This time of year, the potholes really start to worsen. Come Spring, they are in fuller affect, and worsening at an exponential rate. If you are a property owner dealing with nuisance potholes, you should know that there is a viable solution for pothole repair and prevention. It all starts with the right knowledge.
Continue reading to learn some of the most pertinent points regarding potholes, including how they form and what can be done to repair and prevent them.
Facts About Potholes
Pothole Formation
Potholes are formed by the seasonal freeze-thaw cycles, more specifically the expansion and contraction of ground water. When it rains or snows, water seeps into permeable pavements like concrete, cement, or unsealed asphalt. Once the weather gets cold enough, the water inside pavement freezes and expands. As a result, the pavement endures structural stress.
When the temperatures increase and the water inside pavement thaws, it contracts, and so does the pavement. What results is surface cracks and crevices, which eventually break apart and crumble away as more vehicular traffic and similar external conditions come through. Then a pothole forms.
Deicer Salt Can Expedite Pothole Formation
During the winter season, especially right now after experiencing some icy conditions last week, many Hoosiers rely on deicing salts. However, deicers tend to speed up the rate of pothole formation. You see, water will freeze at 32 degrees Fahrenheit, but deicing salts reduce the temperature at which water freezes. As a result, a man-made freeze-thaw cycle will arise, thus leading to more pavement damage, and ultimately, pothole formation.
How to Report a Pothole in Indianapolis
If you know of a dangerous or inclement pothole, you can report it to the city for repair. For potholes on interstates and highways, call the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) at 317-356-2411 or submit an email at www.in.gov/indot. If your vehicle has suffered property damage from a pothole, you will need to file a tort claim with the city or county.
How to Repair a Pothole
If you have a small pothole on your property, you may be able to repair it yourself if you are experienced with handy work like this. Otherwise, it is recommended to contact a licensed and insured paving contractor for pothole repair that is up to code and that will stand the test of time. Many people who attempt to repair a pothole on their own find that the repair just doesn’t last. For a permanent solution to Indianapolis pothole repair, hire a professional.
Pothole Prevention
The best method of prevention when it comes to concrete and asphalt pavements is to repair surface blemishes while they are still in their early stages. This usually involves crack over-banding, crack filling, and pothole filling, using materials such as thermoplastic preformed tape, MMA cold plastic infills, cold lay material, hot work patch material, and more.
Another common preventive method is routine maintenance, which may include periodic resurfacing, overlays, reinforcement, cleaning, and incorporating an efficient water drainage system. If you are having new pavement installed, it is vital to hire a professional Indianapolis IN paving company that has a reputation for providing trusted work and outstanding results. Many pavement problems start with poor installation, so be sure you hire wisely to avoid making a poor investment.
Not sure who to trust for commercial or industrial pothole repair in Central Indiana? Contact ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for licensed, bonded, and insured commercial pothole repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. We specialize in winter cold patching and pothole prevention solutions.
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