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Roadmaster Road Patcher FAQs

What is the difference between Spray Patching, Spray Injection Patching, SIP, Velocity Patching, Jet Patching & Blow Patching?

There is no difference between these terms and they can all be used interchangeably.

Spray Patching & Spray Injection Patching are terms that are widely used in the UK and North America to refer to the process.

The term Velocity Patching is used to describe the process in Ireland and the UK while Jet Patching is used in the UK and Pacific regions.

The term Blow Patching is principally used on the European continent to describe the process.

What is Spray Patching?

Spray Patching is a process that can not only be used to fix potholes and other road surface defects, but can also be used to provide preventative treatments to prevent potholes from forming in the first place.

How does Spray Patching work?

Each chip used in the process is coated with bitumen emulsion before being delivered at pressure into the damaged road surface. Modern machines can apply a consistent ratio of emulsion to aggregate ensuring a consistent result.

Is Spray Patching efficient?

Spray Patching is the most efficient road repair and maintenance solution available. It allows surface defects to be targeted and treated before they break up into potholes. It does this without excavation.

How long will Spray Patching patches last?

Spray Patching patches have been recorded as intact 5 years after being laid.

Can Spray Patching be used to prevent potholes?

Spray Patching is widely used as a sealing and repair treatment to prevent potholes.

Can Spray Patching be used as a pre surface dress treatment?

Spray Patching is widely used to prepare surfaces for surface dressing by levelling and filling cracked areas, depressions, broken edges and worn areas.

Does Spray Patching generate waste?

Spray Patching is a zero-waste treatment, as it does not require excavation. The material is only mixed ant point of use, so any unused material can be used later.

Is Spray Patching fast?

Spray Patching can repair and seal 350m2 in a single 8 hour shift.

Do Spray Patching repairs require rolling?

95% of the compaction is achieved by the projection speed. It is recommended that Spray Patching repairs be rolled using the on-board roller immediately after they are laid, to help consolidate and seal the dry chips laid to protect the surface.

Is Spray Patching only suitable for rural roads?

Spray Patching can be used anywhere, provided suitable application procedures are followed.

Is Spray Patching carbon efficient?

Spray Patching has been shown to be the most carbon-efficient method of extending the life of a road surface. This is because of the efficient manner it uses to apply sealing repairs to a wide range of repair types.

Is Spray Patching disruptive to road users?

Spray Patching is the ultimate “quick-hit” repair. It can complete a single repair in less than 3 minutes. Operating under mobile works regulations, it causes minimal disruption.

Are operatives at risk using Spray Patching?

The in-cab operation of the Roadmaster machine means the operative is always safe within the cab, avoiding exposure to dust, weather, traffic, and the actions of careless drivers.

What quality control measures are in place for Spray Patching?

There are three tests that must be carried out:

An affinity test (this is a laboratory test) The material must be carefully selected to ensure it is compatible with the emulsion. This is generally tested by the emulsion supplier.

A “Snowball” test. This test should be performed on each new batch of material before loading it onto the machine.

An on-site sample should be tested from each load as it is being dispensed from the machine – this confirms that the material is being mixed properly and in the correct proportion.

What training is required to achieve high-quality results from Spray Patching?

Spray Patching training can be divided into two categories: operator training and supervisor training.

Operator training involves training in the use of the machine as well as in the delivery of the process and how it works.

Supervisor training: This is designed to inform supervisory staff on how the process works, and what measures are necessary to ensure consistent high-quality results.

What is the difference with chip seal?

Chip seal is used to cover a surface with one or more successive layers of emulsion followed by dry gravel, deposited by gravity. The gravel and emulsion can then be compacted.

Chip seal: Can cover large widths (several meters) but is not suitable for deep repairs.

Spray Patching: Limited in width (max 1.5 meters per pass) but can effectively fill deep degradations with compaction during spraying. Properly sprayed asphalt leaves minimal loose gravel on the road surface.

Chip seal: 11-12% emulsion, 5 to 10% loose gravel.

Spray Patching: 9-11% emulsion, less than 5% loose gravel.

Both techniques can be used together: sprayed asphalt for levelling, then chip seal for surface sealing.

Is the operator in the cabin too far from the damaged road to do a good job?

This is a recurring question and often the first one asked by people discovering the Roadmaster. Once inside the cabin, one realizes that the distance is less significant than it appears, and the visibility is excellent. The effectiveness of our technology lies in the flexibility and manoeuvrability of our application technology.

Does the Roadmaster operating while moving forward and backwards present a danger?

This is another recurring question. The Roadmaster can move forward and backwards while repairing, which is unique for this type of machine. At first glance, it may create a sense of insecurity for users who inadvertently enter the work area.
However, this capability allows for a more homogeneous finish on large or long sections (typically edge breaks and centre joints). The working speed is reduced, and the Roadmaster is equipped with backup radar and rear cameras, allowing for constant monitoring of the work area.