If you find yourself driving over potholes during your daily commute or even just within your neighborhood, you may become annoyed and frustrated. While they typically won’t harm your car, these bumps in the road can lead to other problems, such as traffic jams. That’s why the professionals at Double Diamond Contracting offer their pothole repair and other asphalt paving services to the residents and businesses of Kalispell, MT. Here, they answer a few common questions about these issues.

4 FAQs About Pothole Repairs

1. What Causes Potholes?

Typically described as a shallow depression in a roadway, potholes are usually caused by wear and tear, as well as harsh weather conditions. Heat and traffic often result in small cracks within the paved asphalt of a road, and water easily seeps into these openings. With the cold temperatures known to visit Montana, the water goes through freeze and thaw cycles, which loosens the pavement. When you add traffic to this recipe, the asphalt becomes even weaker and collapses, leaving a pothole.

2. How Are They Repaired?

These pits in the pavement are usually repaired in the spring so the asphalt will be dry and the weather warm. First, professionals carve a neat rectangle out of the asphalt to make it easier to add new, smooth pavement. Next, contractors apply an adhesive to make sure the new asphalt remains in place. The material will then be added in layers and finished with a pavement roller.  

3. Why Do They Reappear?

Potholes may be particularly stubborn at times, generally when weather conditions or traffic prevent the repairs from lasting. For instance, if emergency repairs occur during cold and wet weather, the new patch won’t stick as well to the old pavement. This may allow more water to seep in and lead to another pothole. Or, the cause of a pothole may not have been taken care of, such as water getting under the pavement.

4. What Are Some Long-Term Solutions?

If potholes continually reappear, this typically indicates a larger, underlying problem. To handle the situation with a long-term fix, it may be necessary to completely repair and repave the road. While this may cause some inconveniences to drivers, it may be a more cost-effective and safer solution. In this situation, consult with asphalt paving contractors; they can help you make the best decision for your road.

When you’re in need of pothole repairs, look no further than the experts at Double Diamond Contracting. These professionals offer free estimates and guarantee the safety of their roadways, allowing you to feel confident in their work and your road. If you have any questions for them, don’t hesitate to call (406) 755-8853. You can also view their other services, like asphalt resurfacing, on the website.