Potholes can cause a variety of problems for your car, ranging anywhere from flat tires to more costly repairs. While age and wear and tear are common causes, potholes are especially prevalent during the winter months when road patching and paving services are required to reduce their damage. Learn more about winter potholes in the guide below.

Why Do Potholes Form in Winter?

In the winter, freezing temperatures, ice, and snow can crack the pavement, allowing water to seep in. As the water freezes, it expands between the cracks, enlarging them and weakening the foundations of the roadway.

Over time, the regular weight of vehicle traffic can chip away at brittle or damaged asphalt, causing it to collapse and leave behind potholes.

How Can Cold Mix Asphalt Fix Potholes in Winter?

Cold mix asphalt doesn't require any heat, making it valuable for temporarily fixing potholes during the winter. Because it remains pliable even in low temperatures, road patching crews can make more repairs in a single season than they can with hot asphalt.

Additionally, cold mix asphalt can be stockpiled for several months after production, making it easily accessible in the winter months when hot mixes are unavailable.

Why Should Potholes Be Repaired Again in Spring?

Many municipalities hire paving services to install temporary road patches in the winter to reduce vehicle damage and keep roadways safe. But cold mix asphalt patches are equally susceptible to damage from freeze-thaw conditions. Their looser aggregates often wear down faster than more permanent hot varieties. That’s why more long-lasting patches should be applied come spring.

For winter road patching and repairs, contact the professionals at GMG General in Anchorage, AK. With over 30 years of experience, their skilled and knowledgeable team provides a wide variety of paving services, such as road patching, asphalt removal, and parking lot resurfacing. Contact them today at (907) 349-7854 to request a free quote, or visit them online to learn more about their services.