The Best Way to Fix a Small Pothole
The Best Way to Fix a Small Pothole
Asphalt potholes are annoying, but what’s worse than dealing with them is seeing how long it takes to get them fixed by your local government agency. In today’s world of instant gratification, this delay can be frustrating, but you can take matters into your own hands by repairing the pothole yourself. The best way to fix a small pothole yourself involves just three ingredients: asphalt repair compound, water and bitumen emulsion sealer or liquid asphalt emulsion.
What Is Cold Mix?
Cold mix asphalt is used in repairing smaller potholes and cracks, while hot mix asphalt is used for larger potholes. Hot mix asphalt is heated as it’s applied so that it can penetrate into deeper cracks or holes and permanently seal them. Cold mix comes from its process of application; it’s not heated at all. Instead, cold-mix asphalt is made by mixing aggregate materials with liquid binder, which then forms a paste that can be applied using either tamping or spray techniques. Here are some things you should know about cold-mix asphalt repair
Pros and Cons of Hot vs. Cold Mix
Hot mix asphalt is warm, and it can be messy. It’s better for large projects like road repairs. If you only have a small pothole, cold mix might be a better choice. Some contractors don’t offer hot mix; so if that’s what you want, make sure your contractor knows beforehand. Cold mix will get your small pothole fixed right away but there are some cons: It requires more prep work than hot asphalt and it could take longer to complete depending on whether or not your location has good weather during paving season.
Does it Work?
Is it an effective way to repair potholes? Some people think cold mix asphalt works best, but others say that it only delays pothole repair, meaning you may need more repairs later. With cold mix asphalt, it’s hard for new roads to expand and contract as temperatures change. This can result in cracks in your roads and major issues down the road. However, if you’re just looking for a temporary fix until you can replace your asphalt completely, it might be worth trying out cold mix asphalt. Contact a local road maintenance company for more information about which kind of asphalt would work best for your situation. In general, though, hot-mix asphalt is used for most repairs today because of its durability and strength.
How Long does it Take?
One of the most common questions asked by small business owners is how long it will take them to fix their potholes. It’s a difficult question to answer because it depends on many factors, such as: your product, existing weather conditions, accessibility of your location and experience. Before we start working on your pothole our job is to give you an accurate quote for repairing your potholes so you can make sure that there are no additional costs later on. It doesn’t matter if you have three or thirty potholes what is important is that they are fixed in a professional manner. Remember even one bad repair could be seen as an opportunity for others not just within driving distance but all over the world!
Cost to Fill a Hole
An asphalt hole costs about $4 per square foot for an average-sized hole. One contractor says he charges $5,000 to do an average-sized driveway job; that means filling in 6 holes would cost roughly $30,000. He also said he wouldn't charge more than $20/square foot to fill in one large pothole. If your potholes are less than 5 square feet, they would likely cost you around $10 per pothole; if they're bigger than 10 square feet, expect them to cost closer to $100 or more per pothole depending on how deep and extensive they are.
Road Safety
Even if it’s small, any pothole can pose a serious danger. Studies have shown that most vehicle damage is caused by little road imperfections. So what is your best bet for fixing your potholes? Cold mix asphalt repair seems to be one of the more common options and for good reason. Cold mix asphalt repair is far less expensive than hot patching, which means you can fix multiple spots without putting a big dent in your wallet. This works particularly well if you live in an area where potholes are common; like many people, you may find yourself doing some cold-mix patching on an annual basis just because it’s so cost-effective.
Tips for Successful Repairs
First, it's important to make sure that you're using cold mix asphalt rather than hot mix. Cold mix is much less viscous and therefore easier to work with. It's also more forgiving if you need to reapply repairs in subsequent years. Next, be prepared: have all of your supplies ready before you begin—that way, you can get right down to work without wasting any time or materials. Depending on how big of a hole you're filling and how much repair material is needed, one bag of cold mix asphalt will likely do quite well (if not entirely) for most small potholes. And finally, make sure that your equipment is calibrated before starting—you don't want an inadequate sealant!
