Potholes are the bane of every property manager’s existence. They occur when pavement deteriorates and meets ever-changing temperatures, resulting in a freeze-thaw cycle.
It causes the materials to weaken, leading to cracking and forming the craters we know as potholes. Fortunately, pothole repair is profitable and can be performed with low-cost equipment.
Identifying the Problem
Aside from the unmistakable “ka-thunk” noise heard when you hit a pothole at high speeds, there are other ways to know it’s time to fix your road. Whether it’s damaging your car tires or causing fluid leaks, these small holes can lead to expensive vehicle repair and maintenance in the long run. Even though environmental elements, heavy vehicles, and changing temperatures can all break down roads, water is the most common cause of potholes. It erodes the material under the pavement, which causes cracking and sinking over time. It’s problematic during winter when water under roadways freezes and thaws repeatedly, weakening the asphalt surface. Luckily, local governments are getting smarter about managing the problem of potholes by deploying innovative technology to identify and prioritize damage in their areas of responsibility. For example, one city outfitted its buses with dash cams to log road conditions—which are then sent to an AI platform that automatically creates a work order to fix the potholes.
Preparing the Area
A standard pothole repairs Lexington SC method involves filling the hole with asphalt or concrete. This method can be done quickly, and it creates a smooth surface. However, it isn’t a permanent solution. The hole will eventually resurface and require another patch. Before adding the patch material, it’s essential to clean the area. Dirt and debris can weaken the new pavement. In addition, it’s a good idea to heat the pothole. It removes extra moisture and softens the existing pavement so it can be reshaped. The throw-and-roll technique is one of the most popular methods for repairing potholes. Workers shovel the asphalt into a hole without cleaning it or compacting it. This technique is cheap and easy but doesn’t last as long as other repair methods. Infrared repair is a more expensive option that creates longer-lasting repairs. This method involves removing and replacing the damaged pavement areas with new asphalt. It also requires specialized equipment.
Filling the Hole
Potholes are deep depressions in asphalt pavement that appear due to years of wear and tear. Depending on their size, they may injure your car’s suspension or tires. They can also affect your steering, balance, and traction, which could lead to an accident. It’s essential to fill the damaged section of pavement with an asphalt patch material that is dense and well-compacted. It will prevent surface water from holding the patch and causing it to deform over time. Many professional contractors use ready-to-pour cold asphalt on large pothole repair jobs as it can be easier to work with than mixing concrete. To ensure a smooth surface, the product must be rolled and tamped using a hand tamper tool or another suitable compaction method, such as car tires.
Compaction
When it comes to repairing potholes, water activation helps to bind materials together more effectively. It’s essential when using a cold asphalt product like Aquaphalt Patch, which reacts with water to help create a strong bond between repaired sections and surrounding surfaces. Apply water around the edges and center of the pothole to activate the material before applying it to the surface. Once the patch is applied, use a shovel or lute to spread it across the pothole, ensuring it is evenly distributed and level. If the product is water-activated, like Aquaphalt 6.0 Asphalt Patch, add water to saturate it further and promote binding with the surrounding pavement. When the patch has been tamped down, workers will use an asphalt roller or plate compactor to ensure it is well compressed. They will then cover the surface with a bituminous tack coat and allow it to dry before traffic is allowed on the new road surface.