Crumbling asphalt and potholes are common issues in every municipality. Freeze-thaw cycles, heavy traffic, and wear over time all take their toll. These surface failures increase liability and lead to bigger infrastructure concerns if left unchecked. Fortunately, infrared asphalt repair offers a modern, cost-effective way to address these problems.

What Is Infrared Asphalt Repair?

Infrared asphalt repair uses targeted heat to soften damaged pavement. Crews then rake and rework the area, adding a small amount of new material if needed. They compact the patch into a seamless, watertight finish. Unlike traditional cut-and-fill methods, infrared repair reuses most of the existing material.

This process eliminates the need to haul old asphalt away and reduces the amount of new mix required. The result is faster, cleaner repairs that cost less.

Environmental and Budget-Friendly Benefits

One of the standout features of infrared asphalt repair is its emphasis on recycling. The process minimizes the need for new materials by reusing the existing pavement. According to the National Asphalt Pavement Association, asphalt is already the most recycled material in the United States—over 94% of reclaimed asphalt pavement is reused in new roadways.

Infrared systems take that a step further, allowing cities to recycle in place without transporting or dumping old material. That’s fewer emissions, fewer dump fees, and fewer truckloads of new hot mix asphalt. It also means faster repairs—ideal for high-traffic urban areas where road closures are costly.

Other key benefits include:

  • Minimal disruption – Infrared repair is faster and quieter than traditional methods.

  • Weather resistance – The seamless bond between new and old asphalt helps prevent water intrusion.

  • Labour and material savings – Fewer workers and less new asphalt are needed per repair.

According to research by the Minnesota Local Road Research Board, infrared repair is particularly cost-effective for patching potholes, utility cuts, and shallow surface defects.

Meet the Trackless Infrared Asphalt Heater Attachment

For municipalities that already operate a Trackless MT, the Infrared Asphalt Heater attachment is a smart way to expand its use.

Crews can prepare a rake-ready surface in just 15 minutes. The system recycles 100% of the existing asphalt and only requires a small amount of new aggregate. Repairs are seamless and permanent, with no cut joints. Operating the heater is simple: position it, set the cycle time, and press start. The built-in timer allows for consistent results across job sites. There’s no open flame, which makes the process safer around manholes and catch basins. Even better, the generator separates easily from the heater. Municipal teams can use it to power welders, pump stations, or even emergency shelters. With 45 kW and both 110V and 220V outlets, it adds year-round value to your fleet.

Infrared Repair: A Sustainable Choice for Municipal Maintenance

As budgets tighten and environmental expectations rise, municipalities are seeking smarter ways to maintain roads. Infrared asphalt repair offers a reliable, sustainable option that reduces waste, shortens repair times, and makes full use of existing resources. Combined with the versatility of the Trackless Infrared Asphalt Heater, cities can reduce dependency on external contractors and put more control in the hands of public works crews—saving time, money, and resources all at once.

If you’re interested in learning more about this attachment or adding one to your Trackless fleet, reach out to your local Trackless dealer.