Potholes are common sights on public roads, but they can also form on a household driveway. If you spot a gap on your pavement, a driveway repair contractor will cover it up to prevent damage to your property and keep your family safe. To help you deal with this situation, here’s more information about how a pothole is formed and what to do about one.

How Do Potholes Develop on Driveways?

Potholes usually form due to the weight of vehicles and exposure to the elements, including ultraviolet rays and rain. Poor drainage systems also contribute to their formation, as water seeps into the natural crevices of asphalt when it’s left to pool. Even low temperatures may be to blame. When water seeps through the surface and freezes, it expands and pushes the underlying materials up, creating a hole. The more you drive over a weakened surface, the larger the opening will grow.

What Should You Do About Them?

Potholes aren’t just aesthetic nuisances—they also pose safety threats. For example, a child could trip over the hole or a family member could damage their vehicle’s transmission or tires.

If you have a pothole, you’ll need the help of a driveway repair technician. In the winter, they’ll press a solution containing soft asphalt into the gaps and top them with gravel. This is a temporary measure that prevents the season’s brisk temperatures from expanding the hole. A permanent solution may only be available in the spring, when temperatures are warmer and allow asphalt to cure. When the time comes for your next appointment, the technician will apply a mixture of asphalt and aggregate over the affected area. This will create a reliable, durable surface to restore the look and functionality of your driveway.

If you’re seeking a dependable asphalt contractor for driveway repairs, turn to the professionals at Art Tabasco & Sons Paving in Montgomery, NY. Proudly serving clients throughout Orange, Ulster, Sullivan, and Dutchess counties for over 35 years, the family-owned business has offered driveway repairs, sealcoating, and paving services. Visit them online to find out more about their work or call (845) 778-5584 to request a free estimate.