Understanding Asphalt Damage: Common Causes of Potholes in Durham Roads

are a common sight on roads in Durham, North Carolina. They make driving uncomfortable and can even damage vehicles. But why do these potholes form, and what can we do about them? In this article, we’ll explore the common causes of potholes in Durham roads and how to prevent them.

What Are Potholes?

A pothole is a hole or depression in the road surface. It happens when the asphalt breaks apart, leaving a gap. Potholes can range from small cracks to large holes that damage cars.

How Do Potholes Form?

Potholes form when the asphalt pavement gets weak. Water seeps into cracks in the road. When the temperature drops, the water freezes and expands. This expansion pushes the asphalt apart. As cars drive over these weak spots, the pavement breaks, creating a pothole.

Common Causes of Potholes in Durham Roads

1. Weather Conditions

Durham’s weather plays a big role in pothole formation.

• Freeze-Thaw Cycles: In winter, temperatures can drop below freezing at night and warm up during the day. Water in the pavement freezes and thaws repeatedly. This constant movement weakens the asphalt.
• Heavy Rainfall: Durham gets a lot of rain. Excess water can seep into the pavement and cause damage.

2. Water Infiltration

Water is the main enemy of asphalt.

• Seeping Through Cracks: Small cracks allow water to enter the pavement layers.
• Weakening the Base: Water can erode the soil under the asphalt, making it unstable.

3. Traffic Load

The weight and number of vehicles affect road conditions.

• Heavy Vehicles: Trucks and buses put a lot of pressure on the asphalt. If the pavement is already weak, this can cause it to break.
• Increased Traffic: More cars on the road mean more wear and tear.

4. Poor Drainage

Proper drainage is crucial for road health.

• Standing Water: Water that doesn’t drain off the road can seep into the asphalt.
• Clogged Drains: Blocked gutters and drains prevent water from flowing away.

5. Age of Pavement

Nothing lasts forever, including roads.

• Wear and Tear: Over time, asphalt naturally becomes brittle and cracks.
• Lack of Maintenance: Older roads need more care to stay in good condition.

6. Poor Construction or Maintenance

How the road was built affects its durability.

• Low-Quality Materials: Using poor-quality asphalt can lead to early failure.
• Improper Installation: If the asphalt isn’t laid correctly, it can develop problems sooner.

The Impact of Potholes

Potholes aren’t just annoying; they can cause serious issues.

• Vehicle Damage: Driving over potholes can damage tires, wheels, and suspensions.
• Safety Hazards: Swerving to avoid potholes can lead to accidents.
• Economic Costs: Repairing roads and vehicles costs money for both the city and drivers.

Preventing Potholes

Stopping potholes before they start is the best approach.

1. Regular Maintenance

• Routine Inspections: Checking roads regularly helps catch problems early.
• Timely Repairs: Fixing small cracks and holes prevents them from getting bigger.

2. Sealcoating

• Protective Layer: Applying a sealcoat protects the asphalt from water and sun damage.
• Extends Life: Sealcoating can make the pavement last longer.

3. Crack Filling

• Sealing Cracks: Filling cracks with hot melted liquid rubber prevents water from entering.
• Proper Cleaning: Before filling, it’s important to clean out all debris and plant life. We use high-powered blowers and torches to ensure the cracks are clean. If not cleaned properly, the rubber won’t stick, and the repair won’t last.

4. Proper Drainage

• Installing Drains: Making sure water can flow away from the road surface.
• Cleaning Gutters: Keeping drainage systems clear of debris.

How We Can Help

We specialize in asphalt repair and maintenance in Durham.

• Expertise: Our team knows how to identify and fix road problems.
• Quality Materials: We use top-grade asphalt and sealants.
• Advanced Techniques: We remove damaged asphalt and fix the underlying issues. For tree root problems, we use asphalt saws to cut and remove the roots, then replace the asphalt. This difficult process often needs to be done only once in the lifetime of the pavement.

Don’t let potholes damage your roads and vehicles! Contact us today for a free inspection and estimate. Let our experts help keep Durham’s roads smooth and safe.