Whether traveling on local streets, rural roads, or busy highways, traveling down a long stretch of smooth roadway is unconsciously satisfying. On the other hand, not much is more aggravating than driving on a street or roadway peppered with potholes. Unfortunately, without proper road maintenance, the latter can be more the norm rather than the exception. Having a well-thought-out asphalt pavement plan can lead to less driver aggravation, overextended road maintenance budgets, and costly insurance claims for vehicle damage repair costs, traffic accidents, injuries, and even deaths.
How potholes form
Harsh climates, excessive wind, rain, freezing temperatures, and excessive heat is tough on asphalt pavement. Then there is heavy traffic, heavy vehicular traffic, and the general wear and tear of the pavement. Eventually road material deteriorates, resulting in cracks in the pavement. Water becomes trapped under the asphalt layer and accumulates, causing the base soils to become waterlogged. Traffic compresses the pavement causing dips in the surfacing due to these base soils being pushed away. As the seasons occur, we get rain, wind, and freezing which further deteriorates the road materials, causing a pothole or series of potholes and a washboard effect on the surface of the road.
Asphalt maintenance tips
Keep it clean! Power blowing and washing loose debris, fuel, and oil residues a couple of times a year helps prevent asphalt damage.
Seal it up! Sealcoating your asphalt roadways is one of the best pothole prevention methods. It adds a protective layer to your asphalt extending its lifespan by sealing cracks and preventing water seepage into the base layer.
Repair the damage ASAP! As soon as the asphalt is damaged, water can start seeping into the undersurface of the roadway, and freezing temperatures, and wind will then cause the cracks to create potholes. Repairing damage as soon as it occurs is critical to keeping potholes in check and protecting your pavement investment. 75% of untreated pavement cracks become potholes. Asphalt crack filling is one of the most effective ways to prevent further water deterioration. Perform asphalt crack filling every year for the best results in your pavement maintenance plan.
Benefits of Proper Asphalt Pavement Maintenance
Protects your investment – extends the longevity of your asphalt surface.
Improves customer experience – Driving on roads covered in potholes is frustrating to your citizens and others traveling through your community. It doesn’t reflect well on your municipality's image. Good smooth roadways also improve the safety and driving experience of those using your streets.
Saves your municipality money – Repaving and surfacing is expensive, routinely maintaining your asphalt roads will save you thousands of dollars in the long run. Also with smoothly maintained roads, there will be less opportunity for insurance claims to be filed for property damage and injuries allegedly due to poor roadways.
