Fix the cause, not just the hole
A pothole is the last stage of a problem that started underneath. Water got into the base, the base softened or washed out, and the pavement above lost its support. Throwing cold patch in the hole fills it for a while, but the next freeze-thaw cycle usually pushes it right back out. A lasting repair means removing the failed area and rebuilding it.
Common repairs we make
Potholes
We square-cut the damaged area past the edge of the failure, remove broken asphalt and wet base, re-compact or replace the base, apply tack to the edges, then fill with hot-mix and compact it flush with the surrounding pavement.
Alligator cracking
Interconnected, spiderweb-pattern cracks mean the base under that section has failed. Sealcoat and crack filler won't hold. The section is cut out and rebuilt full-depth.
Sunken areas and ruts
Low spots that hold water usually trace back to soft subgrade or poor compaction. We remove the pavement, correct the base and drainage, and repave the area.
Crumbling edges
Edges break down when they were never compacted or when there's no support beside them. We cut back to solid pavement, rebuild the edge with a compacted taper, and can add a shoulder of base or millings to support it.
Utility cuts and trenches
After a water line, septic or electrical repair, we restore the trench with properly compacted base and hot-mix so it doesn't settle into a dip.
Repair vs. replace
If repairs would cover more than about a quarter to a third of the surface, or the whole driveway shows alligator cracking, replacement or a rebuild and overlay is usually the better value. We'll lay out both options with honest numbers.
Frequently asked questions
Can potholes be patched in winter?
Temporary cold-patch can be used in winter for safety, but permanent hot-mix repairs need warmer weather. Asphalt plants and compaction conditions are best from spring through fall.
Why do patches fail?
Most failed patches were placed over wet or soft base, weren't cut back to solid pavement, or weren't compacted. We address all three on every repair.
Do you repair small jobs?
Yes. Many of our repair calls are a few potholes or a damaged section of driveway. Text us photos for a quick idea of cost.
Keep reading
Crack Sealing
Hot-pour rubberized sealant keeps water out of the base before cracks turn into potholes.
Learn more →Asphalt Resurfacing & Overlays
A new layer of hot-mix over a sound base — a new-looking surface for less than replacement.
Learn more →Grading & Base Prep
Excavation, grading, culverts and compacted base — the groundwork behind lasting pavement.
Learn more →