A common driving nuisance, potholes are the result of wear and weather gradually destabilizing and cracking the pavement. While you might accept them during the winter, they not only make the pavement more likely to break down, but they also increase the risk of damage to cars. If you have an asphalt driveway, follow the guide below to learn about the factors that lead to pothole formation and how you can limit them.

What Causes Potholes to Form?

Day after day, asphalt is exposed to the harsh elements, like UV radiation and temperatures below freezing. Over time, the top coat of the pavement will begin to wear away, allowing water to infiltrate the pavement below.

During the winter, this water will freeze and expand, pushing the pavement apart and widening cracks. Additionally, wear and weather can degrade the petroleum mixture that binds the aggregate together. As it does, it’s more likely that chunks of aggregate will come loose and create small pits in your driveway.

How Can You Prevent Them in Your Driveway?

If you notice potholes forming, you should contact a paving expert right away. They will clean the pothole of dirt, broken pavement, and other debris, then heat the area to soften the existing pavement. This allows the patch to mold with the old pavement effectively. Then, they’ll add new pavement and compact it before letting it cool.

Once you’ve invested in pothole repairs, you can be proactive in preventing future potholes. The easiest prevention step is seal coating every few years. This top coat keeps oil spills and water from penetrating into the lower layers of pavement. It also takes the brunt of UV radiation to keep it from degrading paving materials. Whenever you notice the initial stages of a pothole, address it right away. Waiting will only let it get worse.

If you need a new driveway, work with the team at Decca Paving Inc. in Rochester, NY. For over 18 years, they’ve been the source for professional paving projects in both residential and commercial settings. To learn more about their services, visit their website. To discuss your driveway needs, call (585) 279-0948.