A Guide to Potholes

A pothole is a cavity in a road surface that can cause a variety of car-related issues such as flat tires, cracked rims, and steering damage when you drive over it. While potholes can be fixed with asphalt paving, it’s best to avoid them altogether. Keep these hazards away from your driveway or parking lot by learning how they form and the most effective ways to prevent them.

How Do Potholes Form? 
After water from rain or snow seeps beneath a crack in the pavement, it freezes and expands, which causes the size of the crack to expand as well. When the water eventually thaws, the pavement contracts and creates a gap beneath the pavement’s surface. Then, as traffic passes over the gap, the pavement weakens and breaks down, forming a pothole. Because of the process that creates them, these hazards are most common in seasons that feature heavy rainfall or snowstorms. 

How to Prevent Potholes 
You can prevent potholes by filling and sealing any cracks in your asphalt pavement as quickly as possible to keep water from seeping beneath the surface. It also prevents rocks, sand, and other materials from entering the crack and causing it to grow.

In addition, it’s important to only install high-quality asphalt, as it’s much more crack-resistant than other kinds. You should also keep oil and gasoline from spilling on the surface, as these substances can weaken the material and make it more susceptible to potholes. 


If you need reliable asphalt paving or snow removal, contact Guarco Construction in Granby, CT. We are family-owned and -operated, and have served Hartford County and the surrounding areas since 1974. We specialize in commercial and residential paving and snow removal. We are renowned for their friendly, dependable service, attention to detail, and competitive rates. Learn more about us online or call (860) 278-5558 to schedule your snow removal or asphalt paving.