What is the Difference Between “Leveling” and “Repairing” a Pothole?
Leveling a pothole is just that, the pothole is filled with asphalt and leveled to finish flush with the existing surface. In cases where the base has not failed this is usually all that is required. In cases where the base has failed leveling is often used to provide a temporary patch, however the area will continue to fail because the underlying base failure has not been corrected. Repairing a pothole is when the underlying base failure is corrected. Repairs usually consist of excavating the area to stable ground (typically 6 to 8 inches) and filling the area with full depth hot plant mix asphalt. The asphalt is placed in two lifts, compacting the first before placing the second and then finishing flush with the existing surface.
