patch material to harden, consider water-activated patch materials that set up almost immediately after installation.
—By Bruce Webb
