Asphalt Pavement Light Repairs

Over time the mastic asphalt seal around pavement lights and walkways can become damaged in this blog we explore tell tale signs of defective mastic seals on pavement lights as well as explain how the damage may have been caused and how it can be rectified.

What Are The Tell-Tale Signs Of Defective Mastic Asphalt Around Pavement Lights?

Stains on ceilings as well as damp walls under street lights and pavements can often be caused by imperfect mastic asphalt seals on the pavement slabs or the buildings outside walls.

Small leaks are the first tell-tale signs that action needs to be taken to repair or replace the mastic asphalt seals. Unfortunately, once water penetrates mastic asphalt there is potential for long-term damage.

Why Is Water Damage A Worry?

When mastic asphalt is exposed to water the bitumen inside of it is pulled to the surface and once this happens crazing can be caused, as well as discolouration to the asphalt. Once a fault has been spotted it is important to address it quickly so that any minor issues do not develop into larger ones that are harder to resolve. A specialist will need to come out and address the damaged area before then being able to explain the asphalt repair that needs to happen.

How Are Repairs Carried Out?

• Mastic asphalt experts will heat broken asphalt blocks down into molten-liquid form, which is then poured onto and around the defective perimeter of the pavement light1. This action heats the defective asphalt mastic so that it is then malleable and thus able to be removed.

• The damaged area needs to be cut out and down to where it meets the pavement lights bearings.

• The next step, is to carefully cleaned the area by torch drying it.

• After this, the next step is to use a primer2 to prime the area ready for re-surfacing with mastic asphalt.

• Once the primer has cured, the new, heated asphalt is poured into the gap to replace the removed, damaged area.

• Finally, a high module liquid waterproofing seal can be used over the joints – this then provides a waterproof protection.

What To Do If You Identify Defective Mastic Asphalt Seals?

Unfortunately, once mastic asphalt surfaces begin to deteriorate it is likely it will sustain further damage and erosion. This means the pavement lights which were being sealed by the mastic aspahlt are at risk of water damage It is at this point that asphalt specialist need to be called in. 

If you would like any more information regarding asphalt pavement light repair, please get in touch with our friendly team at RJ Evans by calling 01277 375 511 or by using this web form.