Like most people, you don’t think about potholes until they become a problem. And by that time, it’s usually too late to do anything but get ready to shell out some big bucks and curse your existence. Well, not anymore!
In this blog post, Paradise Asphalt Maintenance will explain how you can identify and repair potholes on your asphalt pavement and take care of this pesky problem once and for all. So, if you need a paving contractor near Olathe, KS, keep reading!
What Are Potholes?
Potholes are a type of pavement failure that can occur when the underlying asphalt deteriorates. This can happen for several reasons, but the most common is water damage.
Water is the enemy of asphalt. It can cause cracks and fissures to form, which will eventually lead to potholes. So, if you live in an area with a lot of rain or snow, your pavement is more susceptible to this type of damage.
Tips for Identifying Potholes on Asphalt Pavement:
Potholes are often simple to notice. They’re typically circular or oval-shaped holes in the pavement that can be a few inches to several feet big. Water seeping into the pavement’s cracks is what causes potholes. The water freezes and expands, causing the gaps to grow and the asphalt to crack over time.
There are a few telltale signs that you have a pothole on your hands:
- The pavement around the pothole is raised or bubbling
- The pothole is filled with water
- There’s a large crack in the pavement leading up to the pothole
If you see a pothole, taking care of it as soon as possible is important. If left unrepaired, potholes can cause serious damage to vehicles and even injuries.
Repairing Potholes on Asphalt Pavement:
There are various ways to repair potholes. The most common way is to fill the hole with asphalt patching material:
Clean out the pothole:
Clear any loose debris, such as rocks or gravel, from the area.
Fill the pothole with cold-mix asphalt:
Fill the pothole until it is level with the surrounding pavement.
Compact the asphalt:
Use a tamper or other compactor to compact the asphalt so it is firm and level.
And that’s it! You’ve successfully repaired a pothole on your asphalt pavement. Now, keep an eye on the area and make sure no new potholes form. If they do, repeat the process.
Practices to Prevent Potholes:
The soundest way to deal with potholes is to avert them from occurring in the first place. Regular maintenance of your asphalt pavement will extend its life and prevent the formation of potholes. Here are some tips for preventing potholes:
- Sealcoat your pavement every two to three years.
- Fill cracks and holes as soon as they appear.
- Have your pavement professionally inspected and serviced regularly.
- Remove snow and ice from your pavement to prevent damage.
Potholes are an unfortunate reality of owning asphalt pavement. But by taking these preventive actions, you can keep your asphalt pavement in good condition and avoid the formation of potholes.
If you require a paving contractor near Olathe, KS, to identify and repair potholes on your asphalt pavement, be sure to reach out to the team at Paradise Asphalt Maintenance.
Our experienced professionals have the knowledge and tools to complete the job quickly and efficiently. Plus, we offer free estimates so you can get an idea of the project’s cost before moving forward.
Contact us today to get started!