What are the Common Causes of Potholes and Cracking?
Inevitably, all road surfaces will eventually crack or form potholes, with traffic and water the main culprits. A new road is built in layers, with the top layer used to resist water. A camber is built into the surface, which is a natural curve leading into the pavement, to encourage water to drain away. Cracks and potholes form as a result of the expansion and contraction of water that has seeped into the road surface, caused by temperature changes. The continuous pressure of traffic can add to the deterioration of small cracks. Some other common causes of potholes and cracks include:- Asphalt expands with the heat of the sun and then contracts when the temperature drops at night. This continuous cycle can cause cracks to appear and make smaller cracks into potholes.
- Small cracks in the surface from poor construction can allow water to seep into the underlying layers of the road, which during winter can freeze, expanding and widening the cracks. When this ice melts during the day, it can flow to other parts of the road surface and form new cracks.
- A continuous flow of traffic can cause stress on the road surface, widening it and allowing more water to seep through to lower layers.
- If there are weak spots in the road surface, a vehicle driving directly over it can cause the crack to widen and remove some of the road surface resulting in a pothole.
The Longevity of Commercial Road Surfaces and What Can Impact it
Several factors will affect how long a road surface lasts before cracks and potholes start to appear. Firstly, the age of the road and the initial construction and design. The higher the standard of construction, the less chance water has of seeping in between the asphalt. Additionally, patching and replacing damaged sections can prevent further expansion of cracks. Type, volume, and mix of traffic also play a part. Vehicles with numerous axles, high tyre pressure, and high gross vehicle weight do a lot of damage. The heavier the volume of traffic, the more likely the formation of cracks and potholes.How Can Potholes and Cracking in Commercial Road Surfaces Be Prevented?
When it comes to road surfaces, prevention is better than cure, and being proactive in preserving the surface integrity is important to prevent cracks. Rather than treat the road surface once the damage appears, emphasis should be placed on pre-emptive strategies which prevent cracks and potholes from forming for as long as possible. Surveying the road surfacing often to identify risk factors for early intervention helps, along with ensuring proper drainage is in place with a well-designed camber and drainage structures.Repairing Cracks and Potholes
If a crack does appear, it’s important to treat it as quickly as possible. Below are common methods for treating cracks and potholes:- Cleaning: Before repairing, ensure there’s no loose material in or around the crack or no weeds are growing inside. Clean using compressed air, wire brushes, or another suitable tool.
- Sealing: Fill the crack with a flexible sealant material, including hot rubberised asphalt, asphalt emulsion, or polymer-modified asphalt, which will prevent water infiltration and further deterioration. Typically used for small cracks.
- Filling: This involves filling the crack with a more rigid material such as asphalt emulsion, asphalt cement, or specialised crack fillers and is used for larger cracks and potholes.
- Routing and Sealing: Routing involves cutting a groove along the crack to create a wider, cleaner surface so the sealant can adhere better. The crack is then filled or sealed using appropriate materials and is usually used on larger cracks or potholes.
- Patch Repairs: Carried out on potholes or an area of sizable deterioration and involves removing the damaged section and replacing it with new asphalt or other material.
- Overlay or Resurfacing: If the road surface is severely cracked and potholed, then a full resurface may be needed, which involves a new layer of asphalt or concrete over the existing surface to restore its structural integrity.
Premier Surfacing: Specialists in Commercial Paving Across Cheshire, Staffordshire, and Shropshire
At Premier Surfacing, we maintain the integrity and functionality of commercial road infrastructure, ensuring the smooth flow of traffic and promoting overall safety. Our road maintenance services include:- Routine maintenance: Including inspections, pothole repairs, and surface resealing.
- Emergency repairs: We ensure a swift response to urgent problems such as sudden pothole appearance or surface damage, minimising disruptions and maintaining the safety of the road.
- Line marking and signage maintenance: We install high-quality markings and provide ongoing maintenance to ensure they remain visible and compliant with regulations.
