Is your parking lot or driveway filled with potholes?
Not only do asphalt potholes decrease the curb appeal of your property, but they are also hazardous for vehicles and pedestrians.
In this blog post, we will teach you how to repair asphalt potholes so you don’t have to look at them anymore.
For more information on what asphalt paving products you should use, we recommend consulting with an asphalt supply company near you.
You will need:
- Shovel
- Cold mix asphalt filler
- Clay, crushed limestone, or crushed concrete (for potholes more than 3 to 4 inches deep)
- Asphalt tamper
- Piece of plywood large enough to cover pothole
Let’s get started.
Step-by-Step Guide to Repairing Asphalt Potholes
- Estimate How Much Asphalt Filler You Need
Before making a special trip to the asphalt paving supply company, you’ll need to know how much filler material you’ll need to repair the pothole. As a general frame of reference, you’ll need about 50 pounds of cold mix asphalt filler for potholes less than two feet on each side.
- Dig Out Debris
Next, use your shovel to remove any debris from the pothole, such as rocks and dirt. You may also use a trowel or other digging tool for this step. Keep digging until you reach the subsoil.
- Fill in Pothole
For potholes more than 3 to 4 inches deep, you’ll want to see an asphalt maintenance supplier for clay, crushed limestone, or crushed concrete. These asphalt pavement repair products are able to be compacted down to serve as a foundation for when you install new asphalt paving.You’ll want to fill in a pothole with enough asphalt so that it sits about half an inch above surrounding pavement. This is so you’ll be able to tamp down the asphalt and have it even with the rest of your asphalt driveway or parking lot.
- Tamp Down New Asphalt
Use a tamper to press down and compact the asphalt patch so it’s even with surrounding pavement. Make sure you pack down new asphalt as tightly as possible, otherwise the patch will fail.
- Leave It Alone
If possible, you may want to place a piece of plywood over the asphalt so it has the chance to harden. If you’ve packed down the asphalt tightly enough, you should be able to drive over it immediately without causing damage. However, don’t make any turns on your asphalt patch until three to four weeks have passed.
For any kind of asphalt repair, it’s best to go to an asphalt supply company that has experience helping homeowners and asphalt contractors get the right tools for the job.
Any reputable asphalt product supplier should also be able to answer any questions you might have before starting a project.
If you are interested in our asphalt pothole repair products, please feel free to call us at (616) 608-6169.
B&E Seal Coat Products, Inc. is a Grand Rapids asphalt supply company dedicated to helping customers restore the appearance and function of asphalt pavement.
