Potholes are one of asphalt’s biggest enemies. They can expand to eventually compromise entire driveways, parking lots, or road sections. Potholes also inflict vehicle damages such as wheel misalignments, tire blowouts, and undercarriage battering. Learn how potholes form on asphalt and what you can do about them.

What Causes Pothole Formation?

When the sealant protecting an asphalt driveway or other paved surface wears away following years of traffic, it leaves the material vulnerable to the elements. Since asphalt is naturally a porous surface, water easily seeps into it without a protective layer. It collects in the subbase, or the layer between asphalt and soil, where it freezes during the winter. Water expands as it freezes, causing the asphalt to lift and crack. Once the cold season ends and the water melts, the lifted asphalt sinks back into itself, creating a depression or hole.

In addition, potholes can form from existing asphalt cracks that were not filled in time to avoid water infiltration.

Pothole Solutions

Pothole repair solutions revolve around filling the depressions, such as with hot or cold mix asphalt. Cold mix asphalt doesn’t require heating and can be used as needed for up to one year. It is also less expensive than hot mix asphalt; however, it is not considered as effective because the patch is not as tightly compacted.

The best way to solve pothole problems is to avoid them altogether. Routine road, parking lot, and driveway sealing with quality asphalt sealant products protects the material from water and subsequently freeze-thaw cycles. Asphalt sealant also shields driveways and other paved surfaces from harsh UV rays that can cause the material to partially melt, as well as motor oil and other chemicals that have degrading effects. 

Don’t let potholes form or get worse--take action now with services from UsealUSA™ Pavement Products. The Bloomfield-based company provides clients throughout Connecticut with long-lasting, easy-to-use asphalt sealant products for sealing driveways and other asphalt surfaces. Call (860) 324-6015 today with questions or visit the supplier online for more product information.