Pot Holes And How To Fix The Problem

Pot Holes And How To Fix The Problem

Potholes are most often caused by water penetrating beneath the pavement (where it can destabilize the foundation as well as freeze and cause more damage from its expansion) or placing heavier loads on the pavement than it was built to carry. Sometimes, it is both of these things combined that lead to major problems with potholes. In addition, potholes sometimes result from trauma to the pavement, such as the blade of a snowplow that gouges out a chunk of asphalt.

Pot Holes And How To Fix The Problem

The first course of action is to prevent potholes whenever possible. Inspect your pavement frequently and have any damaged areas (such as cracks) repaired as soon as you notice them. Keep the pavement sealcoated to give your asphalt an extra layer of protection from automotive fluids and water penetration. Remove debris (such as piles of leaves) to prevent an accumulation of moisture that could percolate through even a tiny crack in the pavement. Always check the setting on a snow plow’s blade to make sure it is set for the right height to prevent scrapes and gouges. Have the pavement cleaned periodically to remove oil spills or leaks of other automotive fluids that can cause asphalt to deteriorate rapidly.

If, despite your efforts to prevent them, potholes form, have them repaired as quickly as possible. Otherwise, cracks can spread from the pothole and cause more extensive damage, such as alligator cracking.

Asphalt contractors typically use one of the following methods to repair potholes.

• Skin patches (also known as bandage patches) are a semi-permanent repair. Hot mix asphalt is used to create a “bandage” over the damaged asphalt.

• Throw-and-roll and throw-and-go repairs both use cold-mix asphalt. The difference between the two methods is whether the asphalt filler is rolled (compacted) after application or left for the traffic driving over it to compact. Both methods are temporary fixes that will need to be redone quickly. However, these methods are inexpensive, and they can be used when hot-mix asphalt is unavailable, such as during periods when the asphalt plant is closed.

• Remove and replace is just what the name implies. The damaged area is removed and replaced with new asphalt. This is the only method that provides satisfactory results if the foundation needs to be repaired. Because the contractor will need to bring in heavy equipment, this method is the most expensive. It is also considered as the most permanent solution.

Dirtworks is an excavation and paving contractor that offers its services to customers in the Cape Cod area. We provide a wide range of construction-related and asphalt services, including asphalt repairs, parking line painting and asphalt sealcoating. For a free quote, you can submit your information by using our online form, or you can reach us by phone at (508)240-5541.