If you have an asphalt driveway or pavement, I believe you might have noticed potholes, especially in the winter season. These form due to expansion and contraction during freezing. This, combined with heavy traffic on your driveway, can lead to unsightly potholes. Again, this can lead to cracking which may pose safety hazards.
How do potholes form on asphalt surfaces?
Potholes result from the expansion and contraction of water once it sinks into the ground under the pavement. As heavy vehicles pass over, they weaken the wet spots leading to breakages in the base material. This leads to cracks and potholes on the surface. The potholes exhibit in different shapes and sizes, and an Asphalt Paving Company will use various techniques to fix them.
How can I fix potholes on my asphalt paving?
1. Clean thoroughly
The first step to fixing potholes involves cleaning. And this is because dirt and debris can accumulate under the pavement and should be alleviated. If you repair without getting rid of the dirt, the broken pieces of the pavement will mix with the new pavement, thus weakening it. This way, it won’t last long, and you will be forced to undertake more repairs which can be costly.
2. Heating works!
Heating is a crucial step when repairing potholes in asphalt pavements and driveways. It helps alleviate excess moisture that may exist in the damaged pavement. Also, it softens the surface allowing for the installation of new asphalt. What’s more, it’s easy to reshape the pothole once it’s softened through heating. You can as well remove the old asphalt at this point.
3. Add new asphalt
There are different types of asphalt, and the hot mix is commonly used for the task. Compact it after e application to make it sting, and minimize the cases of water penetration. Compaction also improves resistance and creates a strong bond between the new and the old asphalt. Allow the new asphalt to cool and remove any debris around the surface. For most repairs, you can walk or drive on almost immediately.
Why engage a professional asphalt paving company?
Damages on your pavement or driveway will improve the likelihood of injuries and damage to your vehicle. Sadly, the insurance company won’t cover the daily wear resulting from damaged pavements and driveways. And this makes it critical to repair any potholes immediately.
Although you can do this by yourself, this can be tedious, and you may lack the proper tools for the job. This is the reason why most property owners engage professional asphalt companies. These firms have the necessary skills to identify weak spots on your driveway and fix them as required. Also, they understand how to do this right which avid the need for costly repairs in the future.
The bottom line
To effectively repair potholes on your asphalt pavement and driveway, you need the services of an experienced asphalt company. The team will examine your pavement and determine how to resolve the issue. They will also use proper equipment to avoid damaging other parts of your driveway. This saves a lot on regular repairs and helps avoid injuries and damage to your vehicle.
