PavementMadeEasy.com

Potholes occur when moisture filters its way through cracks in the pavement and settles below the sub-base. As temperatures drop the moisture freezes and expands beneath the surface. As temperatures rise, the moisture thaws (contracts) leaving a void and weakening the pavement, which eventually caves-in causing a pothole.There are various methods in repairing potholes, but to make a long-lasting pothole repair the best method utilizes several stages of repair. Mark perimeter of damaged area and sawcut or jackhammer approximately 1 foot around the pothole.

• After the area is sawcut, breakout and remove the damaged asphalt material and all subgrade material until you reach a firm base.
• Backfill and compact this area using a crushed aggregate, then apply a tack coat to the inside perimeter of the sawcut.
• Install hotmix into the damaged area making sure to compact and rake to level, each incremental lift until you reach an area slightly higher than the surrounding pavement.
• Compact finished area using vibration plates or rollers working from the outside edges in making sure to compact in all directions of the patch.
• Apply hot sealant to seal seams.

Your finished product will be structurally sound and water tight.