For as long as there have been paved roads, potholes have followed closely behind them. Potholes have been a consistent bane for drivers over the years, and it seems like two more appear for every pothole that gets repaired. Science can tell us a few things about how and why potholes form, and that information can help better prepare, prevent, and deal with these hazards before they become too much of an issue.
The Science Behind Potholes
Potholes occur through the expansion and contractions of water underneath the pavement. As water permeates the area underneath the asphalt, changes to its state have a direct effect on the creation of potholes. When water freezes, it begins to expand. When the water underneath the pavement freezes, it begins to expand and cause cracks in the pavement.
Over time, as more cars drive over these cracks, potholes begin to form. How large these potholes become depends on a variety of factors ranging from how busy that stretch of pavement is, the kinds of cars that drive over it, and the time of year. Being mindful of the conditions in which potholes form can help you take the proper precautions to limit the damage and get the afflicted area repaired.
When to Get Potholes Repaired
Repairing potholes can potentially be a tricky process. Suppose you attempt to make repairs during the winter months. In that case, you have to take factors such as recent snowfall and drops in temperature into consideration, since they can exacerbate the original problem. Targeting pothole repairs for warmer months takes out the threat of potential rainfall that seeps into the ground, freezing and causing water to expand and rendering all attempts to fix the pothole moot.
Warmer weather allows for the asphalt to be applied properly. Once the pothole is filled, let the area cool down, so the asphalt has time to adequately set before cars begin driving over it again.
Do you have potholes in your blacktop that require repair? Or does your driveway in Bucks County need a fresh sealcoating? If so, contact Platinum Paving & Sealcoating today for your free estimate!
