Pothole Repair

A pothole is a trip-and-fall claim and a vehicle damage claim waiting to be filed. It is also the cheapest thing on this page to fix — if you catch it early.

Cold patch versus permanent repair

Cold patch is a stopgap. It makes a hazard safe today and typically holds for a few months. It is the right call when you need the danger gone immediately and a proper repair scheduled.

A permanent repair means saw-cutting a clean square around the failure, removing material to sound base, repairing the base if that is where the problem started, and replacing with hot mix compacted in lifts. Done properly it lasts as long as the surrounding pavement.

Common questions

How long does cold patch asphalt last?

Cold patch is a stopgap, typically holding for a few months. It is a mixture of cold aggregate, bitumen emulsion and water, and it can be placed in conditions where hot mix cannot. Use it to make a hazard safe today, then schedule a permanent repair.

What makes a pothole repair permanent?

Saw-cutting a clean square around the failure, removing material down to sound base, repairing the base if that is where the problem started, and replacing with hot mix compacted in lifts. Done properly it lasts as long as the surrounding pavement.