Street Pothole PatchingThe repair of potholes is
largely dependent on the weather.
The long-term solution to potholes is to pave or
reconstruct the street. Potholes will not usually
form on pavement that is in good condition, that keeps
water out from under the pavement, and that is designed
for the type of traffic that uses it.
Permanent hot asphalt patching of potholes on streets typically takes place during the summer months on a priority basis as determined by, site inspections, and service requests from residents and Council. Also provides for winter pothole patching on an ‘as required' basis.
Asphalt Pothole Patching
Cold Asphalt Patching
Cold patch, also known as cold mix or
cold asphalt, is a way to make road repairs quickly
because it can be applied right from the container
without heating. It can be used with little or no
preparation work. It is simple to work with. Cold
patch can be applied under all weather conditions.
Cold asphalt also does not require any special skills,
heavy rolling machines, or special applicators as it can
be shoveled or poured into a pothole and tamped down
with a hand tool. Cold asphalt patching
material also freezes and becomes hard during the winter
months. Repair crews must often use a tiger torch
(portable torch) to heat the cold patch material in
order to make it pliable when the temperature goes below
freezing.
Pothole FAQ's
What causes potholes?
Potholes are formed when asphalt ages, it becomes more
porous, allowing rainwater and melting snow to penetrate
the surface. In cold weather, the water that has
drained through to the foundation freezes to form
pockets of ice; the ice expands and warps the pavement.
When the temperature rises above freezing, the pockets
of ice melt and leave voids beneath the road surface.
The unsupported pavement collapses under the weight of
the traffic resulting in potholes. The pothole
expands as traffic continually hits the hole.
Why do the potholes re-appear?
The material used to repair potholes does not stick as well
to the surrounding pavement when it is cold or wet outside.
Repairs
made during the winter may/will not last as long as repairs made to dry,
warm pavement. We cannot wait until warmer weather to
repair the potholes as the potholes must be repaired for safety reasons.
How is a pothole scheduled for repair?
First, it is important for people to report potholes.
If we are not aware of them, we cannot repair them.
It is also very important to properly log your pothole
reports to ensure they are scheduled in order to be
repaired. You can report a pothole by creating a
service request or by calling the Public Works Office at
(636) 586-2499 or City Hall (636) 586-3326.
