Potholes don’t appear overnight. They’re the result of ongoing stress beneath the pavement surface caused by moisture, temperature changes, and everyday use. From residential driveways to heavily traveled roads, asphalt is constantly exposed to the elements, and without proper care, that exposure can lead to costly damage over time. Understanding why pavement deteriorates and how to address it early is key to extending the life of any asphalt surface.
In this article, we’ll break down the main factors behind pothole formation, explain why winter conditions accelerate pavement failure, and explore the role proper maintenance and quality repair materials play in preventing long-term damage.
When moisture from rain or melting snow seeps through cracks in asphalt, it collects beneath the surface and begins to soften the base layer of the road. As temperatures fluctuate, that trapped water expands and contracts putting stress on the surface. Over time, this constant freeze-thaw cycle leads to weak pavement surfaces that’s eventually lead to cracking, crumbling, thus forming potholes.
This is why potholes increase during and after winter, especially following seasons with heavy snow or rain. The combination of moisture and cycling temperature swings accelerates blacktop deterioration, leaving roads and driveways vulnerable to damage.
Coupled with extreme temperature changes, pavement will also deteriorate due to normal wear and tear. High traffic areas will see a higher volume of potholes. Meanwhile roads that experience less traffic will also experiences less potholes. It is important to note that all roads, regardless of traffic volume, will naturally deteriorate over time due to age. Proper maintenance is key to keeping roads safe and pristine. For example, having proper drainage will avoid standing water on pavement surfaces and reducing water penetration.
Preventative care is an important component to proper maintenance. And addressing surface deterioration as it arises will substantially decrease the size of needed repairs down the line. Because as discussed, when water collects underneath pavement it sets the stage for deterioration and costly repairs down the line. The fix? Seal potholes with a quality asphalt repair product as soon as they arise. A great product for this is our HP Fiber Reinforced Blacktop Repair in resealable pails. Our special formula makes repairs easy and permanent. The best part is that you use what you need and seal it back up to save for the next repair.
Using quality materials is just as important as proper care. And when it comes to repairs you want to use materials that will not only get the job don’t right, but will last a long time. Our founder Walter Doherty wanted to bring easy repairs to the average person; and for 75 years Package Pavement has been manufacturing asphalt repair products.
What began as a single bag has grown into a curated line of three asphalt repair products, each designed to meet different needs. Every product in our line is Ready-to-Use and V.O.C Free Formula, making repairs easy and dependable. Our All-Weather Blacktop Mix is formulated to perform across a wide range of conditions. The High-Performance Blacktop Mix is DOT approved and engineered for long-lasting repairs. The Fiber Reinforced High-Performance Blacktop Repair Mix adds enhanced flexural strength, is ready for immediate traffic, and features micro fibers to prevent product creep. Together, these products offer reliable options for a variety of applications—without compromise.
