Most potholes originate from delaminations of the top asphalt course from the underlying base course. As water migrates into the void, often the sub-base materials become saturated. Add a freeze/thaw cycle and the hydraulic pumping action of vehicle traffic and we have created the classic pothole, oftentimes with the surrounding area becoming alligator-cracked.

We all know that the perfect patch would include saw or pneumatic blade-cutting to the limits of the deteriorated area, removal of all the loose materials to a pre-determined depth and patching with a hot binder and top course. Often weather and time dictate a much less professional course with little or no preparation.

The cold weather hot mix choice has several shortcomings. Availability of hot mix is limited in the off-season. As much as 50 percent of purchased materials are wasted due to temperature loss and the resulting unworkability of the material. More important is the hot mix's characteristic to develop and early stiff structural mass. This is desirable at first glance, but consider the hydraulic pumping action which has the area deflecting with each vehicle axle load. This puts the new patch under high stress as the harmonic's action tends to separate the new and perimeter materials. Now we have a poor seal or bond of these two varying structural value materials. Thus, the potential of a new and larger pothole with stress cracking of the new hot patch.

The new family of cold-patching materials has met with varying reviews. For the most part, because they stay flexible longer, they tend to live better under the hydraulic flexing equation. Unfortunately, due to poor or non-existing compaction, reliance on traffic to set the patch material, or water and debris in the hole; failures are common, especially on high-speed roadways. Also, most cold patches are not infra-red friendly or desirable for over lay of new asphalt.

Now, let's entertain the preventive maintenance step by addressing the previously mentioned delamination factor. Usually these are one-half to two-and-one-half inch deep areas that do not lend themselves to cold weather repair with either conventional hot or cold patch materials.

The Pothole Medic's tack and build-up with hot asphalt emulsion coated one quarter inch crushed and washed aggregate solves the problem. It also repairs those wide cracks that often develop on the seams of asphalt or concrete pavements.

Thank you for taking the time and interest to read this article. Please feel free to contact me with your questions regarding the most advanced pothole patching service. We'll give you a free demonstration and, remember, we guarantee the patch.

Thank you for visiting our Web site. We looking forward to hearing from you.

Loyed S. Woodland
Founder