Essential Pothole Repair Techniques in 2024: DIY or Call a Pro?
Potholes. They’re the annoying craters that turn your smooth drive into a bumpy adventure. With 2024 weather patterns throwing us wild extremes—from icy cold snaps to sweltering heat—potholes are more common than ever, especially around Zion, IL. Whether you’re a homeowner with a driveway full of craters or a business owner worried about a parking lot that looks like the moon, fixing potholes isn’t something you want to put off.
But when it comes to fixing potholes, should you do it yourself, or is it better to call in the pros like us at Armored Asphalt? Let’s dive into some essential pothole repair techniques and figure out what’s best for you in 2024.
Why Potholes Are Everywhere in 2024
Before we jump into how to fix potholes, let’s quickly cover why they’re such a big problem this year. The last couple of winters have been brutal on roads in and around Zion, IL. Ice, salt, and more ice have done a number on the asphalt. Add in a few unusually hot spells, and you’ve got the perfect setup for potholes.
Potholes form when water seeps into cracks in the asphalt, freezes, and expands. When the ice melts, it leaves behind a void, and the traffic that goes over it eventually causes the asphalt to break down. That’s how you end up with a pothole—or several of them. And that’s why asphalt pothole repair has become so important in 2024.
Assessing the Damage: Can You Fix It Yourself?
So, you’ve got potholes. The first question is: how bad are they? A small pothole in a low-traffic area might seem like something you could tackle yourself. But larger potholes or those in high-traffic spots need more attention.
Here are some things to consider before deciding if you should handle the repair:
- Size of the Pothole: Small potholes (less than 12 inches wide) can be DIY-friendly. Bigger ones need professional tools.
- Location: Potholes in high-traffic areas can be dangerous to repair without the right experience.
- Tools & Materials: You’ll need specific materials like cold mix asphalt, a tamper, and safety gear.
- Longevity: DIY repairs might not last long. Pro repairs tend to use better materials and equipment, leading to longer-lasting fixes.
If any of these factors seem daunting, it might be time to call a professional. Armored Asphalt’s got the skills, tools, and experience to make sure the job gets done right.
DIY Pothole Repair: What You Need to Know
If you’re determined to try fixing potholes yourself, here’s a quick rundown of what you need to do:
Materials You’ll Need
- Cold patch asphalt mix
- Shovel
- Tamper or vibrating plate
- Broom
- Safety gear (gloves, goggles, etc.)
Steps to Fix Potholes
- Clean the Area: Use a broom to remove any loose debris from the pothole. The cleaner the area, the better the patch will hold.
- Pour the Cold Mix: Fill the pothole with the cold patch asphalt mix, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
- Compact the Mix: Use a tamper to compact the asphalt. This part is crucial to ensure a smooth surface that blends well with the surrounding area.
- Level It Out: Make sure the asphalt patch is slightly above the surrounding surface—it will compress with time.
While these steps seem straightforward, DIY pothole repair is often a temporary fix. If you want the potholes gone for good, it’s usually better to call a pro.
Professional Pothole Repair: What Armored Asphalt Can Do
When it comes to professional asphalt pothole repair, we’ve got a few more tricks up our sleeves. At Armored Asphalt, we use advanced equipment and high-quality materials to ensure that your asphalt surfaces are repaired correctly and last longer.
The Process
- Cleaning and Prepping: We use industrial-grade blowers and sweepers to clean out every last bit of debris.
- Hot Mix Asphalt: Unlike the cold mix you’d use for DIY, we use hot mix asphalt, which provides a more durable and long-lasting solution.
- Compaction: Our heavy-duty rollers ensure that the patched pothole is compacted perfectly, reducing the chance of future issues.
Benefits of Hiring Pros
- Safety: Fixing potholes isn’t just about shoveling some asphalt into a hole. It requires precision and safety protocols, especially in high-traffic areas.
- Durability: Our repairs are designed to withstand Zion, IL’s unpredictable weather.
- Cost Efficiency: While DIY might seem cheaper upfront, frequent repairs add up. Professional repairs can save you money in the long run.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Fix Potholes
Delaying asphalt pothole repair isn’t just an inconvenience; it can become a real hazard. In 2024, many property owners in Zion, IL, are realizing that ignoring potholes means risking damage to vehicles, accidents, and even liability issues. A small pothole can turn into a big problem fast—especially with the weather swings we’re seeing this year.
Here’s why fixing potholes right away makes sense:
- Prevent Accidents: Potholes can cause drivers to lose control or damage their vehicles.
- Avoid Higher Costs: The longer you wait, the worse the damage. Larger potholes cost more to repair.
- Curb Appeal: Whether it’s a driveway or a business parking lot, smooth asphalt looks better and gives a great first impression.
Common Mistakes in Pothole Repair
If you’re still thinking about tackling that pothole repair yourself, watch out for these common mistakes:
- Not Cleaning Properly: Any loose debris left behind can prevent the patch from sticking.
- Improper Compaction: Without the right equipment, you can’t compact the patch correctly, leading to more potholes down the road.
- Using the Wrong Materials: Cold mix is great for a quick fix, but it’s not a long-term solution.
Is It Worth DIYing Pothole Repair?
In a nutshell: maybe. For small potholes in low-traffic areas, DIY might be just fine as a temporary measure. But if you want a lasting solution—or if the pothole is in a tricky spot—calling in the experts is the way to go.
Here at Armored Asphalt, we’ve seen it all—from tiny potholes that grew into craters to DIY jobs that just didn’t hold up. The bottom line is that professional repair provides peace of mind. You know it’s done right, and you don’t have to worry about it again when another cold spell hits Zion, IL.
Final Thoughts: DIY or Call Armored Asphalt?
Pothole repair in 2024 isn’t just about filling holes. It’s about using the right materials, ensuring safety, and making sure the job lasts. Zion, IL, has its fair share of potholes, and we get it—the urge to fix them yourself is real. But when it comes down to it, a professional touch makes all the difference in the world.
Ready to Fix Those Potholes for Good?
If you’re dealing with potholes and want a solution that lasts, reach out to Armored Asphalt today. We’ll take care of your asphalt so you can get back to smoother drives and safer parking lots.