Road work is complex. Not only does it require a concentrated, scientific methodology, it also requires quality materials, skilled labor, and most importantly, professional industry acumen. If these standards are not met, pavements steadily lose quality and deteriorate over time. One common result that we all know too well is pothole formation. Potholes are a common road defect, especially this time of year when freeze-thaw cycles are taking over. When they are not patched properly, they will continue to come back, year after year. This is why commercial and industrial property owners, as well as municipal pavements, seem to always have potholes.
It is important to contact the appropriate authorities to have potholes repaired. Residential property owners and commercial companies will need to call different sources, while city potholes must be reported in a particular manner, through a specific portal. The proper authority to contact will vary depending on the location, which can make it difficult to know who to actually contact for pothole and road repair. So, for your convenience, we have compiled the information you need to know about pothole repair and management in Indiana.
Continue reading to learn who to contact for pothole repair, as well as, important information regarding winter road patching and similar pavement repair work.
Causes of Winter Road Defects
The winter climate is hard on pavements. A natural phenomenon known as freeze-thaw cycles occurs each year, which starts with water and moisture seeping deep into the pores of pavement. As a result, pavements contract and expand repeatedly, thus creating cracks, crumbling, and similar atrophic damage. Eventually, craters form, which we know as potholes. Another leading cause of pothole formation is poor or improper pavement installation. It is vital to always hire a licensed and bonded Indianapolis commercial pavement company that retains the proper experience, skills, equipment, and materials to perform their work.
Aside from winter weather and poor craftsmanship, potholes are also commonly caused by natural wear and tear. Pavements, although can be made to last a long time, do not last forever. At some point, they will begin to show signs of deterioration, and eventually develop potholes. For this reason, it is important to address pavement defects and minor repair needs as soon as possible, before it can turn into a larger, more invasive renovation.
Pothole Repair for Asphalt
Cold patch asphalt mix is mostly used to fill potholes on a year-round basis. There are various grades, all designed for specific climates. There is a specially-formulated winter grade for temperatures of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below, a spring and fall grade for temperatures between 40 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit, and a summer mix for temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. When it comes to asphalt, the process of repairing potholes and related road damage is generally performed during spring and summer because a hot asphalt mix product is used. However, with winter cold patching, it is possible to make emergency asphalt repairs in the winter because the mix product is designed with special polymers that render it ready-to-use at all times.
City Potholes
There are various types of pothole repair methods used in the pavement construction industry, both semi-permanent and temporary versions. One of the most popular techniques used to repair potholes for the city is the “throw and roll” method. This is a temporary fix that basically involves patching the hole with the right material, and then letting traffic drive over it to finish the job. This is the quickest and easiest technique for repairing a pothole on a short-term basis. As a result, potholes tend to come back, and worse than before.
3 Ways to Report City Potholes:
Requestindy is a local online portal that allows users to make new requests, check status updates, watch help videos, and more. There is also a RequestIndy Mobile for smartphones.
The Mayor’s Action Center is an online portal that allows you to get free information, provide citizen feedback, and request city services like pothole repair. Users can also report everything from missed trash collections and abandoned vehicles to defective traffic signals, zoning violations, and more. You can also contact them directly at 1-855-463-6848 or 1-317-327-4MAC.
➠ Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT)
For highways and interstates, pothole and road damage repair requests are filed through the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT). You can make free requests or reports concerns, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week on their website, or you can contact them directly at 1-855-INDOT4U (463-6848).
🔎 Indianapolis Pothole Locator:
Use the Indy Pothole Viewer to find potholes near you!
Pothole Prevention
Proper installation and drainage are key factors to pothole prevention. It is important to entrust your pavement’s installation and maintenance needs to a licensed and insured paving company that has extensive local experience. Furthermore, routine maintenance and cleaning are vital to pavement durability, longevity, and performance.
Who to Trust for Commercial Pothole Repair in Central Indiana
Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for commercial pothole repair and winter cold patching service in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. Our team of licensed and insured contractors provide a wide range of asphalt and concrete paving services for commercial, industrial, and municipal properties. Don’t choose a rookie concrete company! Instead, trust our licensed commercial pavers to meet all your pavement needs. Request a free estimate, today!