Potholes are caused by water seeping into the cracks in asphalt and expanding when it freezes. As vehicles drive over these areas, the asphalt is further cracked and broken up, eventually leading to a pothole. Potholes can also form when there is inadequate drainage beneath the pavement. If water isn’t able to drain properly, it will pool and erode the asphalt. Poorly maintained roads are more susceptible to potholes, as are roads that see a lot of heavy traffic.
Parking lots can also develop potholes, particularly if they are not well-maintained or if there is poor drainage. Potholes can be a nuisance and can cause damage to vehicles, so it’s important to fill them in as soon as possible. But many property owners wonder if this is the best time of year to repair potholes given that the weather is cooling down and the sunshine is diminishing.
Continue below to learn some facts about pothole repair and pavement maintenance that will help you decide when it’s time to repair potholes and similar road damages.
When to Repair Potholes
Potholes are a common problem on roads and can cause damage to vehicles if they are not repaired in a timely manner. The best time of year to repair potholes is typically during the spring, summer, and fall seasons when the weather is ambient and moderately dry. Pothole repair crews can work more efficiently and effectively during these months, and the repairs are less likely to be disrupted by heavy rain, wind, or snow.
If you see a pothole on your road, it’s important to report it to your local government so that it can be repaired as soon as possible. You can help prevent damage to your car and keep the roads safe for everyone by getting potholes fixed promptly.
Common Methods of Pothole Repair
As mentioned, potholes are commonly caused by water seeping into cracks in the pavement and then freezing, expanding, and thawing, which weakens the pavement. Potholes can also form when vehicles drive over damaged sections of pavement. There are a few ways to repair potholes, but cold patching is the most common. Other methods of pothole repair include hot patching, infrared patching, and full-depth patching.
Cold patching is when a premixed asphalt mixture is used to fill the pothole. First, the area around the pothole is cleaned out so that the cold patch will have a clean surface to adhere to. Then, the cold patch is placed in the hole and compacted with a tamper or roller.
Hot patching is when hot asphalt is used to fill the pothole. This method is usually done by professional contractors since it requires specialized equipment.
Infrared patching is when an infrared heat lamp is used to soften the damaged pavement so that new asphalt can be added.
Full-depth patching is a more permanent solution and involves removing the damaged pavement and replacing it with new pavement.
Pothole Prevention Tips
Pothole repair is an important part of keeping your pavement in good condition. By repairing potholes, you can extend the life of your pavement and avoid more costly repairs down the road. There are several methods that can be used to prevent potholes from forming, or to repair them before they cause any damage.
One method of pothole prevention is pavement milling. This involves using a large machine to remove the top layer of asphalt from the road, and then replacing it with a new layer. This process can help to prevent potholes from forming, as it gets rid of any cracks or voids in the surface that could allow water to seep in and cause damage.
Another method of pothole prevention is sealcoating. This involves applying a sealant to the surface of the asphalt to help fill in any cracks or voids. Sealcoating can also help to prevent water from seeping into the pavement and causing damage.
Are you looking for a dependable commercial pavement and road construction company in your area? Contact ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 to speak with a licensed and insured paving contractor about commercial pothole repair and cold patching in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve clients all throughout the state.
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