How Potholes Form—and How Repaving Can Help

Challenges in your commercial parking lot can become quite a bit more difficult if they have the potential to cause damage. For example, if you have a commercial parking lot in Philadelphia, PA, it can be a nightmare scenario for one of your customers to hit a pothole and damage their car, or for someone to have a trip-and-fall incident.

Because potholes in asphalt parking lots can be a serious pain for your business, it’s helpful to understand where they come from and how they can be effectively dealt with.

What is a pothole?

Potholes are holes in a paved surface that can differ in size and shape. They usually develop when rainwater gets into cracks in the asphalt, which soaks up the moisture. As more and more cars pass over this soggy asphalt, it begins to erode more and more. The asphalt then sinks further into the eroded portions, and eventually you’ll see chunks coming loose, which will need to be patched by professional paving contractors in your area.

Potholes can vary significantly in their potential for damage, so it’s always best to catch them early on rather than let them get out of hand. As you might have guessed, regular maintenance is the key to avoiding potholes altogether and keeping your parking lot in good shape.

How can potholes be repaired?

There are a number of different techniques that can be used to fill a pothole, some of which are within the capabilities of a DIY enthusiast. One way to fill a pothole is by using a cold-patch material. This is poured until it rises just above the top of the hole. Then, you’d use a hand tamper to compress the patch so it’s even with the rest of the paved surface.

Water-activated patches, meanwhile, can offer a more permanent solution that can seal up your parking lot’s potholes for the longer term. At Philly Concrete & Asphalt Paving, Inc., we’re always doing our best to stay on top of advances in asphalt repair techniques to ensure our clients’ commercial parking lots in Philadelphia, PA can be fixed and usable for years with basic maintenance.

How can I prevent potholes?

The best way to prevent potholes is through regular maintenance and care of your commercial parking lot in Philadelphia, PA. Regular repaving, for example, means you’re already preventing the small holes that can turn into major potholes. When we do a paving job, we also make sure we’re handling and addressing all holes that could cause trouble in the future, and regularly scheduled maintenance is really your best line of defense against the scourge of potholes.

Paving your parking lot is a great way to “start fresh” and address any potholes that might be starting to rear their heads in the asphalt. An asphalt parking lot is a sustainable way to pave, as well, since the materials are actually recyclable—there’s no reason to feel guilty about going for a fresh coating when you have the opportunity.

For more information or to schedule service, reach out to Philly Concrete & Asphalt Paving, Inc. We look forward to working with you on all of your asphalt paving and maintenance needs!

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