Winters are the worst time for undertaking asphalt repair projects. The conditions make it impossible to implement permanent solutions since working with a hot asphalt mix is out of the question. Wet and cold climates are the worst enemies of asphalt, so experts advise starting the asphalt repair projects post-winter season.

However, potholes on the surface can never be neglected regardless of the season. You have to get them filled somehow, or they could cause accidents or damage to your car. Moreover, if your asphalt surface is a part of a commercial property, you can be held liable for damages.

Furthermore, if a pothole is ignored, the extent of damage will increase due to the constant wear and freeze-thaw cycle. Therefore, a solution needs to be applied to the potholes immediately, even if it is temporary.

Expert paving contractors generally apply a cold patch to fix potholes in winter. This is a relatively simple solution and can be completed in four steps. And as soon as the pothole is filled, traffic may resume. Also, unlike hot asphalt mix, you do not need to wait for hours for the patch to dry.

So, here are the 4 steps to applying a cold patch:

1. Removing the Debris

All loose asphalt pieces, dirt, and debris must be cleared from the pothole. Also, remove any snow or ice that might be stuck inside the pothole. It doesn’t matter if a little water or moisture is present in the pothole because, unlike hot asphalt patches, water does not affect a cold mix.

2. Remove the Damaged Area

Experts advise removing the damaged edges, so the new material binds to the strong pavement. A pavement saw is used to cut out the damaged sides and remove the asphalt that comes loose.

3. Pour the Cold Mix

Next, overfill the pothole by 25% with the cold mix and flatten it with a flat-edge shovel so the material fills all crevices in the pothole. If the pothole is deeper than two inches, pavers sometimes prefer filling the hole halfway or till two inches, compact it, and then add more material. 

4. Compact the Patch

A tamper or asphalt vibrating plate compactor is used to compact the patch as an asphalt roller does during paving.

Once the cold patch is compacted, the traffic may resume immediately. Unlike with other pothole repair methods, a cold mix patch does not require time to set. The weight of the vehicles passing over it helps settle and compact the material further.

If you are looking for cost-effective and durable asphalt patch repair services in Concord, NC, then Proline Parking Lot Maintenance, Inc. has got you covered !We offer premium quality solutions for potholes, cracks, and other pavement repair work.