Carington Middle: Parking lot repair

We recently completed a parking lot repair project at Carrington Middle School in North Durham.

If you’re a municipal project planner or a maintenance manager in the area, you probably know how essential it is to keep public spaces like schools safe, functional, and well-maintained. 

This project presented a few challenges, but it’s the kind of work we love because it requires the kind of expertise and attention to detail that sets us apart from other asphalt contractors.

At our company, we pride ourselves on offering top-notch asphalt repair services, including infrared asphalt patching, sealcoating, crack filling, and line striping. 

We’re a women-owned business, and we make it a point to choose environmentally friendly processes whenever possible. And we always put our customers first—that’s what keeps us going.

The Problem: A Growing Sinkhole

When we arrived at Carrington Middle School, the first issue we had to tackle was a sinkhole forming right next to a drain catch basin. This wasn’t just a minor dip in the pavement; the sinkhole was large enough to be a safety concern.

While we were working several teachers commented about the broken pallet covering the hole and how grateful they were for the repairs to start.

What made the situation even more urgent was the fact that the sinkhole was located right next to a walkway between classroom buildings. 

A sinkhole next to a heavily trafficked area like this is a potential hazard for students and staff alike.

The source of the problem was clear: water was collecting and draining poorly around the catch basin, leading to erosion under the asphalt surface. 

Over time, this created a void that allowed the asphalt to crack and collapse. So our job was to fix this before the sinkhole got worse and someone got hurt.

Our Approach: Fixing the Sinkhole

Our first step in repairing the sinkhole was to remove the broken asphalt around the catch basin. This involved carefully cutting and lifting the damaged area to expose the dirt and debris underneath. 

Once we had a clear view of the ground beneath, we realized the dirt was still too wet to begin the repair process. Moisture is the enemy of a good asphalt repair, so we had to let the exposed dirt dry before we could continue.

Once the ground was dry, we went in and cleaned out all the loose debris from the hole. It’s important to make sure nothing loose remains, as this could compromise the new asphalt surface. 

We then brought in a base layer of crush and run, which is a type of aggregate that provides excellent drainage and a stable foundation. 

After adding the rock, we compacted it to make sure it was firmly in place. But even with that, we wanted to let the rock settle for a couple of weeks before finishing the repair. Letting the rock settle ensures the foundation won’t shift later and cause more damage.

Once the rock base had settled, we returned to Carrington Middle School to complete the repair. 

We added 3.5 inches of surface mix hot asphalt over the compacted rock. Once the asphalt was applied and leveled (luted), We compacted with asphalt and opened the area for normal use.

Drainage Improvements and Pothole Repair

The next issue we had to address was a large pothole, measuring 14 feet by 10 feet, just past the large speed bump on the property. 

Potholes like this can be a major nuisance, especially when they’re in high-traffic areas. Worse still, this particular spot had an additional challenge—it collects water when it rains, which made the pothole deeper and more dangerous over time.

To fix this problem, our goal wasn’t just to repair the pothole but to also change the existing grade of the area. 

By adjusting the slope, we could improve drainage, preventing water from pooling in that spot again. This is a critical step in ensuring the longevity of the repair. If water keeps collecting in the same area, the asphalt will continue to erode, leading to recurring potholes.

For the repair itself, we used our infrared asphalt truck. Infrared repair is one of the most environmentally friendly and cost-effective methods available. 

Infrared patching works by heating the existing pavement to soften it, allowing us to recycle the old asphalt. Once the asphalt is heated to the proper temperature, we can rework it and add new material if necessary to ensure a smooth, level surface. 

By using infrared technology, we were able to seamlessly blend the repair into the surrounding asphalt without creating any visible seams or patches. The end result? A strong, durable repair that looks as good as new.

Why We Stand Out

We take a lot of pride in the work we do, and this project at Carrington Middle School is a great example of why municipalities, schools, and government project planners choose us for their asphalt repair needs. 

First off, we never cut corners. Whether it’s waiting for the dirt to dry before adding the base layer or coming back weeks later to let the rock settle, we do whatever it takes to ensure our repairs last. This means fewer repairs down the road and less disruption for everyone.

Second, we’re committed to using environmentally friendly methods whenever possible. Our infrared asphalt truck, for instance, reduces the amount of new material needed for a repair, minimizing waste. It’s just one of the ways we strive to do right by our community and the planet.

And finally, we’re a women-owned business with a focus on excellent customer service. That means we communicate clearly, show up on time, and always follow through. 

Our goal isn’t just to get the job done—it’s to make sure you’re completely satisfied with the result.

A Safe and Functional School Property

At the end of the day, the repairs we made at Carrington Middle School helped make the property safer and more functional for everyone who uses it. 

The sinkhole is gone, the catch basin is secure, and the large pothole past the speed bump is now draining properly, so it won’t return. It’s all part of the service we provide to keep schools, municipalities, and public spaces in Durham and the surrounding areas in great shape.

If you manage public property, whether it’s a school, a park, or a government building, and you’re dealing with asphalt problems like sinkholes, potholes, or poor drainage, we’d love to help. We specialize in asphalt repair, sealcoating, crack filling, and line striping, and we’re committed to using the best techniques and materials to get the job done right.

Reach Out for a Free Quote

If you’re ready to tackle an asphalt repair project, don’t wait. Reach out to us today for a free quote. We’ll work with you to assess the problem, come up with a plan, and get it fixed quickly and efficiently. 

Whether you’re in Durham, Raleigh, or anywhere nearby, we’re here to help keep your public spaces safe, functional, and looking great. Let’s talk about how we can help you with your next project!