Potholes? Asphalt Patching and Repair Methods – Asphalt paving contractors know that every pavement will suffer from the passage of time, the weight of traffic, and the effects of natural elements. They also know that if you do not make necessary repairs promptly, you will be tearing out your existing pavement and rebuilding it years sooner than you should need to undertake such an expensive action. One of the most worrisome types of pavement damage is the appearance of potholes. This is true whether the pavement in question is a city street, a parking lot, a cul-de-sac in a subdivision, or a busy interstate.
Potholes? Asphalt Patching and Repair Methods
Why Are Potholes Such a Major Concern?
Potholes are a major concern for two reasons. First, they make the pavement less safe for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. A large pothole can damage the tires on a vehicle or cause it to veer out of its travel lane. The suspension system and parts attached to the undercarriage can also suffer damage. Motorcyclists and bicyclists can find themselves flying over the handlebars or falling in front of cars, trucks or buses. Pedestrians can twist an ankle or trip and fall.
Potholes are also a concern because they give water an easy way to reach the supporting foundation. Water penetration is a leading cause of premature pavement failure. The movement of the water erodes and destabilizes the foundation, robbing it of its ability to support the pavement properly. The pavement will develop low spots, large cracks and other damages that are typically expensive to repair.
How Do Asphalt Contractors Repair Potholes?
The repair method will depend on the specific pothole as well as the weather. For a long-lasting repair, most asphalt contractors will apply a full-depth patch using hot-mix paving asphalt. This method requires removing the damaged pavement and making any necessary repairs to the foundation before installing the asphalt and compacting it. Temporary patches include thin surface patches and throw-and-go patches.
What Is the Best Way to Prevent Potholes?
The best way to prevent potholes is to be proactive about asphalt repairs and maintenance. Pay particular attention to cracks. Small cracks turn into large cracks, and large cracks turn into potholes. Any crack wider than an eighth of an inch should receive professional attention. Crack sealing is usually a longer-lasting option than crack filling, but the choice will depend on factors that only your contractor can evaluate.
Another essential procedure for protecting your asphalt pavement is professional sealcoating. Although some people mistakenly believe that sealcoat is merely a cosmetic treatment, the primary function of sealants is to protect asphalt pavement from damage. Sealcoat can prevent the sun’s rays from drying out the pavement, guard against damage from automotive fluids, and help prevent water infiltration.
Contact Alpha Paving for Help
Alpha Paving is a full-service paving contractor providing an extensive range of asphalt and concrete services to customers in Austin and throughout most of Central Texas. Our services include crack repairs, seal coating, pothole repairs, parking lot striping, road construction, asphalt milling, parking lot maintenance, street maintenance, asphalt paving and overlays, concrete installation, parking lot signs, speed bump installation, and concrete repairs. Our customers include major retailers, municipalities and counties, airports, shopping malls, universities, health care facilities, office parks, apartment complexes, churches, hotels, restaurants, and subdivisions. If you need high-quality asphalt work at reasonable rates, request a free quote by completing the online form or calling 512-677-9001.