While there are plenty of reasons to look forward to the end of winter and the beginning of spring in the Bay Area, the condition of the roads is not one.
Pothole season in Santa Cruz, Santa Clara, and Monterey Counties can be a nightmare for homeowners, commercial property owners, and drivers.
Fortunately, it is possible to repair potholes on your property and reduce the chances of them redeveloping.
In this blog, we’re sharing everything you need to know about pothole season.
Key Takeaways
- Potholes form as a result of water damage and freeze-thaw cycles.
- A professional paving company like Betz Works can patch the pothole and address the underlying cause of the damage.
- You can prevent potholes by ensuring your driveway or parking lot is properly sealed and graded.
When Is Pothole Season – and Why Does It Happen?
Pothole season spans from late winter to early spring as temperatures start to rise.
In the Bay Area and Central Coast, potholes tend to be at their worst from March to April.
Potholes are especially likely to form after periods of heavy rain, so the wet winters and coastal conditions in the area make the problem worse.
Potholes form when water enters small cracks in the asphalt and collects under the surface.
Then, fluctuating temperatures cause freeze-thaw cycles. As the water freezes and expands, the pavement moves upwards and the crack widens.
Repeated freezing and thawing weaken the asphalt over time. Then, vehicle traffic eventually breaks down the asphalt, causing it to collapse into a pothole.
What to Do if You Spot a Pothole on Your Property
Potholes can get worse over time, so it’s important to address the issue as soon as you notice it.
Here are five steps to handling a pothole in your driveway or commercial parking lot:
1. Inspect the Surface
Regularly inspecting the driveway or parking area will help you identify problems before they become serious hazards.
Look for cracks that form patterns, visible holes, or sagging areas in the surface. All of these issues have the potential to turn into potholes.
You should also check for signs of poor drainage after a rainstorm. Pooling water can lead to driveway erosion, which will eventually cause potholes or sinkholes.
2. Mark the Area
Large potholes can be dangerous for vehicles and pedestrians.
If the pothole is hazardous, mark it with a cone or temporary signage until you fix it.
3. Call Betz Works for a Free Site Inspection
Potholes are often a sign of a larger problem, like erosion or improper grading.
You may be able to patch the pothole yourself, but it can become a recurring issue if you don’t fix the underlying cause.
Our team at Betz Works will inspect your driveway or parking lot to assess the damage and create a repair plan.
We’ll also provide a free estimate so you know the scope of the project.
4. Let the Pros Handle the Repair
You can fill small potholes yourself with cold-pour crackfill mix. However, we recommend outsourcing larger repair projects to a paving company like Betz Works.
A professional pothole repair job starts with marking the damaged area and cutting away the weakened asphalt. Then, we’ll clean the area to remove debris from the hole.
Our team will pour hot mix asphalt into the hole and compact it to ensure that water doesn’t re-enter the surface.
We’ll also seal the surface to help it withstand water and vehicle traffic.
5. Plan for Long-Term Prevention
At Betz Works, we don’t want to offer a temporary solution to a larger problem.
If your driveway or parking lot is aging, uneven, or poorly graded, potholes could become a recurring issue.
In addition to patching the existing potholes, we’ll provide a long-term preventative maintenance plan to keep the driveway or parking lot in good condition.
This could include resealing, regrading, erosion control, or even a complete repaving project.
How to Prevent Potholes
1. Driveway Sealing
Sealcoating provides an extra layer of protection from rain, vehicle traffic, and the sun’s UV rays.
Sealing your driveway or parking lot every two to three years will prevent premature aging, cracks, and potholes.
2. Proper Drainage
Potholes form when water pools under the surface of the asphalt, so proper drainage is an essential prevention measure.
Your driveway or parking lot should be graded correctly so that water runs off the surface instead of pooling.
Installing a drainage system can also help to prevent water damage.
3. Erosion Control
Poor drainage and erosion issues go hand-in-hand.
If water is pooling on or around the asphalt surface, the underlying soil may start to wear away. Erosion around your driveway or parking lot can lead to severe potholes and sinkholes.
Erosion control measures may include regrading of the asphalt surface, installing physical barriers to manage runoff, or planting new vegetation to stabilize the soil.
4. Routine Inspections and Repairs
The earlier you notice a problem with your driveway or parking lot, the easier it will be to fix.
Schedule a yearly inspection with a paving contractor like Betz Works to ensure the asphalt is in the best possible condition.
Potholes Wreaking Havoc on Your Property? Contact Betz Works Today!
Potholes are a nuisance for homeowners and commercial property owners alike.
No matter the size of the repair job, Betz Works is here to help.
Our team is proud to provide the highest quality paving and repair services in Santa Cruz, Santa Clara, and Monterey Counties.
If you’re seeing the effects of pothole season on your property, reach out to us today for a free estimate: 831-400-8466
FAQ
Are potholes dangerous?
Potholes can damage a vehicle’s tires, wheels, and suspension, especially when hit at a high speed.
Potholes in a driveway or parking lot can also create a tripping hazard for pedestrians.
Is it safe to drive during the pothole season?
Driving during pothole season in the Bay Area and Central Coast can feel dangerous, but exercising extra caution behind the wheel will help you stay safe.
Slow down when approaching a pothole, but try not to brake directly over a pothole as this can increase the risk of damage to your car.
Potholes can look like puddles, especially at night, so be very watchful when night driving.
You should also keep your tires properly inflated at all times. When an under-inflated tire hits a pothole, it creates more force on the vehicle.
What if the pothole keeps coming back?
Reoccurring potholes are usually a sign of a larger issue, like poor drainage or erosion. Contact Betz Works for a free site inspection and repair estimate.
How much does it cost to repair a pothole?
Pothole repair costs vary depending on the size of the job and the extent of the damage. The average cost to patch one pothole is $100 to $500.