Driving down a smooth and safe road is a basic expectation of all drivers. However, unexpected potholes can quickly shatter this expectation. Potholes can damage vehicles and pose a threat to the safety of drivers and pedestrians. Eau Claire, Wisconsin's harsh winter climate and fluctuating temperatures can create potholes on asphalt roadways. Thankfully, there are reliable methods for repairing and preventing potholes from resurfacing.
How to Repair Potholes
The first step in repairing potholes is to clean out the damaged area. This process entails removing loose debris and vegetation to create a clean, stable base. Then, the pothole is filled with hot-mix asphalt that is leveled and compacted using a tamper. This process is crucial to ensuring the longevity of the repair. Once the asphalt is compacted, the area is sealed to prevent water from seeping in and causing further damage.
There are different methods of repairing potholes, depending on the size and depth of the damage. For instance, larger potholes require a more comprehensive repair approach. The damaged area is cut into a square or rectangular shape, and any damaged asphalt is removed. Then, a new asphalt patch is installed and sealed to blend with the existing road surface. This process creates a more permanent repair solution that can last for years.
Why Do Potholes Keep Coming Back?
Despite the best efforts of paving crews, potholes sometimes return even after they have been repaired. This occurrence can be attributed to various factors, such as the age and condition of the road, weather conditions, and heavy traffic. Potholes often resurface in areas that experience high traffic volumes, such as intersections, driveways, and parking lots. The weight of heavy vehicles can cause the pavement to weaken and eventually break down, creating potholes.
How to Prevent Potholes in Asphalt
Preventing potholes from occurring is the most sustainable approach than repairing them repeatedly. There are several ways to prevent potholes from forming on asphalt roads.
Ensure that the road is paved correctly in the first place. A well-paved road can withstand the effects of the weather and heavy traffic, resulting in fewer potholes.
Another way to prevent potholes is through regular maintenance. Paving companies like Black Widow Sealcoating use infrared technology to identify small cracks and potholes before they become larger problems. This proactive approach allows paving companies to repair these damages before they grow and cause further damage.
Sealcoating is an effective method for preventing potholes. Sealcoating is a process where a thin layer of protective material is applied to the road surface. This material helps to protect the asphalt from the damaging effects of the sun, water, and other environmental factors.
Asphalt Maintenance Prevents Potholes
Potholes are a frustrating and dangerous problem that affects drivers in Eau Claire. While repairing potholes is necessary, preventing them is a more sustainable and cost-effective approach. Asphalt maintenance of roads regularly and using protective measures like sealcoating, can reduce the frequency and severity of potholes on our asphalt surfaces.