Because infrared technology blends the new asphalt right in with the original by heating an area 6- to 8-inches beyond the cut, the new asphalt is seamless with the old and no sinking occurs. Bruce Boyers

Because many have not heard of it - despite its 30-year history - infrared remains the "new wave" in pavement restoration. The fact that word has not been broadly spread is great news for contractors looking to expand their businesses: there''s plenty of room for growth. There''s also plenty of room for profit - a pavement restoration job which, with traditional cut-and-fill methods, takes a 5- to 6-man crew 1 to 2 days, can now be performed by a 2-man crew in about 20 minutes. This means more work can be taken on, and performed in less time. And that bottom line can expand.

In addition to its cost savings, infrared technology allows more effective asphalt repairs. Traditional repairs leave seams that allow water to penetrate the repair, and the repaired, filled-in portions nearly always fail within a year or so. Because infrared technology blends the new asphalt right in with the original by heating an area 6- to 8-inches beyond the cut, the new asphalt is seamless with the old and no sinking occurs.

"This is an incredibly fantastic opportunity for a new business," says Roger Filion, owner of Kasi Infrared. "This is a complete infrared system which can be purchased for a relatively low investment - and you simply attach it to your truck and you''re ready to start making decent money." Filion has seen many start-ups succeed with the ProHeat - even husband-and-wife teams.

Part of the attraction of a trailer-mounted system is the fact that it can be used for infrared jobs, and then left behind when the truck is needed by itself for other work. "It''s a good fit for several different types of existing businesses," Filion continues. "Especially seal-coaters or any paving company."

Adding infrared asphalt repair to an existing business is also great for companies that tend to run on-again-off-again, such as construction businesses. One company that added infrared to its services is in new home construction, which can have its downtimes. During those times, the company now performs infrared asphalt repair.

Infrared can be used in all types of repairs in which traditional methods are used: alligator cracking, potholes, utility cuts, settling against concrete walks or barriers, and more. An infrared heater is applied directly to the repair area, and the old asphalt is utilized in the repair, only requiring a relatively thin layer of new material to bring the repair up to grade. Because traditional methods require that all of the old asphalt be cleaned out and replaced with all new "virgin" asphalt, infrared saves substantially in material cost - 1 to 2 tons of asphalt can generally last for a full day''s work. Before compacting, rejuvenator is sprayed on to the repair to replace oils in the old asphalt that have been lost over time, which helps to secure the repairs.

The time savings are also a great benefit for customers, as traffic is blocked for a only fraction of the time of cut-and-fill methods.