Proven Performance: Why Heated Joints Are the Future of Asphalt Paving

cory836
Oct 29
2 min read

When it comes to asphalt paving, the quality of longitudinal joints can make or break the long-term performance of a road or runway. Cracking, raveling, and water infiltration often begin at these joints, leading to costly repairs and reduced pavement life. Fortunately, there's a proven solution: infrared joint heating.

Three comprehensive reports from the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA), in collaboration with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and conducted by the National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT), Applied Pavement Technology (APTech), and Iowa State University, confirm that heated joints consistently outperform traditional methods like cutback and butt joints. Infrared heating improves joint density, reduces permeability, and extends pavement life.

The Value of Heated Joints: Backed by Research

Across all three volumes of NAPA’s longitudinal joint study:

Volume 1 reviews construction techniques and highlights infrared joint heaters as a best practice for improving joint density and reducing early deterioration.
Volume 2 presents field inspections showing that joints treated with infrared heating and proper construction methods had less cracking and patching—even after 20 years of service.
Volume 3 outlines FAA specifications that permit infrared joint heaters to heat up to 18 inches wide and 3 inches deep, improving bonding and compaction at the joint.

How Infrared Joint Heating Works

Infrared joint heaters warm the cold edge of a previously laid asphalt lane before the adjacent lane is placed. This process:

Softens the existing pavement edge
Promotes better bonding between lanes
Allows for improved compaction
Reduces air voids and permeability
Minimizes cracking and raveling

What This Means for Municipalities and Contractors

Whether you're maintaining city streets, highways, or airport runways, investing in infrared joint heating technology can lead to:

Fewer maintenance interventions
Lower lifecycle costs
Improved safety and ride quality
Enhanced sustainability through longer-lasting repairs

Heat Design Equipment: Built for Performance

At Heat Design Equipment Inc., our infrared joint heaters are engineered to deliver consistent, deep infrared heat across the full joint width. With modular heat zones, patented cartridge systems, and superior fuel efficiency, our equipment is trusted by municipalities and contractors across North America.