Everything You Need to Know About Potholes

Potholes can be frustrating, whether your a driver on the road or are maintaining your commercial property.   Learn the facts and fiction about potholes and what preventative measures you can take to extend the lifetime of your road or parking lot.

The Ontario Hot Mix Producers Association (OHMPA) released some interesting facts and fiction about potholes. You can check it out in full here or check out our summary of “Potholes 101" below.

Myth #1
There are no potholes in concrete pavement.

Fact
Concrete pavement develops cracks and surface spalls that cause distress to the slab and eventually form a hole. When the distress of the slab becomes too much, it requires replacement and typically causes full or partial lane closures for 5-7 days for slab removal and curing of the new slab to prevent cracking.

Myth #2
Potholes are caused by asphalt failures.

Fact
Many roads, including those in Toronto, have a concrete base with 80mm of asphalt overlay to improve ride comfort and skid resistance. The concrete is jointed at 3m intervals to control cracking of concrete. These joints cause cracking of the asphalt overlay within 1-2 years of placement. Without maintenance such as sealing, these cracks will form potholes at the reflection cracks in the asphalt overlay.

Myth #3
Potholes are caused by poor quality ingredients added into the asphalt and cement.

Fact
All asphalt cement used in Ontario meet the mandated standards that undergo constant review and development.


The three most important factors to consider when completing a new asphalt paving project are:

1. Build durable roads with adequate thickness and tight longitudinal joints.
2. Ensure there is adequate drainage to prevent excess water entering the pavement during freeze and thaw cycles. 
3. Maintain your road or parking lot by sealing cracks as soon as possible.

If roads are built with proper drainage and well maintained, they can last from 15-20 years!

Source: Ontario Hot Mix Producers Association

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With over 30 years of experience serving the Barrie and Simcoe area, Road Readie Paving has built a reputation second to none. We are committed to customer satisfaction through high quality workmanship at a competitive price. Contact us today for a free quote 705.719.0074.