How Are Potholes Formed?

Potholes are among the most common types of damage caused to asphalt roads. Potholes can damage vehicles and spread throughout an asphalt surface, resulting in even more substantive damage that may require resurfacing or replacement. If you have an asphalt driveway or roadway on your residential or commercial property, it’s important to understand how potholes form and how you can prevent them from spreading.

Potholes are caused when moisture seeps into the ground below your asphalt surface. As the moisture expands and contracts with temperature changes, it forces the ground below the asphalt to rise and fall. When vehicles drive over the cavity beneath the asphalt surface, the asphalt crumbles, resulting in a pothole. If left unattended, the pothole will spread and continue to crack, causing even more serious damage to the roadway or driveway.

Asphalt repair in Nashville, TN is essential for preventing the spread of existing potholes. However, it is possible to lower the chances of potholes initially developing at all. Working with a qualified asphalt contractor, you can reduce the likelihood of a pothole forming on your commercial or residential asphalt surface.

Here are just a few pothole prevention measures to keep in mind:

• Crack treatments: One of the most significant steps you can take toward reducing the likelihood of a pothole forming is by investing in crack repair. Cracks in your asphalt surface make it easy for moisture to penetrate and seep into the ground below. You should repair any noticeable cracks, even just hairline cracks, as soon as you notice their formation.
• Fog seal application: This is a light, slow-setting type of asphalt emulsion that is specially designed to keep moisture at bay. Investing in a fog seal application is an excellent way to maximize your asphalt surface’s lifespan and ensure that you’re keeping unwanted moisture out of the ground below your driveway, parking lot or road. It also improves retention of asphalt aggregate.
• Chip seals: This is another surface treatment that combines a thin layer of asphalt with a layer of fine aggregate. A chip seal treatment keeps moisture away, and also smooths out and eliminates surface distress. Finally, a chip seal treatment prevents cracking and keeps your asphalt surface looking great for years to come.
• Micro-surfacing: Using fine crushed stone and a thin layer of asphalt emulsion, micro-surfacing is a quick and cost-effective alternative to a full resurfacing endeavor. You can rely on micro-surfacing to provide you with an excellent asphalt surface that meets your needs and keeps your driveway, parking lot or other asphalt investment looking great.

Priority Paving is a trusted provider of asphalt repair in Nashville, TN. We specialize in working with residential clients, as well as churches, schools and businesses of all sizes. We offer parking lot construction, asphalt repair, asphalt maintenance, driveway resurfacing and so much more. Regardless of your asphalt needs, Priority Paving possesses the skills, expertise and know-how necessary to provide each and every one of our clients with a high-quality asphalt outcome. Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment or learn more!

Categorised in: Potholes, Road Facts