If you’ve ever had the displeasure of hitting a pothole, you know that it can wreck your day. Not to mention, it’s a safety hazard. So, if you find any on your driveway, you wouldn’t want to waste any time and repair it immediately. But what’s the best way to repair potholes?
When repairing potholes, many assume that the only way to do it is by using hot mix asphalt. However, another option can be just as effective – a cold patch. Laurel Asphalt is a paving maintenance firm in Bedford that provides top-quality asphalt paving and related services.
In this blog post, we will closely examine both methods and compare them to see which is best for your specific needs.
Hot Mix Asphalt
Hot mix asphalt is the most common method for repairing potholes. It involves heating a mixture of aggregate and bitumen to create a hot, gooey substance that can be easily poured into the pothole. The hot mix will cool and harden, creating a solid and durable patch.
Advantages
There are several advantages to using hot mix asphalt for pothole repair, including:
- It’s quick and easy to use;
- It creates a long-lasting repair;
Disadvantages
However, there are also some disadvantages to consider, such as:
- It’s more expensive than a cold patch;
- It requires specialized equipment;
- It can only be used when the temperature outside is above 40 degrees;
Cold Patch
A cold patch is an alternate method for repairing potholes. It’s a cheaper and simpler option that can be done without specialized equipment.
To use the cold patch, you must fill the pothole with an asphalt-based material. It can be done by using a shovel or trowel to fill the hole, then compacting the material with a hand tamper or vehicle tire.
Advantages
Following are some benefits of using a cold patch to repair potholes.
- It is relatively less expensive;
- Cold patch is a simple method that doesn’t require much expertise;
- No special equipment is needed to do a cold patch;
- The cold patch can be used in most weather conditions;
Disadvantages
There are also some disadvantages to consider, such as:
- It’s not as strong or durable as hot mix asphalt;
- It takes longer to set and cure;
- It can’t be used in wet weather conditions;
Which is The Best Method?
So, what’s the best method for pothole repair – cold patch or hot mix asphalt? There is no definitive answer, as each has its advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, the best choice will depend on your budget, damage severity, and skillset. If you’re confident in your abilities and have the time and money to spare, then hot mix asphalt is the better option. However, if you’re on a tight budget or don’t have the time to wait for the asphalt to cool, then the cold patch is probably your best bet.
Whichever method you choose, make sure you do a good job – nobody likes driving over a pothole! Laurel Asphalt serving Bedford is the firm to call if you need professional asphalt paving services.
