Asphalt Repair at Merrick Moore Elementary
We recently completed a project at Merrick Moore Elementary School in Durham, and I want to take you through the process. Whether you’re a municipal project planner or a maintenance manager, you’ll understand the importance of maintaining safe and functional spaces for the public, especially at schools.
Asphalt problems like sinkholes and potholes don’t just make a property look bad—they create real safety hazards. That’s why we were called in to tackle this project, and I’m excited to share how we solved some tricky problems.
At our company, we provide a range of services, including asphalt repair, infrared asphalt patching, sealcoating, crack filling, and line striping. We’re a women-owned business, and we’re passionate about doing things the right way—by putting excellent customer service first and choosing environmentally friendly processes at every turn. We take a lot of pride in the work we do, and Merrick Moore Elementary was no different.
The Problem: A Growing Sinkhole by the Walkway
The first challenge we encountered was a sinkhole that had formed right next to a drain catch basin. The sinkhole was located by a walkway between buildings, which sees a lot of foot traffic from both students and staff. The safety risk was clear—if this wasn’t addressed soon, it could cause serious accidents.
What caused the sinkhole? Well, the drainage around the catch basin wasn’t working properly. Water was eroding the soil beneath the asphalt, creating a void that led to the surface caving in. If left untreated, it would only get worse. So, our job was to get in there, stop the erosion, and make sure the area was safe again.
Our Repair Process: Step-by-Step Solution
The first thing we did was remove the broken asphalt around the sinkhole. This exposed the dirt and debris underneath. Now, one thing we always keep in mind is moisture. Wet dirt doesn’t create a solid foundation for repairs, so we let the exposed dirt dry out before moving forward. Rushing this step could lead to more problems later on.
Once the dirt had dried, we got to work cleaning out all the loose debris from the hole. Any leftover material that isn’t cleared out can compromise the stability of the repair, so this part was critical. After that, we added and compacted a layer of rock and aggregate to create a strong base. The base layer is essential for ensuring the new asphalt will stay intact and withstand the heavy foot and vehicle traffic that a school sees daily.
With the foundation in place, it was time to add the final layer—3.5 inches of surface mix hot asphalt. This durable surface layer provides a smooth finish, making the area safe and ready for use. By the time we were done, the sinkhole was completely gone, and the area looked as good as new. But more importantly, it was safe.
Tackling the Carpool Lane: Potholes and a Reverse Speed Bump
Once we had the sinkhole situation under control, we turned our attention to the next problem: several large potholes in the carpool lane. On top of that, there was a dip in the center of the road that looked like a reverse speed bump. Now, anyone who’s ever had to navigate through a busy carpool lane knows how important it is to keep traffic flowing smoothly. Potholes and dips like this don’t just slow things down—they can cause vehicle damage and accidents, too.
Our Infrared Asphalt Solution
For these repairs, we used our infrared asphalt truck, which allowed us to recycle the existing pavement. Here’s why this method is such a game-changer. Traditional pothole repairs often require cutting out and replacing large sections of asphalt, but with infrared technology, we can heat the existing pavement, soften it, and mix in fresh material to create a seamless repair. This process is not only faster, but it’s also more environmentally friendly because it minimizes waste.
After heating the damaged areas, we added new asphalt to fill the potholes and level out the reverse speed bump. Then, we used specialized equipment to compact the new material, creating a smooth and durable surface. The best part? You couldn’t even tell there had been any damage when we were done.
Job highlights for our crew
One of the highlights of this project wasn’t just the work itself—it was the incredible support we received from the team at Merrick Moore. While we were working, several teachers and administrators came by to thank us for fixing up the property. They even bought lunch for our crew, which was totally unnecessary but definitely appreciated! It was a great reminder of why we do what we do—keeping public spaces safe for the community while building relationships with the people who use them every day. As you can imagine, asphalt repair crews hardly receive positive feedback on the job…
Why Our Approach Stands Out
There are plenty of asphalt contractors out there, so why choose us? Well, a big part of it comes down to how we approach every project.
First, we never rush. Letting the dirt dry before adding rock, or using infrared technology to recycle old asphalt—these are all steps we take to make sure our repairs last. We want the work we do to hold up, whether it’s a sinkhole by a school walkway or a pothole in a busy carpool lane.
Second, we prioritize environmentally friendly processes. Our infrared asphalt repair method, for example, reduces the need for new materials, which cuts down on waste. We believe that you can do high-quality work without harming the environment, and we strive to make those choices wherever possible.
Finally, we’re all about customer service. Whether it’s making sure we communicate every step of the way or being responsive to any concerns, we’re here to make the process smooth and easy for our clients. At the end of the day, it’s not just about fixing the asphalt—it’s about ensuring that you’re happy with the result.
Keeping Schools and Public Spaces Safe
By the time we finished at Merrick Moore Elementary, we had transformed the school’s asphalt areas from hazardous to safe and functional. The sinkhole was repaired, the potholes were gone, and the carpool lane was smooth and level. These kinds of improvements make a big difference, especially in places like schools where safety is a top priority.
Whether you’re responsible for managing a school property, a public park, or any other municipal space, keeping up with asphalt maintenance is critical. It’s about more than just appearances—it’s about safety, functionality, and keeping things running smoothly.
Reach Out for a Free Quote
If you’re dealing with asphalt issues like sinkholes, potholes, or drainage problems, don’t wait for them to get worse. Reach out to us for a free quote, and let’s talk about how we can help.
We’re experienced, we’re dedicated to doing the job right, and we’re ready to work with you to keep your public spaces in top shape. Whether you’re in Durham, Raleigh, or anywhere nearby, we’d love to help with your next project!
