Pot Hole Repair

Potholes are one of the most common damages to asphalt and concrete pavements. They can range in size, depth, and shape, and fluctuate in expansion rates depending on a variety of factors, including traffic rates, weather patterns, ground soil, water drainage, and natural wear and tear. Potholes require immediate repair since they will only continue to expand and worsen as time goes continues. Below are the most frequent questions commercial proprietors ask about their lots and pavements, especially once all the ice and snow melts away in Spring.

1. Vehicle Damage Prevention: Potholes can cause serious damage to vehicles, including tire blowouts, alignment issues, and suspension damage. Repairing potholes can save drivers from costly repairs.
2. Safety: Potholes pose a safety risk to drivers and pedestrians. They can cause accidents, especially for cyclists and motorcyclists who may have difficulty avoiding them.
3. Road Longevity: Regular pothole repair extends the lifespan of the road, preventing the need for more extensive and costly repairs in the future.
4. Comfort: A smooth road surface ensures a comfortable ride for all road users, reducing stress and improving the overall driving experience.

Potholes begin forming during the cold winter months. As rainwater and melted snow begin to get absorbed by the soil underneath the pavement, the ground reacts to the water’s changes. When water freezes, it expands, and that expansion starts to cause distress on the pavement above it. When that layer of ice begins to melt, the ground contracts, eventually leading to the formation of potholes. 

While potholes begin to form with water seepage caused by freeze and thaw cycles, they are made worse by cars continually driving over the affected areas. The force of the vehicles driving at high speeds, coupled with the volume of traffic that goes over a spot in a single day, causes the severity and potential damages caused by the pothole to increase exponentially.

In warmer climates, potholes are still an issue due to rainwater, general wear and tear, and the warm summer months. Water will seep in through the cracks and get into the soil underneath. The water erodes the layers beneath the pavement, and with the constant punishment from cars and the sun beating down on the asphalt all day, potholes begin to form over time.

When dealing with large potholes in parking lots, identifying where the repairs are most needed is priority number one. If left unattended, the potholes will only continue to grow in size. As the potholes become more substantial, the higher the likelihood that pedestrians and drivers will suffer. 

The top 3 most common methods used to repair or patch up potholes include using cold asphalt, hot asphalt, and polyurethane asphalt. Cold asphalt is mixed and poured at a lower temperature than other asphalt mixes. It is also easy to work with and low in cost. Hot asphalt is a common choice for larger-scale pothole repairs because it is less available in smaller quantities. It is mixed and poured at an average temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Polyurethane asphalt is customary option for pothole patching because they last a long time, which is cost-effective for property owners. So long as the asphalt mix can be properly dried, it can be used all year round, in any season.

Pothole prevention starts with a trusted paving company that knows how to assess an area and provide proper pavement installation, taking into consideration subgrades, water drainage, risk factors, and more. If pavement is not installed and laid properly, it will immediately show signs of defects and instability. Improper pavement installation will surely lead to an increase in pothole formation, and costly pothole repair.