NO MORE POTHOLES: Do it yourself
What Causes Potholes?
Potholes are a common problem on asphalt driveways and can be caused by several factors:
1. Water: Water is one of the main culprits behind pothole formation. When water seeps into the cracks in the asphalt, it weakens the underlying layers and causes them to break apart.
2. Freeze-Thaw Cycle: In regions with cold winters, the freeze-thaw cycle can exacerbate pothole formation. When water freezes, it expands and puts pressure on the asphalt, leading to cracks and eventually potholes.
3. Heavy Traffic: Constant vehicle traffic, especially from heavy trucks, can accelerate the deterioration of asphalt and contribute to pothole formation.
How to Fix Potholes
Fixing potholes on asphalt driveways requires a systematic approach:
1. Clean the Area: Remove any debris, loose asphalt, or vegetation from the pothole and its surroundings.
2. Prepare the Hole: Use a chisel or hammer to create clean edges around the pothole. This will help the patch adhere better.
3. Apply Patching Material: Fill the pothole with a suitable patching material, such as cold patch asphalt or hot mix asphalt. Compact the material using a tamper or the back of a shovel.
4. Level the Patch: Ensure the patch is level with the surrounding asphalt by using a trowel or the back of a shovel.
5. Compact the Patch: Use a compactor or the wheels of a vehicle to compact the patch and ensure it is firmly in place.
Preventing Future Potholes
While it may not be possible to completely eliminate the risk of potholes, there are steps you can take to minimize their occurrence:
1. Regular Maintenance: Keep your asphalt driveway well-maintained by sealing cracks and applying a protective sealant every few years.
2. Proper Drainage: Ensure that your driveway has proper drainage to prevent water from pooling and seeping into the asphalt.
3. Avoid Heavy Loads: Limit the amount of heavy vehicles or equipment that are parked or driven on your driveway, as they can contribute to asphalt deterioration.
4. Prompt Repairs: Address any cracks or small potholes as soon as they appear to prevent them from worsening.
Remember, maintaining your asphalt driveway is crucial to preventing potholes and extending its lifespan. By understanding the causes of potholes and following proper repair and prevention techniques, you can keep your driveway in excellent condition for years to come. Sources: - Asphalt Pavement Maintenance & Rehabilitation Guide, 2nd Edition, Asphalt InstituteCause: poor drainage, poor maintenance
The areas most prone to pothole development are where drainage is poor (particularly where a pathway dips, or cracks start appearing in driveways), where traffic is greatest – especially heavy vehicle traffic – and where poor initial jobs allows small fissures to deteriorate.
This plague of potholes represents a major headache for all of us. The consequences of a deteriorating pavement are significant – undermining property value and resulting in direct costs to you, through damage vehicles and the safety of other vehicle drivers, is also compromised.
Solution: QPR Permanent Pothole Repair - Instant Asphalt
QPR is a proven, fast, permanent and cost effective pothole repair solution which can be used to repair potholes and cracks under all weather conditions.
Until recently QPR was unavailable in small quantities for private home use.
Now we have made it available to buy in smaller quantities to purchase online and delivered to your door:
-15KG bags
-15KG pails/buckets
-22.7KG easy carry bags
If your property is suffering from a pothole filled driveway with dips, bumps and cracks then QPR asphalt is your permanent easy fix solution!
To purchase QPR Pothole Repair CLICK HERE.
