Published on July 23rd, 2022
Driveways are an essential part of many people’s lives. They provide a safe and convenient place to park cars, and they can also add to the curb appeal of a home.
However, driveways are also susceptible to damage from weather and traffic. One of the most common problems is potholes.
Yes, potholes are a common sight on asphalt pavements, and they can cause serious damage to vehicles if left unrepaired. There are several reasons why potholes have formed in your driveway. These reasons are:
Poor Drainage
Poor drainage is one of the most common causes of potholes, as water can quickly accumulate on the surface of the pavement.
If the drainage is not adequate, the water will seep into the pavement and begin to break down the asphalt when it seeps into the pavement, causing the asphalt to deteriorate. As the water freezes and thaws, it expands and contracts, weakening the pavement and causing it to collapse.
Lack Of Regular Maintenance
Another common cause of potholes in asphalt pavements is the lack of regular maintenance. When pavements are not regularly sealcoated and repaired, small cracks and weaknesses can develop.
These cracks allow water to seep into the pavement, which can cause the asphalt to expand and contract as the temperature changes. Over time, this repeated expansion and contraction can cause the pavement to break apart, creating a pothole.
Excessive Weight Or Traffic
While potholes can be caused by several factors, one of the most common causes is excessive weight or traffic. When vehicles drive over weak spots in the pavement, they put stress on the material and can cause it to break apart.
In addition, potholes are more likely to form in areas with a lot of heavy traffic, as the constant wear and tear can speed up the deterioration process.
Bonus: Weak sub-base
Potholes occur when the sub-base beneath the pavement weakens and starts to crumble. This can happen for several reasons, including frost heaving, traffic, and poor drainage. As the sub-base crumbles, it creates voids in the pavement.
These voids then fill with water, which expands when it freezes and further weakens the pavement. As more traffic passes over the weakened pavement, it eventually starts to form potholes.
Please note that potholes can be very costly to repair, so it’s important to try to prevent them from forming in the first place. So, how do you protect your asphalt pavement from potholes?
The following tips will help you keep your asphalt pavement free from potholes.
Sealcoat Your Pavement As Needed
While you can’t always control when or where a pothole will form, there are steps you can take to prevent them from forming on your property. One of the best ways to prevent potholes is to regularly sealcoat your pavement.
Sealcoating creates a protective layer that helps to fill in cracks and prevent water from seeping into the pavement. As a result, it can prolong the life of your pavement and help to prevent potholes from forming.
Of course, sealcoating is just one part of maintaining your pavement. There are other maintenance steps that you can take, like the following point.
Repair Cracks Immediately You Notice Them
One of the best ways to prevent potholes from forming is to repair cracks in the pavement immediately.
According to the experts from CSG Sealcoating, Orlando, cracks in your pavement may seem like small problems, but if left untreated, they can quickly become much bigger problems, like potholes.
As said earlier, potholes form when water seeps into cracks in the pavement and then freezes. As the ice expands, it puts pressure on the surrounding asphalt, causing it to break apart. Eventually, a pothole forms.
By patching up cracks as soon as you notice them, you’ll help to keep your pavement in good condition and prevent potholes from forming.
Sealing cracks will help to keep water out, and regular maintenance will extend the life of your pavement. Cracks may seem like small problems, but by taking care of them early on, you can prevent them from becoming much bigger.
Here are two ways to help you seal cracks on your pavement:
Crack Overbanding
Overbanding is a process used to repair cracks in concrete. The first step is to clean the affected area and remove any loose debris. Next, a bonding agent is applied to the surface of the concrete.
Once the bonding agent has dried, a strip of fiberglass cloth is placed over the crack. The cloth is then soaked in an epoxy resin and allowed to cure.
After the epoxy has cured, a layer of mortar is applied over the top. The final step is to apply a sealant to protect the repair from weathering.
While overbanding is not a permanent solution, it can extend the life of your concrete and help to prevent further cracking.
Crack Sealing
Crack sealing is a process that helps to prevent water and other materials from seeping into cracks in the pavement. By sealing the cracks, the pavement can withstand the elements and last longer.
Crack sealing is typically done using a hot tar or asphalt sealant, which is applied to the crack using a hand-held applicator or hose-connected nozzle.
Once the sealant has cooled and hardened, it forms a durable barrier that helps to keep water and debris out of the crack.
In addition to helping prolong the pavement’s life, crack sealing also helps improve its appearance by making it more smooth and level.
Ensure Proper Water Drainage
Potholes are an unfortunate reality for any property owner. They can form quickly and can be extremely difficult and costly to fix.
Fortunately, you can do a few things to help prevent potholes from forming on your property. One of the most important is to ensure proper water drainage.
Water that pools on the pavement surface is one of the main causes of potholes. Allowing water to drain off your property will help keep the pavement dry and reduce the risk of potholes forming.
Ensure that your gutters and downspouts are clean and in good repair and that they direct water away from your pavement.
You may also need to install drainage tiles or French drains to ensure water flows away from your pavement. By taking these steps, you can help keep your pavement in good condition and prevent potholes from forming.
Image: Unsplash.com
