Frequently Asked Questions

The patented PressurePave^® system is one of the most versatile tools in the pavement preservation industry. Able to preserve pavements many would consider to be candidates for mill and overlay, this hybrid system pressure-injects a crack sealant into pavement while simultaneously applying a thin asphalt overlay.

This system is more efficient and cost effective than many other pavement preservation options. With a price that can be significantly less than the cost of a mill and asphalt overlay, and a 10+ year average surface life, the life cycle cost is ideal for public and private agencies wishing to cut costs or double the amount of roadways they are able to treat.

Whether it is a residential street or busy arterial, the time it takes to repair/resurface and return roadways back to normal traffic flow is extremely important to the public. With PressurePave^®, one simple application accomplishes what would historically require multiple products, processes and traffic disruptions. The chemical reactions within the PressurePave^® materials enables a resurfaced pavement to be ready for initial traffic flow usually within 30 minutes or less.

"As I hurtled through space, one thought kept crossing my mind - every part of this rocket was supplied by the lowest bidder."
- Astronaut John Glenn

Much like John Glenn, we view roads the same way. It is interesting to think we entrust our infrastructure and our lives to roads built and maintained by the lowest bidder. Taking a different approach, we decided to show what it looks like when an agency decides performance is top priority. By using a system that imports the best materials, chemistry, and emulsion cities and counties can maintain their pavement infrastructure for decades.

PressurePave^® has an average cure time of 30 minutes less.

The average lifespan of PressurePave^®'s driving surface is 12 - 15 years, depending on existing pavement conditions and traffic counts.

Can PressurePave^® be used in place of the common mill and asphalt overlay process? The short answer is yes!

Here is the long answer: There will always be a need for the mill and asphalt overlay in street programs. Mill and overlay is excellent at building structure and correcting imperfections in the overall rideability of the road, but it does have some downsides. This process is often used as an expensive method for removing cracks from a road's surface typically 1-2 inches deep, but what if the cracks are deeper than 1 or 2 inches? If asphalt is applied over existing cracks it will re-crack within 1-2 years (depending on thickness). You are then back where you started, a cracked road with water penetrating and eroding its base.

Instead of relying on the milling process to fix cracks, PressurePave^® uses a stress absorbing mastic. This aggregate-filled underseal is used to seal ALL cracks, replace lost fines, waterproof the entire surface, and stabilize cracked plates. Since the underseal is designed to be ductile and crack resistant, water will not be able to penetrate even if hairline cracks appear on the driving surface.

Many times a mill and overlay on streets within the PCI range 40-80 is overkill, especially if the only issues are rideability and cracking. PressurePave^® can solve both of those issues at about half the cost, while giving the appearance of a new overlay.

Part 1 Video: PressurePave vs Mill and Overlay
Part 2 Video: PressurePave vs Mill and Overlay

Let's start with microsurfacing. It's a popular choice for streets in good condition, ideally with a Pavement Condition Index, or PCI, above 80. This technique is less suited for streets with significant cracks. PressurePave^®, unlike microsurfacing, is designed for streets with notable wear and tear - those with a PCI of 40 and above.

PressurePave^®'s uniqueness lies in its method - pressure-injecting cracks and covering the entire surface with a crack-resistant, stress-absorbing mastic. This not only fills existing cracks but, due to it's ductile characteristics, creates a waterproof membrane that will not crack as readily as asphalt. The result? A robust driving surface that keeps water out, something traditional microsurfacing can't always achieve.

Microsurfacing has its cost benefits and is typically less expensive compared to PressurePave^®. If you are looking strictly at the dollars this may look attractive. But when you take into account life-cycle cost and PressurePave^®'s ability to replace mill and overlay, PressurePave^® provides a more cost-effective solution. PressurePave^® is not just affordable; it's approximately half the cost of traditional mill and overlay methods for the same streets.

In summary, PressurePave^® stands out with its ability to treat more damaged streets, offer greater durability, and present a more cost-effective solution than microsurfacing.

PressurePave^®'s driving surface is selected prior to application and the thickness depends on the needs of the road. 1/8 inch for streets in good condition, 1/4 inch for residential/collector streets (15 year life), and 3/8 inch for heavily trafficked collectors and arterials. This driving surface is applied at the same time as the sealant being pressure-injected across the entire street.

1/8 inch surface: Typically reapplied over 12-15 year old PressurePave^®.

1/4 inch surface: Typically used on residential and low-volume collector streets.

3/8 inch surface: 50% more material compared to the ¼ inch surface. This is typically applied on heavily trafficked streets like collectors/arterials.

Rain after PressurePave^® has cured (30 minutes) will not damage the material but may affect the color. Our supervisors always watch for popup showers. A full 24 hours without rain would be ideal.

This material can track if driven on before it is fully cured. After curing is completed, the surface will not track.

Asphalt resurfacing is a common solution for repairing damaged or aging asphalt pavements. However, this process can be time-consuming, expensive, and not environmentally optimal. In contrast, PressurePave^® is a pavement preservation product that offers several environmental benefits compared to traditional asphalt resurfacing methods.

1. Lower Emissions: PressurePave^® relies on quick-set chemistry which uses water evaporation during the curing process. This process emits no volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Traditional asphalt resurfacing methods can emit VOCs, like sulfur and carbon monoxide, during the application process. This can have negative impacts on air quality and the environment. By using PressurePave^®, you can help to reduce emissions and contribute to a cleaner environment.

2. Reduced Waste: Asphalt resurfacing involves removing the existing asphalt layer and disposing of it in a landfill. This generates a significant amount of waste, which can have negative impacts on the environment. In contrast, PressurePave^® can be applied directly over the existing asphalt layer, reducing the amount of waste generated and conserving resources.

3. Long-Term Benefits: PressurePave^® is designed to extend the lifespan of asphalt pavements, reducing the need for further repairs and replacements, such as sealing cracks or filling potholes. By extending the life of the pavement, PressurePave^® can help to reduce the environmental impact of paving projects over time.

Overall, PressurePave^® is a pavement preservation system offering a number of benefits over traditional asphalt resurfacing methods. Whether you are concerned about the environment, cost, or the longevity of your pavements, PressurePave^® is a smart and sustainable choice that can help you achieve your goals for a healthier community.

Not all cracks reappear but the industry standard is 1 inch per year for any asphalt surface. If a surface is 1 inch or less, the reflective crack will reappear within 1 year.

14. What PCI range can you treat?

15. What types of pavement do you cover / restore?

16. What temperature is the oil when laid?

17. What is the PressurePave^® sealant?

18. Do you have to have MAQS^® on top?

19. Is PressurePave^® patented?

21. What is the ideal outside air temperature needed for application?