How are potholes and utility trenches repaired?
During cold weather, repairs are made using “modified” cold patch asphalt. One of the characteristics of the modified cold patch is its ability to wick any water out of a pothole. This wicking characteristic can speed up the repair process and make it more permanent. During the summer, hot asphalt and compaction rollers are used to seal up shallow potholes and cracks in road pavement. This type of preventative maintenance helps to stop potholes from forming in the spring. Permanent hot mix asphalt work can only be properly done when the ambient temperature is 60 degrees or warmer. If the existing pavement is cold and the air temperature is too low, or if the pavement is wet and dirty, the hot mix will not adhere to the existing pavement.