How to Repair Potholes: The Different Methods, Explained

Nobody likes it when they hit a pothole and lose control of their car. The next one is never far behind and everything starts to wear down.

Over 100 potholes get patched on average each week in the city, as reported by the Chicago Data Portal. Whether you’re in any other state, driving through potholes can damage your vehicle.

Wondering how to repair potholes? Keep on reading to learn some methods for pothole repair.

Why Do Potholes Form?

Potholes can form anywhere there is weak pavement, and water is one of the biggest culprits. It only takes a small amount of water to weaken the structure of the pavement and create a pothole.

They get formed when water seeps into cracks in the pavement, freezes, and expands. The expanding ice pushes out the pavement, creating a hole. And as vehicles drive over the hole, it grows larger.

The Different Methods to Repair Potholes

Potholes are an annoying reality of owning a car. But, there are different ways to repair them, depending on the size and depth of the hole.

Traditional Method

The traditional method of repairing a pothole is to fill it with asphalt. This is a quick and easy method, but it is not always the most effective.

The method involves filling the hole with asphalt or concrete and then compacting it. This method is typically used for small potholes.

Pour-in-Place Method

The process begins by cleaning out the debris from the pothole with a broom. Once removed, the next step is to fill the pothole with cold patch material.

This material gets tamped down with a tamper. This will temporarily fill the pothole and protect the area from further deterioration.

Concrete Overlaying Method

With this technique, the damaged concrete is covered with a layer of fresh concrete. A trowel, a brush, or even a roller can be used for this.

Potholes can be quickly and easily repaired with a concrete overlay. And the process causes little traffic disturbance.

Infrared Method

Infrared is a machine that heats up the asphalt around the pothole, making it easier to fill in the hole. Once the asphalt is heated, it is shoveled into the pothole and compacted.

This makes the material easier to work with and also helps to seal the edges of the pothole.

Ultraviolet Method

The ultraviolet method is another option that is gaining popularity. This involves using ultraviolet light to harden the material around the pothole. It creates a permanent repair, said to be more durable yet expensive.

Pothole Repair Cost

The cost of repairing a pothole varies depending on the size and depth of the pothole. But generally speaking, repairing a pothole will run you $50 to $100.

Cold patch asphalt is the substance that is most frequently utilized for repairs. The average price for it is around $10 per square meter.

Another one is the hot mix asphalt. And the typical cost of hot mix asphalt is $60 per square meter.

Potholes: A Nuisance We Can No Longer Ignore

Pothole repair is a necessary evil for any municipality as the cost of repairs can be high. But fixing potholes can increase road safety and enhance the appearance of your area.

It can also prolong the lifespan of your pavement. And to stop additional damage, repair potholes as quickly as you can.

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