How/when to use excavation/profiling machines to remove damaged asphalt.

Removing a damaged asphalt driveway is a tedious job. The size of the damage determines the type of machine to use. Machines like excavators and profiling machines remove large portions. Faults like small potholes and cracks need jackhammers and circular saws. Removing damaged asphalt is not a stand-alone activity, repairs come with it. Due to the technical need for removing damaged asphalt, it is best to hire professionals. J Barker’s Asphaltingoffers a range of services from fresh construction to removals and repairs.

Using an excavator to remove damaged asphalt

The first step before removing damaged asphalt is to plan. If your driveway or car park has embedded service cables, contact the authorities. An excavator is a big machine, operators need to apply caution when in residential areas. When removing asphalt, the excavator removes parts furthest from buildings first. Parts closer to the buildings are removed with smaller machines to preserve the structure. 

The excavator has a large metal bucket controlled by a hydraulic system. The operator controls the bucket from the cabin, he uses the bucket teeth to break the surface. Then scoops the excavated material to a heap or a waiting truck. When done with the removal, disposing of the asphalt is important. An asphalt recycling centre will be better. Asphalt is recyclable, hence trips to the recycling centre helps preserve our environment.

Using a profiling machine to remove damaged asphalt

The process of using profiling machines to remove damaged asphalt is pavement milling. As opposed to an excavating machine, it creates an even surface after removal. A profiling machine uses advanced technology to remove layers of damaged asphalt. The process consumes less time and accuracy. 

Both excavating equipment and a profiling machine can remove damaged asphalt surface. However, during new construction, an excavating machine is more efficient. A profiling machine removes the damaged asphalt in layers; hence, recycling is achievable. But the excavating equipment removes both the layer and the sub-base. 

When working with roads with lane markings, curves and kerbs, a profiling machine does the work better. The machine marks the part of pavement for removal, the drums roll over it with crushing the surface. Next, the crushed asphalt is removed with conveyor belts to a waiting truck for disposal. 

Choosing a profiling machine or excavating machine

A profiling machine is more efficient than an excavating machine. But choosing which one to use depends on some constraints. 

- Traffic volume – whether it is a driveway, car park, or municipal road, you need to consider the volume of traffic. For asphalt paving with little traffic, and you can afford to close the road for a while, an excavator is fine. For areas of high vehicular movement, traffic can resume almost immediately.

- Time – the time is also of the essence; a profiling machine delivers a faster job than an excavating machine. 

- Location - in areas like small car parks with no adjoining buildings, an excavator might be suitable. While for pavements with kerbs, culverts, speed humps, road meridian, a profiling machine will be a better option. 

If you have further questions or need a quote, our team of experts is always a click away. Kindly contact us, and let’s do some great work together.