How to keep roads intact for longer
A small crack in the asphalt. Barely visible, only a few millimetres wide. But rain penetrates, water freezes, and relentless road traffic adds further stress to the surface. What starts out inconspicuously quickly develops into a danger for vehicles and people – and a cost factor for road operators. Cracks and joints can turn into potholes, and minor damage can escalate into expensive, complete renovations.
To prevent this from happening in the first place, fast, economical and durable solutions are needed. This is exactly where the road repair and maintenance solutions from SWARCO Road Marking Systems come in: they can be applied quickly, stop damage at an early stage, keep roads safe and can significantly extend the service life of the road surface.
Prefabricated solutions – seamless driving
Fine cracks and open seams occur particularly frequently at the edges of reinstatement works. If these are not sealed quickly, they expand due to water ingress. This is exactly what SWARCO Road Marking System's ready-made solutions are designed for: SWARCO ECO TEXBAND Tape is a quick and clever solution based on modified preformed thermoplastic.
A decade of applications across the United Kingdom consistently shows how easy and straightforward these repair tapes are to use. The material comes ready for installation in 5 metre rolls, eliminating the need for time-consuming on-site preparation and mixing. To install the overbanding tape, simply torch the product onto the substrate to seal the joint. For this, we recommend an express hornet.
Hot applications – when robustness is required
However, not all reinstatement work is limited to small cracks. Potholes and larger areas of deterioration require more robust repair methods. Hot-applied systems provide an effective solution, filling larger damaged areas with heated thermoplastic material that bonds firmly to the substrate and withstands heavy traffic loads, forming a permanent repair.
This is precisely what SWARCO ECO TEXBAND Solo / TEXPATCH offers – a versatile filling and covering system ideal for repairing potholes.
Application Example
Cartbridge Lane
(Halewood, UK)
Challenge
Cartbridge Lane, a busy road in a growing residential area, required repairs to its damaged surface. The work formed part of a project to remove old road markings and replace them with new ones. Due to the need to minimize disruption to residents and traffic, the repairs had to be completed under considerable time pressure.
Solution
Using SWARCO ECO TEXBAND Solo / TEXPATCH, cracks, small potholes, and surface depressions were sealed quickly and efficiently.
Result
Work stayed perfectly on schedule – enabling completion of the entire area in just one six-hour shift.
Application Example
M56 Junctions 14–15
(Cheshire, UK)
Challenge
On the busy M56 motorway between junctions 14 and 15, road repairs were required as part of a complete renewal of the road markings. The goal was to keep lane closures as short as possible, which meant the work had to be carried out at night –alongside two ongoing road resurfacing projects.
Solution
SWARCO ECO TEXBAND Solo / TEXPATCH was applied to seal joints and cracks, as well as to repair deeper damage.
Result
The SWARCO system allowed the new markings to be applied right after the repairs - with no waiting time and no extra closures. A one stop solution with minimal impact on stakeholders.
Cold applications – versatile possibilities
Some repairs require special attention – for example, when sensitive areas, different materials, or complex damage patterns are involved. In such situations, cold-applied road repair systems demonstrate their full potential. These solvent-free, two-component materials chemically cure after application, creating a stable and durable bond with the substrate –without thermal stress or harmful emissions.
SWARCOPLAST Repair Mortar is a versatile all-rounder when it comes to road maintenance. The repair mortar can be used to create even surfaces to level out ruts, depressions, potholes or damaged areas in asphalt and concrete surfaces. However, it also proves its worth when levelling sunken manhole covers or drains, where precise adjustments are required.
In German municipalities, this solvent-free 2-component mortar is also frequently used as an adhesive – for example, to fix curbstones. Numerous milled asphalt surfaces have already been reliably sealed or levelled with this material. In many applications, it has also been shown that when grit is applied, a skid-resistant and durable surface is created – even for the most demanding requirements.
Conclusion: Small interventions with a lasting economic effect
Whether prefabricated thermoplastic rolls for quick application, hot applications for robust pothole repair or cold applications for a wide range of uses: SWARCO Road Marking Systems offers the suitable solution for every damaged area. Successful applications such as those in the United Kingdom impressively demonstrate how targeted, effective repairs can extend the service life of roads, increase safety for all road users and reduce follow-up costs. The SWARCO principle for road repair and reinstatement is clear: act early, use targeted, effective repair systems and benefit in the long term. This keeps roads safe and reliable, ensuring a smooth journey from A to B for years to come.
Why should minor road damage be repaired quickly?
Minor damage (e.g. cracks or open seams) can quickly deteriorate further due to the combined effects of weather and traffic. Early repairs stop this process, both increasing safety, avoiding the delays and expense of full resurfacing projects.
What solutions are available for such road damage?
SWARCO’s road repair solutions offer three linked approaches: preformed thermoplastic tapes (SWARCO ECO TEXBAND Tape), hot-applied solutions (SWARCO ECO TEXBAND Solo / TEXPATCH), and cold-applied materials (SWARCOPLAST Repair Mortar). This means that there is a suitable repair solution for different types of damage – from fine cracks to potholes.
What are the benefits of preformed thermoplastic rolls for road repairs?
These rolls, such as SWARCO ECO TEXBAND Tape, are delivered ready to lay and are easy to use. They reliably seal cracks and seams and keep water away from the road / pavement surface. This results in improved long-term durability and an extended service life.
What are the advantages of ready-made solutions such as SWARCO ECO TEXBAND Tape?
A key advantage is its ease of use: no lengthy preparation or mixing is required. There is also no waste from the product. SWARCO ECO TEXBAND Tape also requires no heavy application machinery, making the entry level to using the product a lot more achievable.
What can hot-applied repair solutions achieve?
Hot-applied road repair solutions (e.g., SWARCO ECO TEXBAND Solo / TEXPATCH) are particularly suitable for larger areas of damage, such as potholes or open seams. The heated material bonds firmly to the substrate, ensuring the best long-term repair to the substrate.
What are the advantages of hot-applied materials such as SWARCO ECO TEXBAND Solo / TEXPATCH?
The hot material melts into the substrate, forming a solid, homogeneous thermal bond with the substrate. This forms a strong and durable bond with the substrate, ideal for our heavily trafficked road networks. Its robustness reduces follow-up costs by extending the lifespan of substrates. Hot-applied materials can also be used for different sizes of damage, from small surface areas to deeper repairs.
SWARCO ECO TEXBAND Solo / TEXPATCH works can also be delivered at the same time as lining works, resulting in two projects being completed on one site visit. This yields many benefits, such as associated reductions in costs (mobilisation, labour, traffic management etc) and reduced vehicle movements, lowering carbon footprints.
What can cold-applied repair solutions achieve?
Cold-applied systems (e.g. SWARCOPLAST repair mortar) can level out ruts, depressions, potholes, and damaged areas on asphalt and concrete surfaces. The material can also be used as an adhesive (e.g. for curbstones).
What are the advantages of cold-applied materials such as SWARCOPLAST repair mortar?
No heat is required for processing. This makes these materials particularly versatile. Compared to hot application, much more controlled and precise work (e.g. with a trowel) is possible. Therefore, in addition to conventional repair techniques to road surfaces, such cold-applied systems are also suitable for installation work on manhole covers, drains, or curbstones.
How do road users benefit from SWARCO repair solutions?
For motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians, quick repairs mean one thing above all: greater safety. Intact roads are more comfortable, reduce the risk of accidents, and remain usable without long restrictions thanks to the fact that they can be reopened to traffic quickly. In short, these systems provide both effective road repair and future prevention all in one!
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SWARCO Road Marking Systems
About SWARCO Road Marking Systems
Quality products and services from SWARCO Road Marking Systems guide traffic safely from A to B by day and, above all, by night. On all types of roads. Whatever the weather. From a single source. Over 5,000 customers in more than 80 countries place their trust in them.