Road Patches Launceston
Road patches are larger than potholes, typically 1m² up to 50m². They're what you need when a section of road surface has failed across a wider area: wheel-rutting, alligator cracking, surface bleeding, or structural sub-base failure.
We do road patch work for City of Launceston, surrounding councils, private road owners, civil contractors, and rural property landlords across Northern Tas.
The decision between patching and full re-surfacing depends on how much of the road has failed. Under 30% area-failed = patch. Over 50% = better to re-surface. We assess on site and give the honest call.
Why it matters
- Targeted patches are far cheaper than full road resurfacing
- Done properly, patches last 15+ years
- Council and civil-contractor certified
- Quick turnaround, most patches done within a week of quote
THE PROCESS
How we do it
Site inspection + scope
Walk the affected area, measure, identify the underlying cause.
Saw-cut perimeter
Define clean rectangular edges around the failed area.
Excavate + assess sub-base
Dig out failed asphalt. Check sub-base, if failed, replace and recompact before lay.
Tack coat edges
Apply emulsion to vertical edges for proper bond.
Lay hot mix in lifts
Deep patches: 50–75mm lifts with compaction between each lift.
Final compact + seal
Roller compaction to surrounding density. Edge sealant to prevent water entry.
COMPARISON
How it stacks up
When a section of road has failed wider than a single pothole, there are three repair levels. The right one depends on how much of the road is gone.
| Feature | Cold-mix patch | Hot-mix patch | Mill-and-fill section |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost per m² | Lowest | Mid | Highest |
| Lifespan | Under 12 months | 10-15 years | 15-20 years |
| Time on site | Under an hour | Half day | Full day or more |
| Best for | Emergency, winter, wet | Standard road patch | Whole pavement section failed |
| Weather window | Any | Dry, above 5°C | Dry, above 5°C |
| Traffic disruption | Minimal | 1-2 hours per patch | Half day per section |
| Council acceptance | Temporary only | Yes | Yes |
AFTERCARE
Watching the patch after we leave
A road patch is only as good as the base under it. We compact the sub-base properly before laying, but sealed road bases age on their own timeline. Things to watch.
First 30 days
If the patch shows settlement of more than 5mm at any edge, call us. It usually means a sub-base issue we couldn't see at quote-time and we'll come back to address it.
Annual once-over
Drive over the patch slowly once a year and see if you feel any drop into the joint. Tight joints stay tight; widening joints are the start of failure.
Crack seal at year 3-5
If a crack forms at the joint between new patch and old road around year 3-5, sealing it stops water getting in. Cheaper than re-patching.
Wider deterioration nearby
If new potholes start forming within 2-3 metres of the patch, the surrounding pavement is also failing. Best to plan a bigger mill-and-fill section before the whole area collapses.
PRICING
What it costs in Launceston (2026)
- $Small road patch (1–5m²): $300–$900 per patch
- $Medium patch (5–20m²): $70–$110/m²
- $Larger patch (20–50m²): $60–$95/m²
- $Sub-base replacement (if needed): add $40–$70/m² to the above
- $Mobilisation/setup: $200–$500 per visit, depending on travel distance
Site-specific factors change every quote. Get the price in writing before you sign anything.
FAQ
Road Patches, common questions
When should I patch versus resurface?+
Under 30% of road area failed = patch. 30–50% = borderline (we'll quote both). Over 50% = resurface. Patches in a failing road don't last because the surrounding surface is also degrading.
Do you do road patches for private roads / driveways?+
Yes, private roads, long rural driveways, farm tracks, industrial site internal roads. Same process, often faster turnaround.
How long does a road patch last?+
Properly done hot-mix patch with edge sealing: 15+ years easily. If the surrounding road is well-maintained, the patch outlasts the rest of the surface.
Can you patch in winter?+
Yes, with dry conditions and ground temp above 5°C. Tasmanian winter occasionally pauses work for a few days for a clean run, but most weeks are workable.
Do you provide patching for civil contractors?+
Yes, sub-contract asphalt patching work for civil contractors on larger projects. Insurance certificates and capability statements available.
READY TO START?
Get a free quote
We come out, have a look, give you a real number in writing within 48 hours. No mucking around, no obligation.