30 POTHOLES Potholes are pot-shaped holes in the asphalt pavement that form for various reasons. They will expand if not addressed. Potholes are usually caused by: • Water that seeps into the soil below the road surface and freezes when temperatures drop, causing the ground to expand and push the pavement up. When the temperatures rise, the ground returns to normal, but the pavement remains raised and creates a gap. • The weight of vehicles driving over the gap causes the pavement to crack and fall into the hollow space. The more traffic a roadway sees, the more impact the pavement is subject to. Potholes can be prevented by: • Sealing cracks as soon as you notice them to prevent water from seeping into the asphalt and causing potholes. For small cracks, you can use a liquid cold-pour crack filler or find an asphalt contractor to fix them with a hot‑pour rubberized crack filler. • Resealing your asphalt every three to five years to protect it from sun and heat damage, reducing the development of pot holes. • Overlays, which are a more intensive treatment that involves constructing a layer of compacted asphalt to seal the surface. • Reconstruction, which involves digging up and rebuilding the damaged roadbed.
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