A recent report showed that in 2021 about 1 in 10 drivers experienced vehicle damage from potholes. This resulted in more than $26.5 billion in total costs for repairs.
A related problem is that potholes are difficult to fix. Also, solutions are often only temporary. A better approach to addressing potholes is to prevent them from occurring in the first place.
This article provides information on the importance of quality asphalt in pothole prevention. Keep reading to find out how to get the most out of paving so that you can avoid potholes going forward.
How High-Quality Asphalt Helps Prevent Potholes
Asphalt is a mixture of gravel, crushed stone, sand, and bitumen, the black byproduct of petroleum. Bitumen acts as the binding agent, and the other materials give the mixture strength.
This gives asphalt unique qualities. These make it ideal for preventing potholes, especially versus alternatives like concrete.
Asphalt is designed to last a long time, even if it takes a beating. It is exposed to freezing water and blistering summer heat, in addition to regular wear and tear from vehicles. All of these can lead to the development of potholes over time.
Asphalt is much more flexible than concrete. This makes it more durable since it can better adapt to impact and friction, as well as freezing temperatures and extreme heat. It also is easier to maintain than cement.
Asphalt also lasts much longer when you use quality materials, the right ratios, and install it correctly. This often requires the expertise of professional pavers.
Professional contractors also can recommend solutions beyond providing quality asphalt. For instance, they will ensure proper water runoff. This can limit the likelihood of water accumulation, a common culprit of pothole formation.
An experienced installer also might recommend other solutions, such as installing a sealcoat on your asphalt surface. This is a layer designed to prevent moisture from penetrating, which reduces the risk of damage and potholes. Sealcoating every two or three years is a great preventative solution that helps stave off the need for major asphalt restoration.
Asphalt Maintenance
Besides installing quality asphalt the right way, there are some other things you can do for pothole prevention. One is keeping your asphalt surface clean. Dirt and debris can trap moisture, which can increase the likelihood of damage. Sweeping or washing the asphalt can help prevent this.
Another effective way to prevent asphalt potholes is by addressing minor damage before it becomes worse. Fixing an asphalt crack or small pothole nips the problem in the bud. It is also cheaper than doing a major pothole repair.
Doing minor repairs is also faster and isolated to particular areas. This means less downtime for your parking lot or driveway (versus, say, an entire repave).
Learn More About Pothole Prevention
Now that you understand the importance of quality asphalt installation to pothole prevention, you can choose the right options for your project. A qualified asphalt paving service can further advise you on solutions particular to your project.
NVM Paving and Concrete provides full-service asphalt paving for business owners and installation managers. Our knowledgeable crew and state-of-the-art equipment can address any paving issue. Reach out to us to schedule service today.
