Pothole repair process
Potholes are a problem. They are, in fact, such a problem that the American Automobile Association (AAA), conducted a study recently that revealed pothole damage costs United States drivers an astounding 3 billion dollars per year. In response to the finding, AAA has pleaded with local and state governments to step up road maintenance, specifically pothole repair.
Potholes in the asphalt don’t just damage cars, they damage people too. From frustrations to fatalities and all points in between, potholes are hazardous to the health of humans. It's estimated that out of around 33,000 traffic deaths every year, one-third are related to potholes and other poor road conditions. This is the main reason that commercial paving is sought after regardless of the season.
Potholes in the asphalt don’t just damage cars, they damage people too. From frustrations to fatalities and all points in between, potholes are hazardous to the health of humans. It's estimated that out of around 33,000 traffic deaths every year, one-third are related to potholes and other poor road conditions. This is the main reason that commercial paving is sought after regardless of the season.
What Are Potholes?
By definition, a pothole is "localized distress in a surface of asphalt that results from the surface break up and possibly the asphalt base course breakup as well.
A pothole, also known as a chuckhole, is a depression in the surface of a road, generally asphalt pavement, where there are broken pieces of the pavement that traffic has removed. When traffic action continues, asphalt and the underlying soil are ejected, creating a hole in the pavement which is commonly known as a “pothole”.
To qualify as a true pothole, the distressed area has to be a hole that is shaped like a bowl. The minimum plan dimension is six inches. Potholes of low severity are under an inch in depth. Moderate severity potholes are one to two inches deep and high severity potholes are over two inches deep.
The average vehicle repair cost for pothole damage is about $306. Twenty-seven percent of America’s roads have been declared “rough rides” due to significant chunks or bumps. Multi-million dollar lawsuits continue to plague municipalities whose negligence in providing pothole repair service has led to serious accidents and fatalities.
A pothole, also known as a chuckhole, is a depression in the surface of a road, generally asphalt pavement, where there are broken pieces of the pavement that traffic has removed. When traffic action continues, asphalt and the underlying soil are ejected, creating a hole in the pavement which is commonly known as a “pothole”.
To qualify as a true pothole, the distressed area has to be a hole that is shaped like a bowl. The minimum plan dimension is six inches. Potholes of low severity are under an inch in depth. Moderate severity potholes are one to two inches deep and high severity potholes are over two inches deep.
The average vehicle repair cost for pothole damage is about $306. Twenty-seven percent of America’s roads have been declared “rough rides” due to significant chunks or bumps. Multi-million dollar lawsuits continue to plague municipalities whose negligence in providing pothole repair service has led to serious accidents and fatalities.
Causes of Potholes
Potholes are usually the result of the wear and tear of traffic passing over the area that’s affected. Every year, more than 240 vehicles put 2.9 trillion miles on roads across the US and heavy trucks carry over 32 million tons of various goods across the nation’s highways each day. It’s not a wonder that potholes are so plentiful.
Sometimes city planners and highway paving companies fail to properly figure the drainage of the area when pouring roads. Water in the underlying soil structure is a common reason for the formation of potholes. Areas where there is poor drainage, like in dips and troughs, are the most prone to the development of potholes.
Extreme weather can play a part in producing potholes. In extremely cold areas, pavement can crack. Sometimes road repairs are put off during the winter in snowy areas, like in the northern states, which makes conditions that are likely to create potholes.
Poor maintenance also contributes to potholes developing and worsening. After the pavement is weakened by traffic or water stress, it fatigues and breaks unless it is repaired. From there, the situation only gets worse.
Sometimes city planners and highway paving companies fail to properly figure the drainage of the area when pouring roads. Water in the underlying soil structure is a common reason for the formation of potholes. Areas where there is poor drainage, like in dips and troughs, are the most prone to the development of potholes.
Extreme weather can play a part in producing potholes. In extremely cold areas, pavement can crack. Sometimes road repairs are put off during the winter in snowy areas, like in the northern states, which makes conditions that are likely to create potholes.
Poor maintenance also contributes to potholes developing and worsening. After the pavement is weakened by traffic or water stress, it fatigues and breaks unless it is repaired. From there, the situation only gets worse.
Pavement Maintenance
When it comes to pavement maintenance, there are three general categories the work falls into preventive maintenance, corrective maintenance, and emergency status maintenance. Preventive maintenance of pavement is typically conducted to extend the pavement's life. It is usually planned and scheduled, and the process varies slightly depending on the type of asphalt mix used. Corrective maintenance, also known as reactive maintenance is the work that is performed once a deficiency or fault occurs on the surface, like a pothole. Emergency maintenance can take place at any time, day, or night. Often this type of damage occurs when there's a heavy impact accident, such as one involving an 18-wheeler. Extreme weather can cause emergency road problems too, like hurricanes, earthquakes, and major snow or rainstorms. A crew is sent out as soon as possible to repair the damage before more problems are encountered.
How to Patch Large Potholes
When potholes cover a large area, asphalt milling companies are required to bust up the existing pavement, recycle it, and repave the parking lot or road. The job becomes more complicated. The amount of asphalt weight per yard must be figured to supply the correct unit weight of asphalt to cover the entire area. While the same process of figuring the asphalt that will be needed is conducted for any size job, it is on a much lower scale with small or medium-sized potholes. Generally, milling is not a requirement for a small or medium job.
How to repair potholes
Five main methods can be used to accomplish both pothole patching and full pothole repair. The one that is the best is determined by the factors involved like weather and climate, the severity of the pothole, and the budget. The methods are as follows:
Throw-and-Go
Throw-and-Go is the "go-to" in pothole patching processes because it is quick and inexpensive. It involves the shoveling of material into a pothole that doesn't require any preparation at all. It can even contain debris and water. The material is shoveled in until the hole is filled. It achieves compaction by allowing traffic to run over it. Sometimes, however, it is lightly compressed with a shovel just to be on the safe side.
Throw-and-Roll
Throw-and-Roll is a lot like the popular Throw-and-Go method except for that it is superior in several ways. The process involves shoveling material into a pothole that is not prepared and can, like Throw-and-Go, contain debris and water. Then, when a crown can be seen that is 0.125 inches to 0.25 inches is present. This process utilizes the tires of a maintenance truck to compact the material once the hole is filled.
The way this type of a pothole patch is compacted makes for a much tighter patch and has been proven to produce better results and a longer-lasting job. The compacting time is generally only a few minutes added onto the process so little time is lost and there is no extra cost.
Semi-Permanent
The Semi-Permanent procedure is considered by many to be the most efficient way to repair a pothole aside from completely replacing the damaged area. First, the pothole is completely cleared of any water and debris. The sides of the pothole are squared so that it is deep enough for the pavement to be sound. The material is then packed into place in the patch area and compacted using equipment that is smaller than the area and is, therefore, able to pack the material. A single-drum vibratory plate or vibratory plate compactor is usually the chosen equipment for the job. This method allows for a tight compact that expends the longevity of the product. The labor, however, is more extensive and the equipment racks up some cost too.
It is vital to conduct the process of this type of pothole repair using the utmost care. When getting the pothole ready for the cold mix, workers must watch for oncoming traffic so they don't get smacked with rocks blowing from the pothole. The loose gravel that is common to use for composing the cold mix should be kept out of the way of traffic so it doesn't damage vehicles or workers and so the binder doesn't stick to the vehicles.
Spray Injection
Spray Injection is another method that can be used to fix potholes. It is the best method of all when repairing transverse cracks and is good for actual potholes too. First, the pothole is prepared by taking all the water out and the debris as well. Then, a binder coat is sprayed onto the bottom and the sides of the hold. Asphalt and aggregate are then sprayed in the pothole just before covering with yet another layer of aggregate. There is no need for compacting when using the spray-inject technique and the process is quick and easy. The equipment cost is the only draw-back.
Infrared Pothole Repair
Infrared pothole repair is the process of patching potholes by using modern technology available through Infrared Road Repair (RRR). It is a proven method that is becoming very widely used in cities, states, and in local areas.
The process is a relatively simple one overall. The intricate details are rather complex, however. A professional asphalt maintenance company must perform the job to ensure it is carried out successfully.
Infrared pothole repair, in short, involves the absorption of radiation (heat) into the asphalt that is damaged to make the removal process easier. The process of heating the asphalt must be conducted correctly or the pavement will not turn outright. Multiple layers have to be heated individually and raked off before the lowest level can have enough heat absorbed in to make it removable. Weather, like rain and gusty winds, can affect the healing process. Moisture greatly interferes with the process too.
After that step is completed, the asphalt is replaced with reclaimed or new material that is reheated to bond the patch to the undamaged areas. This material must be heated properly too. The process is tricky because of the different materials in the mixed heat at different paces. For instance, light asphalt heats slower than dark material.
When patching the potholes, the edges should be tapered and squared off. Tapering the edges allows more surface area to be laid. It also attaches a better bond between the old and new areas.
By taking the time and making the effort to properly conduct the infrared pothole repair process, optimal results are sure to follow. Interestingly enough, none of the of the methods of pothole repair involve asphalt milling.
Throw-and-Go
Throw-and-Go is the "go-to" in pothole patching processes because it is quick and inexpensive. It involves the shoveling of material into a pothole that doesn't require any preparation at all. It can even contain debris and water. The material is shoveled in until the hole is filled. It achieves compaction by allowing traffic to run over it. Sometimes, however, it is lightly compressed with a shovel just to be on the safe side.
Throw-and-Roll
Throw-and-Roll is a lot like the popular Throw-and-Go method except for that it is superior in several ways. The process involves shoveling material into a pothole that is not prepared and can, like Throw-and-Go, contain debris and water. Then, when a crown can be seen that is 0.125 inches to 0.25 inches is present. This process utilizes the tires of a maintenance truck to compact the material once the hole is filled.
The way this type of a pothole patch is compacted makes for a much tighter patch and has been proven to produce better results and a longer-lasting job. The compacting time is generally only a few minutes added onto the process so little time is lost and there is no extra cost.
Semi-Permanent
The Semi-Permanent procedure is considered by many to be the most efficient way to repair a pothole aside from completely replacing the damaged area. First, the pothole is completely cleared of any water and debris. The sides of the pothole are squared so that it is deep enough for the pavement to be sound. The material is then packed into place in the patch area and compacted using equipment that is smaller than the area and is, therefore, able to pack the material. A single-drum vibratory plate or vibratory plate compactor is usually the chosen equipment for the job. This method allows for a tight compact that expends the longevity of the product. The labor, however, is more extensive and the equipment racks up some cost too.
It is vital to conduct the process of this type of pothole repair using the utmost care. When getting the pothole ready for the cold mix, workers must watch for oncoming traffic so they don't get smacked with rocks blowing from the pothole. The loose gravel that is common to use for composing the cold mix should be kept out of the way of traffic so it doesn't damage vehicles or workers and so the binder doesn't stick to the vehicles.
Spray Injection
Spray Injection is another method that can be used to fix potholes. It is the best method of all when repairing transverse cracks and is good for actual potholes too. First, the pothole is prepared by taking all the water out and the debris as well. Then, a binder coat is sprayed onto the bottom and the sides of the hold. Asphalt and aggregate are then sprayed in the pothole just before covering with yet another layer of aggregate. There is no need for compacting when using the spray-inject technique and the process is quick and easy. The equipment cost is the only draw-back.
Infrared Pothole Repair
Infrared pothole repair is the process of patching potholes by using modern technology available through Infrared Road Repair (RRR). It is a proven method that is becoming very widely used in cities, states, and in local areas.
The process is a relatively simple one overall. The intricate details are rather complex, however. A professional asphalt maintenance company must perform the job to ensure it is carried out successfully.
Infrared pothole repair, in short, involves the absorption of radiation (heat) into the asphalt that is damaged to make the removal process easier. The process of heating the asphalt must be conducted correctly or the pavement will not turn outright. Multiple layers have to be heated individually and raked off before the lowest level can have enough heat absorbed in to make it removable. Weather, like rain and gusty winds, can affect the healing process. Moisture greatly interferes with the process too.
After that step is completed, the asphalt is replaced with reclaimed or new material that is reheated to bond the patch to the undamaged areas. This material must be heated properly too. The process is tricky because of the different materials in the mixed heat at different paces. For instance, light asphalt heats slower than dark material.
When patching the potholes, the edges should be tapered and squared off. Tapering the edges allows more surface area to be laid. It also attaches a better bond between the old and new areas.
By taking the time and making the effort to properly conduct the infrared pothole repair process, optimal results are sure to follow. Interestingly enough, none of the of the methods of pothole repair involve asphalt milling.
Pothole Repair Costs
Three main costs are associated with pothole repairs: materials, labor, and equipment. Materials include cold mix patching and other items, like shovels and rakes that are needed to perform the task. There is a higher initial cost when higher quality materials are used but the cost is generally made up for because the patching lasts longer.
When road construction or pavement companies are used to do the job, it is customary for four workers to conduct it, two preparing the product and two doing the work of squaring the edges, removing the debris, or whatever the particular job entails. It is not unusual for labor to be the largest cost.
The equipment cost doesn’t usually amount to much, especially for the quicker methods like Throw-and-Go and Throw-and-Roll. Spray Injection involves the use of a truck so it can amount to more money. When the Semi-Permanent method is used, saws and jackhammers will be needed and an air compressor to remove the water from the hole. Infrared Pothole Repair can be a more expensive way to go.
When road construction or pavement companies are used to do the job, it is customary for four workers to conduct it, two preparing the product and two doing the work of squaring the edges, removing the debris, or whatever the particular job entails. It is not unusual for labor to be the largest cost.
The equipment cost doesn’t usually amount to much, especially for the quicker methods like Throw-and-Go and Throw-and-Roll. Spray Injection involves the use of a truck so it can amount to more money. When the Semi-Permanent method is used, saws and jackhammers will be needed and an air compressor to remove the water from the hole. Infrared Pothole Repair can be a more expensive way to go.
How to repair a concrete pothole
The process of repairing a pothole that is on a concrete surface is similar to asphalt pothole repair. There are some differences, however. When a pothole is large enough to cause problems, it will need to be repaired. Sometimes potholes that are not very large are repaired when concrete striping is set to take place or the road or parking lot is going to be undergoing beautification or other changes and it’s therefore important for the surface to be as close to perfect as possible.
To remove the debris and water from the pothole, you'll need to use a chisel or sledgehammer. The process can be labor-intensive. Goggles or protective eyewear are required and wearing a hard hat is wise too.
The loose concrete pieces are removed from the hole. A cold chisel and sledgehammer will most likely be required to chop out the concrete that is crumbling and to cut one down to the concrete that is in place. The interior will be rough so a chisel is used to undercut the edges so the old is wider at the bottom than it is at the top. The large chunks of concrete are then removed and swept out with a stiff broom. Then the hole is flushed out with water. The standing water is removed.
Ready-mix concrete is then made. A sand mixture is optimal for small holes and a gravel mix works best for large ones. Once mixed, a wheelbarrow is typically used to distribute the wet concrete into the pothole. The process has to happen quickly lest the cement dries. The cement is poured and then spread with a paintbrush to ensure the undercut corners are completely coated. A trowel is used to firmly pack the concrete into place, mounding it slightly and then tamping it firmly down into place.
The patch is leveled by using a 2x4 zigzag pattern. Two people are needed to complete the process as one pushes and one pulls. Once finished, the smooth patch will have a slight film of water over the surface.
The concrete will need to sit for at least 45 minutes, preferably an hour. When the water is no longer on the top, the patch is smoothed again, this time with a woo cement float. Water will appear once again.
At this point, sometimes the patch is finished with a push broom or other device. Then it is allowed to sit until the water at the top disappears. A broom is used to smooth the concrete from the old pavement, across the new, on over to the old again to ensure the old and new surfaces are leveled and bonded. Once the film of surface water disappears, a plastic drop cloth is placed over the wet concrete with weights to hold it into place. The concrete takes about a week to dry, or "cure". After a week, the process of patching the pothole should be completed.
Patching concrete potholes is more complicated and involved than patching asphalt potholes is. That is one of the many reasons asphalt is more popular than cement.
To remove the debris and water from the pothole, you'll need to use a chisel or sledgehammer. The process can be labor-intensive. Goggles or protective eyewear are required and wearing a hard hat is wise too.
The loose concrete pieces are removed from the hole. A cold chisel and sledgehammer will most likely be required to chop out the concrete that is crumbling and to cut one down to the concrete that is in place. The interior will be rough so a chisel is used to undercut the edges so the old is wider at the bottom than it is at the top. The large chunks of concrete are then removed and swept out with a stiff broom. Then the hole is flushed out with water. The standing water is removed.
Ready-mix concrete is then made. A sand mixture is optimal for small holes and a gravel mix works best for large ones. Once mixed, a wheelbarrow is typically used to distribute the wet concrete into the pothole. The process has to happen quickly lest the cement dries. The cement is poured and then spread with a paintbrush to ensure the undercut corners are completely coated. A trowel is used to firmly pack the concrete into place, mounding it slightly and then tamping it firmly down into place.
The patch is leveled by using a 2x4 zigzag pattern. Two people are needed to complete the process as one pushes and one pulls. Once finished, the smooth patch will have a slight film of water over the surface.
The concrete will need to sit for at least 45 minutes, preferably an hour. When the water is no longer on the top, the patch is smoothed again, this time with a woo cement float. Water will appear once again.
At this point, sometimes the patch is finished with a push broom or other device. Then it is allowed to sit until the water at the top disappears. A broom is used to smooth the concrete from the old pavement, across the new, on over to the old again to ensure the old and new surfaces are leveled and bonded. Once the film of surface water disappears, a plastic drop cloth is placed over the wet concrete with weights to hold it into place. The concrete takes about a week to dry, or "cure". After a week, the process of patching the pothole should be completed.
Patching concrete potholes is more complicated and involved than patching asphalt potholes is. That is one of the many reasons asphalt is more popular than cement.
when is the best time to repair potholes
Winter Period Patching is patching that is conducted during the winter. It is divided into two seasons, Winter Patching and Spring Patching.
Winter Patching is conducted during periods when there is no snow on the ground, mostly on the asphalt. No snowplows must be depositing road salt during the time Winter Patching is being done.
During the warm periods of the winter, it is common for potholes to develop since the pavement is undergoing the “freeze and thaw cycles” that make the base of the materials soft and less supportive. When potholes are patched during this time, they will experience higher stress than they do during Spring Patching.
During the winter, workability is vital to make sure the material can be properly handled and then compacted. When water is anticipated to get into the mix, and an anti-stripping agent is used. Larger, high-quality stone is recommended for the aggregate during cold, wet seasons too. Binders should be asphalt that's been emulsified. Even with all these precautions in place, cold winter periods are not ideal for patching potholes. They generally have a shorter lifespan than patches that are put on during the spring.
The same patching materials are oftentimes used for Spring Patching. Although spring weather is generally not as cold, it can still be challenging. The workability of the winter mix used in the spring may be very sticky. The crushed aggregate needs to contain very little if any, fine aggregate. An anti-stripping agent is advised. Spring Patches do tend to last longer than Winter Patches as long as they are not put on with the Throw-and-Go method.
Winter Patching is conducted during periods when there is no snow on the ground, mostly on the asphalt. No snowplows must be depositing road salt during the time Winter Patching is being done.
During the warm periods of the winter, it is common for potholes to develop since the pavement is undergoing the “freeze and thaw cycles” that make the base of the materials soft and less supportive. When potholes are patched during this time, they will experience higher stress than they do during Spring Patching.
During the winter, workability is vital to make sure the material can be properly handled and then compacted. When water is anticipated to get into the mix, and an anti-stripping agent is used. Larger, high-quality stone is recommended for the aggregate during cold, wet seasons too. Binders should be asphalt that's been emulsified. Even with all these precautions in place, cold winter periods are not ideal for patching potholes. They generally have a shorter lifespan than patches that are put on during the spring.
The same patching materials are oftentimes used for Spring Patching. Although spring weather is generally not as cold, it can still be challenging. The workability of the winter mix used in the spring may be very sticky. The crushed aggregate needs to contain very little if any, fine aggregate. An anti-stripping agent is advised. Spring Patches do tend to last longer than Winter Patches as long as they are not put on with the Throw-and-Go method.
Prevention of Potholes by SealinG
Road and parking lot sealing adds life and luster to pavement by covering up asphalt stains and protecting against potholes. It dramatically cuts down on the costs of asphalt parking lot repair that can incur not only from the actual work, but the loss of business that retail shops, restaurants, and other companies that depend on the parking lot services encounter. When sealing is applied on roads, future detours and other headaches caused by frequent repairs are able to be avoided.
Sealing is the process of placing a protective agent over the pavement. Asphalt pavement is comprised mostly of rock and/or stone and gravel that is mixed with a binder. The rock and/or stone, and gravel are held together by the binding agent which protects it from chemicals (like oil and gasoline), sun rays, heavy traffic, extreme weather, rain, and other environmental influences that degrade the surface. Eventually, the pavement becomes weak and brittle. It breaks off and in time, potholes are formed.
A sealant can be applied to the asphalt which will extend the life of the pavement because it is a covering that shields the elements of the weather, wear and tear, and all the other factors that cause stresses and weak points. The sooner a sealant can be applied after the pavement is poured, the better.
Sealants perform several additional duties besides just protecting the surface. They beautify the pavement, help make it less slippery when wet or when ice or snow is present, and make it much easier to keep clean.
For maximized effectiveness, asphalt sealers are usually acrylic-based or bituminous-based. It comes in liquid form and is mixed with water, silica sand, polymer additives, and other solids and fillers. All of the products are applied by squeegee, spray, or brush as the sealant container directs. Seal coat dry time is 24 to 48 hours.
It's wise to have an asphalt sealing company visit regularly to ensure there is always a protective coating on the parking lot or road.
Sealing is the process of placing a protective agent over the pavement. Asphalt pavement is comprised mostly of rock and/or stone and gravel that is mixed with a binder. The rock and/or stone, and gravel are held together by the binding agent which protects it from chemicals (like oil and gasoline), sun rays, heavy traffic, extreme weather, rain, and other environmental influences that degrade the surface. Eventually, the pavement becomes weak and brittle. It breaks off and in time, potholes are formed.
A sealant can be applied to the asphalt which will extend the life of the pavement because it is a covering that shields the elements of the weather, wear and tear, and all the other factors that cause stresses and weak points. The sooner a sealant can be applied after the pavement is poured, the better.
Sealants perform several additional duties besides just protecting the surface. They beautify the pavement, help make it less slippery when wet or when ice or snow is present, and make it much easier to keep clean.
For maximized effectiveness, asphalt sealers are usually acrylic-based or bituminous-based. It comes in liquid form and is mixed with water, silica sand, polymer additives, and other solids and fillers. All of the products are applied by squeegee, spray, or brush as the sealant container directs. Seal coat dry time is 24 to 48 hours.
It's wise to have an asphalt sealing company visit regularly to ensure there is always a protective coating on the parking lot or road.
Progression of Pothole Maintenance
In the days of old, people used to stuff bricks or dirt into a neighborhood and residential potholes to keep from bottoming-out their cars on them. Today, phone apps are available that allow citizens to take action and report pesky and dangerous chunks that are missing from the road.
Small repairs, like potholes in driveways, can sometimes be repaired by homeowners with DIY fixes. Instructions are available online. When there is extensive damage or if the pothole is on the road, pothole repairs are best left up to the experts.
Where wet and cold weather conditions once limited when potholes were able to be repaired, new types of asphalt now make the process possible most any time in any climate or weather conditions.
The subject of potholes is one that the experts have been digging into. Advances in repairing potholes are taking place every day, making homeowners happy and drivers safer.
Small repairs, like potholes in driveways, can sometimes be repaired by homeowners with DIY fixes. Instructions are available online. When there is extensive damage or if the pothole is on the road, pothole repairs are best left up to the experts.
Where wet and cold weather conditions once limited when potholes were able to be repaired, new types of asphalt now make the process possible most any time in any climate or weather conditions.
The subject of potholes is one that the experts have been digging into. Advances in repairing potholes are taking place every day, making homeowners happy and drivers safer.
