Asphalt Patching in Southeast Michigan
D&J Contracting provides commercial asphalt patching across Macomb County and Metro Detroit. We address surface deterioration before it spreads — protecting your pavement investment long-term.
Licensed & Insured
Local Michigan Crews
38+ Years Experience
What Is Asphalt Patching and When Do You Need It?
Asphalt patching is the targeted removal and replacement of failed sections of pavement. Unlike crack filling (which seals the surface) or sealcoating (which protects it), patching physically removes deteriorated material and installs fresh compacted asphalt in its place.
Patching is appropriate when:
- The asphalt has failed structurally — soft spots, severe alligator cracking, or potholes where the base is exposed
- A localized area has base damage from water infiltration or utility work
- Infrared repair isn't suitable because the damage is too deep or the base requires repair
- You need a permanent, long-lasting fix for a problem area rather than a temporary surface treatment
Properly executed patching with full-depth saw-cut edges and appropriate base repair can last as long as the surrounding pavement.
The Right Way to Patch Asphalt
Many asphalt patches fail prematurely because they're done wrong. Cold pour materials applied over a crumbling pothole edge, without base repair, without saw-cutting clean edges — that patch lasts one winter if you're lucky.
D&J's commercial patching process:
- Site assessment — We evaluate the failure: surface issue only, or base failure requiring sub-base repair?
- Saw cutting — We cut clean, square edges around the failed area. This creates a solid bond surface for the new asphalt.
- Full removal — All deteriorated material is removed to a depth that exposes sound base.
- Base repair if needed — Failed base is removed and replaced with compacted aggregate base.
- Tack coat application — A bonding agent is applied to all cut edges and the base surface before asphalt placement.
- Hot-mix asphalt installation — Fresh hot-mix asphalt is placed in lifts, not all at once, to ensure proper compaction throughout the depth.
- Compaction — Roller compaction to achieve proper density. This is the step most small operations skip — and it's why their patches fail.
- Edge sealing — Sealing the patch edges after compaction prevents water infiltration at the joint.
This process takes more time than throwing cold patch in a hole, but a properly executed commercial patch holds for 10-15+ years.
"Cold patch is a band-aid. It's fine for an emergency safety fix when it's 20 degrees out and you need the lot open, but it's not a real repair. We use hot-mix asphalt and commercial compaction equipment on every patch job — small or large. That's the difference between a $600 patch that lasts 15 years and a $600 patch that you're calling us back to fix in the spring."
— David Koback, Owner, D&J Contracting, Inc.
Proudly Serving Macomb County and Metro Detroit
D&J Contracting has served commercial clients across Southeast Michigan since 1988. Our crews operate throughout Macomb County and the greater Metro Detroit region, including Clinton Township, Sterling Heights, Warren, Roseville, St. Clair Shores, Eastpointe, Fraser, Mount Clemens, and surrounding communities.
All work is performed by our own MDOT-prequalified crews. We never subcontract.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between asphalt patching and pothole repair?
Pothole repair typically refers to filling an existing hole, which may or may not include saw-cutting clean edges. Asphalt patching refers to a more comprehensive process: saw-cutting defined boundaries, removing all deteriorated material, repairing the base, and installing hot-mix asphalt with proper compaction. Patching is the longer-lasting approach.
How large an area can be patched vs replaced?
Targeted patching is appropriate when failed areas are distributed and the surrounding pavement is in sound condition. When more than 30-40% of a lot needs patching, milling and overlay or full replacement often becomes the more cost-effective option. We provide an honest recommendation after site assessment.
How soon can vehicles use a patched area?
Hot-mix asphalt patches are typically ready for light vehicle traffic within a few hours after compaction. We advise on specific timing based on temperature, patch depth, and traffic volume.
Can patching be done year-round in Michigan?
Hot-mix patching is best performed when temperatures are above 40°F for proper placement and compaction. Cold-mix temporary patching can address safety hazards in winter. Permanent hot-mix work is scheduled spring through fall.
Does patching affect parking lot striping?
Patching may cover or disrupt existing striping in the repaired area. We re-stripe any lines that are covered by the patch. For lots needing comprehensive striping refresh, we can combine patching and striping in one project.
Need Asphalt Patching Before Small Problems Grow?
D&J Contracting is Southeast Michigan’s trusted commercial contractor. We respond to estimate requests within one business day and provide written quotes at no cost.
Call (586) 954-0008 or request an estimate online.