Infrared Asphalt Repair: How It Works and What It Costs

Infrared asphalt repair uses a large heater panel to soften the existing asphalt in place, so a crew can rake it loose, add a rejuvenating agent and some fresh hot mix, and compact it into a patch that fuses with the surrounding pavement. Because there are no saw-cut edges, the new material fuses with the old instead of leaving an open joint, and it usually looks cleaner than a traditional cut-out patch. It works best for localized surface problems, like potholes, low spots, settled areas that have stopped moving, and damage around drains, where the base underneath is still stable. It isn't the answer for failed base, widespread alligator cracking, or spots that are still sinking. Pricing depends mostly on the number and size of repairs and the contractor's minimum charge, so get quotes rather than relying on a single number.

Hot patch asphalt → Sunken driveway repair →

How Infrared Asphalt Repair Works

1. Clean the area. Remove loose debris and standing water.
2. Heat. An infrared heater is placed over the repair area and warms the asphalt until it's workable. One equipment maker describes heat penetration of roughly 1.5 to 2.5 inches, though it varies with the machine, weather, and pavement.
3. Rake and loosen. The softened asphalt is scarified and loosened.
4. Rejuvenate. A rejuvenator is often applied to restore flexibility to the aged binder.
5. Add new mix. Fresh hot mix is added to fill low spots and replace lost material.
6. Level and compact. The area is raked to grade and compacted with a roller or plate compactor.
7. Blend the edges. Because the surrounding asphalt was heated too, the new material bonds with it rather than butting against a hard seam.

The repair can typically take traffic once it cools. Ask the contractor for specific timing.

Where Infrared Asphalt Repair Works Well

• Potholes where the base is still firm
• Low spots and "bird baths" that hold water
• Settled areas near garages or utility cuts that have stopped moving
• Raised or uneven transitions at drains, manholes, and aprons
• Oil-damaged spots where the surface has softened
• Localized cracking around an otherwise stable area
• Trip hazards and small humps

Some contractors point out that settling near a home is common, since base material next to foundations is hard to compact during construction, and once it stabilizes, infrared can fix the surface without replacing the whole driveway. Our guide on sunken asphalt driveway repair covers how to tell if settling has stopped.

When Infrared Isn't the Right Fix

• Base failure. Widespread alligator cracking usually means the base underneath has failed. Heating the top won't fix it. Cutting out and rebuilding the base is the proper repair.
• Active settling. If an area is still sinking, fix the cause, such as drainage or soft soil, first.
• Water washing out material under the pavement.
• Very thin asphalt that doesn't have enough material to rework.
• Widespread damage across the whole driveway, where an overlay or replacement makes more sense.

Infrared vs Traditional Patching

	Infrared repair	Cut-and-patch (hot mix)
Seams	None, blended edges	Cut joints that need sealing
Best for	Surface problems on stable base	Base failure, deeper repairs
Depth	Limited to heated layer	Can go full depth
Appearance	Blends well	Visible patch outline
Material	Reuses existing asphalt plus new mix	Removes and replaces material

For deeper repairs, a traditional patch with hot mix is still the standard. See our guide on hot patch asphalt.

What Drives the Cost of Infrared Asphalt Repair

Rather than a single price, expect quotes to depend on:

• Number of repairs. Contractors often bundle multiple spots into one visit.
• Size and depth of each repair
• Amount of new hot mix needed to bring low spots up to grade
• Minimum charges for mobilizing equipment and crew
• Access and site conditions
• Region and season

Get a couple of quotes, and ask each contractor to explain why infrared is or isn't right for your specific damage. Our pothole repair cost guide explains how patch pricing generally works.

Weather and Timing

Infrared crews can often work in cooler weather than many other repair methods, since the heater warms the pavement directly, but rain, standing water, and snow still get in the way. Water in the repair area soaks up heat and keeps the asphalt from softening evenly. Many contractors schedule infrared work from spring through fall and may do emergency pothole repairs in winter when conditions allow. If you plan to sealcoat the same year, book the infrared repairs first so the patches have time to cure before sealing.

Questions to Ask a Contractor

• Is the base under this area stable? How can you tell?
• How deep will the heat reach on my pavement?
• Will you add rejuvenator and new hot mix?
• How will you handle drainage so water doesn't pool again?
• When can I drive on it, and when can it be sealed?
• What happens if the area settles again?

Bottom Line on Infrared Asphalt Repair

Infrared asphalt repair heats and reworks existing pavement for seamless patches. It's an excellent choice for potholes, low spots, and settled areas on a stable base. For failed base or widespread damage, cut-and-replace or an overlay is the better fix. Get quotes based on your specific repairs and ask how the contractor will confirm the base is sound.