Potholes are the worst enemy of any asphalt paved surface. Yes, and everyone knows them—those depressing holes on the road or driveway that make your heart skip once you hit them. And the funny thing is, most potholes will appear from nowhere—and are only discovered when it’s late. They can be caused by various factors, including weathering, heavy traffic, and poor drainage, and can cause damage to vehicles and be dangerous for drivers and pedestrians alike.
Potholes can be repaired—and the process of repairing potholes isn’t that complicated. But, having potholes on your pavement isn’t the end of the road for your pavement. It all depends on your preferred pothole patching process.
All in all, pothole patching is the most commonly known method of repairing potholes on asphalt pavement. This technique offers quick relief from potholes and keeps pavements functional and safe. Moreover, pothole patching is the most cost-effective technique to keep your pavement in good condition for years to come.
Types of pothole patching techniques
Depending on the severity of the pothole and the urgency of the repair, potholes can be repaired using the following pothole patching techniques:
Throw-and-Roll
This is the most common pothole patching technique. This technique is mostly used to repair small to medium-sized potholes. As the name suggests, all you need to do is ‘throw’ some asphalt mix into the pothole and then ‘roll’ it until it’s level with the surrounding pavement.
The throw-and-roll method can also be used as a preventive measure against further deterioration of your pavement. For example, if you notice some cracks on your pavement, you can use the throw-and-roll method to fill them before they turn into full-blown potholes. However, this isn’t a long-term solution for cracks—cracks should always be repaired using more sophisticated methods such as crack sealing.
Asphalt Shingle Patching
This technique is mostly used to repair potholes developed on shingle-surfaced pavements. It’s a quick and easy method of patching potholes; all you need is some asphalt shingles and a heavy-duty adhesive.
To patch a pothole using this technique, first, you need to clean the pothole thoroughly and remove any loose debris or vegetation. Then, cut the asphalt shingles to fit the pothole and apply a generous amount of adhesive to the back of each shingle. Next, place the shingles in the pothole and press them down firmly to ensure they’re securely in place.
Asphalt shingle patching is a quick and easy way to repair potholes, but it’s not a long-term solution. Asphalt shingles are prone to damage from sunlight and weathering, so they won’t last as long as other patching materials.
Throw-and-Go
The Jacksonville experts from CSG Sealcoating say that this variation of the throw-and-roll method is mostly used to repair large potholes. As with the throw-and-roll method, all you need to do is ‘throw’ some asphalt mix into the pothole and then ‘go’—that is, compact the mix using a hand tamper or a gas-powered plate compactor.
The throw-and-go method is a quick and easy way to repair large potholes, but it’s not suitable for all types of pavements. This method can only be used on pavements that are in good condition—pavements with cracks or other surface defects should be repaired using more sophisticated methods.
Spray injection
This is a more sophisticated pothole patching technique, and it’s mostly used to repair large potholes. The process of spray injection involves injecting a hot asphalt mix into the pothole using a specialized machine.
This technique involves using a high-pressure nozzle to inject a mixture of asphalt and water into the affected area. The asphalt quickly hardens, filling the pothole and creating a durable repair. This method is typically used on small to medium-sized potholes and is considered one of the most effective patching techniques.
Infrared Patching
This is the most sophisticated pothole patching technique, mostly used to repair large potholes. The process involves using a machine to heat the asphalt around the pothole, which makes it easier to remove and repair. In addition, the heat helps to seal any cracks in the surrounding asphalt, preventing further damage.
Infrared patching is most effective when the temperature is above freezing, making it an ideal technique for repairing potholes in the spring and fall. However, it can also be used in winter if the right equipment is available. While infrared patching is not a perfect solution, it is a quick and efficient way to repair potholes and extend the life of your pavement.
Semi-permanent Patching
Semi-permanent patching is one type of pothole repair that can be used to quickly fill the hole and prevent further damage. This method involves using a cold or hot mix of asphalt to fill the hole and then compacting it with a roller. The patch will last several months but will eventually need to be replaced. While it is not a permanent solution, semi-permanent patching is an effective way to repair potholes until a more permanent solution can be implemented.
Cold-lay Repair Technique
This method involves using cold-mix asphalt to fill the pothole and compact it with a tamper. The cold-mix asphalt sets quickly, so the repairs can be made in a matter of minutes. This makes cold-lay repair an ideal solution for busy roads and highways. In addition, the repairs made with cold-mix asphalt are less likely to crumble or crack over time. As a result, the cold-lay repair is the best option for repairing potholes.
Hot-work Repair
The hot-work repair method is one of the most popular methods for patching potholes. This method involves heating the asphalt to a temperature of around 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The hot asphalt is then poured into the pothole and tamped down. This method effectively creates a strong bond between the new and old pavement asphalt. It also doesn’t require much prep work, saving time and money. However, this method can be dangerous if not done properly, so it is important to hire a professional who has experience with this type of repair.