The Urgency of Pothole Repair

by | Jun 4, 2018

Here in Michigan, potholes and roadwork on public roadways are painfully common. But when potholes form on private property, it’s just as important that they are dealt with and that the condition of the parking surface or private drive is monitored and maintained over time.

What Causes Potholes?
There are four steps to forming a pothole.

  • First, the asphalt cracks due to normal wear, tear, and weathering and water seeps into those cracks, sinking towards the sublayer below.
  • Second, the moisture freezes and expands, pushing against the paving surface above.
  • Third, as the weather warms this frozen material shrinks, leaving a gap between the substrate and the weakened paving surface above. This process often repeats many times during the spring and fall months—especially in a temperate climate like ours in Michigan.
  • Finally, when a vehicle applies downward force to the asphalt by driving over, the surface breaks and collapses into the space the freeze/thaw cycle opened up, and the pothole is formed.

But it Doesn’t Stop There
Unfortunately, once a pothole is formed the process doesn’t end. More and more moisture gets into the hole, causing it to spread in size and depth, steadily degrading the surrounding material. And the process can go surprisingly fast, depending on the amount of damage under the surface and how much wear and tear the pavement is exposed to. In the space of only a week or two, during warm wet weather, potholes can be born and grow like weeds underfoot.

Why is it so Urgent that Potholes Be Repaired?

  1. As mentioned, potholes grow over time, making repairs less effective, more expensive, and more difficult. But once potholes reach a certain size they can pose a serious risk to the health and property of your guests and employees.
  2. Property damage due to potholes is common across the United States, and while Michigan law does provide some courtroom protection for business owners by defining potholes as Open and Obvious, there are no guarantees. A pothole only a few inches deep can, in the wrong situation, cause serious damage vehicle hardware.
  3. Personal injury cases from trip and fall accidents caused by potholes are even more common and often far more costly—particularly when it comes to the elderly or those with disabilities, who are more likely to lose their footing due to uneven, crumbling surfaces. Keeping the pavement flat, smooth, and unbroken is by far the best way to protect those using it.

Asphalt repair and pothole filling services are an extremely important part of property ownership and management. If you’ve begun to notice damage in your West Michigan parking lot or private drive, contact Stripe-a-lot today! We can quickly and affordably evaluate the damage and recommend the right treatment to protect and preserve your property for years to come.

Asphalt that looks great and lasts longer.

Faded and cracked asphalt creates a bad impression. And knowing the best way to fix it can be confusing.

Stripe A Lot knows how to get your asphalt to look great and last longer.

Asphalt that looks great and lasts longer.

Faded and cracked asphalt creates a bad impression. And knowing the best way to fix it can be confusing. Stripe A Lot knows how to get your asphalt to look great and last longer.

Stripe A Lot Asphalt Maintenance Logo

Faded and cracked asphalt creates a bad impression. And knowing the best way to fix it can be confusing. Stripe A Lot knows how to get your asphalt to look great and last longer.

Stripe A Lot Asphalt Maintenance LLC
695 Lincoln Avenue, Holland, MI 49423
(616) 772-2559

Hours:
M–F, 8:30am–4:30pm

© Copyright 2024 Stripe A Lot Asphalt Maintenance LLC. All Rights Reserved. | Guide MKTG