Cost Effective Way To Repair Asphalt Potholes

Asphalt is subject to breakdown from both the elements and vehicle wear and tear

. The more rain and snow that falls, the more concrete and asphalt break down. Potholes (sometimes also called kettle holes and chuckholes) are inevitable. Pavement is always under pressure and hairline cracks soon become alligator cracks. With continued stress and water, those cracks grow and small chunks are worked loose eventually and are pulled out of the surface by vehicle tires. This becomes a pothole which will continue to grow until it is fixed. The pothole fills with water and further degrades the asphalt.

In cold climates freezing causes additional pressure on potholes because the water in the pothole freezes, expands and pushes more asphalt or concrete out of the hole, making it even larger. No matter the climate, where there are roads there are potholes.

Cost-Effective Options:

The three main types of asphalt pothole repair products are cold asphalt, hot asphalt, and polyurethane.

Hot Asphalt

Longer-lasting than cold asphalt, hot asphalt is mixed around 350 F. The repair and compaction must be done while the asphalt is still hot. For small jobs this can be complicated because hot mix is not available in small amounts and must be applied according to the hot mix plant's schedule. Spread hot mix into pothole ensuring that asphalt is level. Tamp it down and apply again until asphalt is completely compacted and level. Heavy rollers usually work best. Allow to dry completely so that surface is not marred by vehicles or foot traffic.

Cold Asphalt

Cold asphalt is mixed and used at lower temperature than hot asphalt. Cold asphalt is easy to work, compact and repair potholes with, but does not last as long as other repairs. Clean the pothole, insert the cold mix and compact the repair.

Polyurethane

Polyurethane repairs are done in any season provided the pothole can be dried. Although they can sometimes be more costly, polyurethane repairs last longer and in the end save money.

To prepare for a polyurethane asphalt pothole repair, clean the pothole out, mix the polyurethane materials and spread them into pothole. Cover with topping sand and the pothole is ready for traffic in an hour.

Whichever method of asphalt repair you chose, it is best to repair the damage as quickly as possible. The bigger the pothole gets the more water and exposure there is and the more quickly it will grow.

by: John Wentz

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