What Causes Potholes, and How Are They Fixed the Right Way?
5 min read
Potholes start with water. Learn why they form, why cold patch fails, and what a lasting repair looks like.
Why potholes form
Water gets in through cracks and softens the base under the asphalt. Traffic pushes down on the weak spot until the surface breaks apart. Austin's clay soils swell when wet and shrink when dry, which speeds this up.
Why quick patches fail
Bagged cold patch is fine for an emergency, but it rarely bonds well and often pops out within months. It also doesn't fix the soft base underneath.
A lasting repair
We saw-cut clean, square edges around the damage, remove the broken asphalt, and fix the base if needed. Then we apply a tack coat, fill with hot-mix asphalt, and compact it flush with the surrounding surface. The edges are sealed to keep water out.
Prevent the next one
Fill cracks early, sealcoat on schedule, and make sure water drains off the lot instead of pooling.
Quick questions
Can I drive on a patch right away?
Hot-mix patches can usually carry traffic once they cool, often within an hour or two.