The appearances of potholes are very common during the winter months. Once they appear, they usually get worst quickly, so getting them repaired is essential to avoid the danger they can cause on the road. In this article, we cover the steps you need to take to get them fixed.
How Do Potholes Form?
They are caused by water infiltrating the cracks within a surface and later freezing over – this causes the surface to expand. As heavy cars or lorries pass over these surfaces, it causes the material to weaken, causing the pothole to become larger and more troublesome over time.
Steps To Getting a Pothole Repaired
The process of repairing a pothole depends on the type of surface it’s located on. Below are the steps to follow for each situation.
Public Roads, Paths, and Carriages
Potholes on public roads/paths should be reported to the local council. If on a carriage, this will most likely be in the hands of the national highways. The easiest way to find the right contact is by using the Report a Pothole tool on the government’s website.
If the pothole caused damage to your vehicle, you may be able to make a claim. You can learn more about this again on the government’s website.
Private Roads, Paths, and Driveways
The easiest and most effective way to get them sorted is by getting in touch with road surfacing contractors offering pothole repairs. Hiring professionals is recommended for the best and most durable results.
Alternatively, you could attempt a DIY repair. There are many different complete repair kits available online, as well as pre-mixed pothole repair fillers. While these can be effective, improper application may lead to the pothole reappearing or worsening over time.
Common Materials Used for Filling Potholes
Tarmac
Tarmac has been listed as one of the quickest and most cost-effective ways to fix a pothole. It is most commonly used on roads and pavements and when carrying out car park resurfacing, preventing contractors from having to completely dig up and relay a new surface.
Asphalt
Asphalt is great for repairing potholes as it can be used all year round. This material is an excellent choice due to its thickness, which allows it to withstand the impact of heavy vehicles and constant traffic.
Here To Help with Pothole Repairs
Potholes must be repaired and maintained properly to prevent the problem becoming even worse, that’s why we recommend leaving it to professionals.
At A&MT Contractors, we have completed thousands of pothole repairs for noteworthy clients, including Peterborough Cathedral and local councils. We offer an emergency pothole repair service in which we aim to repair potholes within 48 hours of your call. To learn more, contact our friendly expert team.
