Pothole 101: What Causes Them & How to Prevent Costly Repairs

Potholes are more than just an annoying bump in the road—they pose serious risks to vehicles, pedestrians, and business owners alike. Whether it’s a customer tripping in a parking lot or a car suffering costly alignment damage, potholes can lead to liability issues, expensive repairs, and lost revenue. Understanding what causes potholes, how they form, and how to prevent them is essential for property owners, business managers, and municipalities looking to protect their investment in asphalt surfaces. In this guide, we’ll break down the science of pothole formation, the dangers of neglect, and the best prevention and repair methods to keep your pavement in top shape.

Chattahoochee Valley Sealcoating

5 min read

What Causes Potholes? The Science Behind Asphalt Deterioration

Potholes don’t just appear overnight—they develop over time due to a combination of weather, traffic, and neglected maintenance. Here’s how:

1️⃣ Water Penetration & Freezing (Freeze-Thaw Cycle)

💧 Water is the #1 enemy of asphalt. When water seeps into small cracks in your pavement, it expands when temperatures drop. This expansion forces the asphalt apart, creating larger cracks and weak spots. When the ice melts, the pavement contracts, leaving gaps that eventually collapse under pressure.

🔹 Preventative Tip: Crack sealing and sealcoating prevent water from penetrating the asphalt surface, reducing the freeze-thaw damage that leads to potholes.

2️⃣ Heavy Traffic & Constant Pressure

🚗 Repeated stress from vehicles—especially heavy trucks—weakens asphalt over time. As pavement becomes brittle due to aging or weather exposure, vehicle weight breaks apart the weakened asphalt, forming depressions that evolve into potholes.

🔹 Preventative Tip: Regular asphalt maintenance and resurfacing can reinforce high-traffic areas before potholes appear.

3️⃣ Poor Drainage & Standing Water

🌊 If your parking lot or roadway has poor drainage, standing water collects in low spots, accelerating asphalt deterioration. Without proper grading or stormwater management, water pools and finds its way into pavement cracks, speeding up the breakdown of asphalt materials.

🔹 Preventative Tip: Ensure your lot has proper drainage and slope to prevent water buildup.

4️⃣ UV Exposure & Oxidation

☀️ Sunlight causes asphalt to dry out and become brittle. Over time, UV rays break down the binding agents in asphalt, causing it to lose flexibility. Brittle pavement cracks more easily under stress, leading to faster pothole formation.

🔹 Preventative Tip: Sealcoating every 2-3 years creates a protective barrier that shields asphalt from UV damage and prevents premature cracking.

5️⃣ Delayed Repairs & Lack of Maintenance

⏳ Small cracks and minor surface damage can quickly evolve into larger structural issues if not addressed promptly. When repairs are delayed, water, traffic, and weather continue to erode the asphalt, leading to severe potholes.

🔹 Preventative Tip: Regular crack sealing, sealcoating, and patching extend the lifespan of asphalt and prevent small issues from becoming expensive problems.

The Hidden Costs of Ignoring Potholes

Neglecting pothole repairs doesn’t just make your pavement look bad—it costs you money in ways you might not expect.

🚗 Vehicle Damage & Customer Complaints – Potholes can cause flat tires, damaged suspensions, and wheel misalignments, leading to frustrated customers and potential legal claims.

⚠️ Trip & Fall Hazards – Uneven pavement and deep potholes create a major liability risk for pedestrians. Businesses and property managers could face expensive lawsuits if someone is injured.

💰 More Expensive Repairs Later – A small crack costs pennies per square foot to seal, but a pothole repair can cost thousands of dollars if left unaddressed.

🏢 Lost Business & Bad First Impressions – Customers associate poorly maintained parking lots with a lack of professionalism. Well-kept pavement improves curb appeal and retains customer trust.

How to Prevent Potholes: The Ultimate Prevention Plan

Proactive maintenance is the best way to prevent potholes and extend the life of your asphalt pavement.

✅ Crack Sealing (Every 1-2 Years)

🔹 Why? Seals small cracks before water infiltrates and causes major damage.
🔹 Process: A flexible rubberized sealant is applied to cracks to prevent moisture penetration.
🔹 Best For: Preventing early-stage pothole formation.

✅ Sealcoating (Every 2-3 Years)

🔹 Why? Creates a protective layer that blocks UV rays, water, and chemical spills.
🔹 Process: A high-quality asphalt emulsion is applied for a fresh, jet-black finish that extends pavement life.
🔹 Best For: Preserving asphalt flexibility and slowing deterioration.

✅ Proper Drainage Solutions

🔹 Why? Eliminates standing water that accelerates asphalt breakdown.
🔹 Process: Regrading, installing drainage systems, or adding sloped curbing.
🔹 Best For: Parking lots prone to water pooling.

✅ Regular Asphalt Inspections & Maintenance

🔹 Why? Identifies early-stage damage before costly repairs are needed.
🔹 Process: Yearly assessments for cracks, surface wear, and drainage issues.
🔹 Best For: Businesses, municipalities, and property managers.

✅ Timely Pothole Patching

🔹 Why? Fixes existing potholes before they expand and worsen.
🔹 Process: Hot-mix asphalt or infrared repair methods ensure a seamless, long-lasting patch.
🔹 Best For: Addressing damage before it becomes a major liability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Potholes & Asphalt Maintenance

General Pothole Questions

Q: What exactly is a pothole, and how does it form?
A: A pothole is a depression or hole in the pavement caused by water infiltration, repeated traffic pressure, and weather changes. Water seeps into small cracks in the asphalt, freezes and expands, then thaws and contracts—weakening the pavement. Over time, traffic breaks down the weakened surface, creating a pothole.

Q: How long does it take for a pothole to form?
A: Potholes can develop in just a few months, depending on traffic volume, weather conditions, and the pavement’s current condition. Once cracks form, water intrusion and heavy loads can accelerate pothole development.

Q: Are potholes dangerous?
A: Yes! Potholes pose serious risks to vehicles and pedestrians. They can cause tire damage, wheel misalignment, and suspension issues for cars, while pedestrians risk tripping and falling. Property owners may also face liability issues if someone is injured due to an unmaintained lot.

Preventing Potholes

Q: What’s the best way to prevent potholes?
A: Regular asphalt maintenance is key! The best prevention methods include:
✔️ Crack sealing to stop water infiltration
✔️ Sealcoating to protect against UV rays and weather damage
✔️ Proper drainage solutions to eliminate standing water
✔️ Regular inspections to catch and repair minor cracks before they worsen

Q: How often should I have my parking lot or driveway inspected for potholes?
A: It’s best to inspect your asphalt surface at least once a year and after extreme weather events. If you notice cracks forming, addressing them immediately with crack sealing will help prevent potholes.

Q: Does sealcoating really prevent potholes?
A: Yes! Sealcoating acts as a protective layer, blocking moisture, UV rays, and chemicals from weakening the asphalt. While it won’t fix existing cracks, regular sealcoating can significantly extend the life of your pavement and reduce the risk of potholes forming.

Fixing Potholes

Q: What’s the best method for repairing potholes?
A: The most effective and long-lasting pothole repair methods include:
✔️ Infrared Asphalt Repair – Heats and fuses existing pavement for a seamless fix
✔️ Hot-Mix Asphalt Patching – A permanent solution using fresh asphalt for durability
✔️ Cold Patch (Temporary Fix) – A short-term repair used in emergencies

Q: Can I fix a pothole myself?
A: Temporary cold patch solutions are available at hardware stores, but they won’t last long. For a durable, professional repair, hot-mix asphalt or infrared patching is recommended to properly bond with the existing pavement.

Q: How long does it take to repair a pothole?
A: Professional pothole repairs can take as little as 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the size and method used. However, the pavement may need a few hours to fully cure before traffic resumes.

Q: Is it better to repair or replace asphalt with too many potholes?
A: If your asphalt has multiple potholes and severe cracking, it may be more cost-effective to resurface or replace the pavement rather than patch individual potholes. An expert asphalt contractor can assess whether repairs or resurfacing is the best option.

Costs & Liability

Q: How much does pothole repair cost?
A: Costs vary based on size and repair method:

Small pothole patching: $100–$500 per repair
Infrared asphalt repair: $200–$1,000 per area
Full resurfacing: $3–$7 per square foot

Fixing cracks early is much cheaper than repairing a full pothole or repaving an entire lot!

Q: Can property owners be held liable for potholes?
A: Yes! If a customer, tenant, or visitor is injured due to a pothole in your parking lot or driveway, you could face a lawsuit or liability claims. Regular maintenance helps reduce risk and keeps your property compliant with safety regulations.

Q: Can potholes damage my car?
A: Absolutely. Common vehicle damage from potholes includes:
🚗 Flat tires & bent rims
🚗 Suspension & alignment issues
🚗 Underbody damage
Repeated exposure to potholes can lead to costly auto repairs over time.

Weather & Seasonal Effects on Potholes

Q: Why do potholes get worse in the winter?
A: The freeze-thaw cycle is the primary cause of pothole formation. Water enters cracks, freezes and expands, then melts and contracts—weakening the asphalt each time. Winter weather accelerates pothole damage, making maintenance essential before colder months arrive.

Q: Does hot weather cause potholes?
A: Indirectly, yes. UV exposure dries out asphalt, making it brittle and more susceptible to cracking. High temperatures can also cause the asphalt binder to soften, leading to deformation and eventual breakdown under heavy traffic.

Q: Is it better to repair potholes in summer or winter?
A: Spring and summer are ideal for permanent pothole repairs, as warm temperatures help asphalt bond properly. However, temporary cold patch repairs can be done in winter to prevent worsening damage.

Choosing a Pothole Repair Company

Q: What should I look for in a professional pothole repair company?
A: Choose a contractor with:
✔️ Experience & proven track record
✔️ High-quality asphalt & repair materials
✔️ Infrared or hot-mix repair options
✔️ Licensed & insured team
✔️ Positive customer reviews

At Chattahoochee Valley Sealcoating, we specialize in long-lasting pothole repair solutions to keep your pavement safe and professional.