Late winter and early spring in Maryland can seem like a temperature roller coaster. It’s below freezing one day and then sunny and warm the next. This constant up and down may seem innocent enough, but it could be wreaking havoc on your asphalt surfaces.
“Any time you have weather where it is 60 degrees one day and 20 degrees the next, you’re going to have a significant impact on the pavement,” warns Rob Morosi, spokesman for the Michigan Department of Transportation.
You can thank our good friend the freeze-thaw cycle. When water works its way into imperfections and the temperature drops below 32 degrees, that water freezes, expands, and worsens those imperfections. And this happens over and over again here in Maryland.
What may have started off as a small crack can expand significantly throughout the winter months until you are faced with more potholes than you know what to do with.
Asphalt Patching can Help Protect Your Pavement
The best way to deal with potholes is to deal with them as soon as possible to avoid the issue worsening. The longer you put off pothole repair, the worse the underlying damage can and will become.
There are two distinct ways to fix potholes. First is Cold Patch, which is a temporary fix. The next is Hot Mix, which is a more permanent fix.
Cold Patch vs. Hot Mix
Many people don’t fully understand the difference between cold patch and hot mix asphalt patch. Which has the lowest total cost of ownership (TCO)?
Cold Patch
Typically the cheapest initial option, cold patch is exactly what it sounds like. No heating or mixing required. Cold patch is designed to be used for repairing potholes and cracks over 1″ wide.
Cold patch is a quick and inexpensive fix, but it’s only temporary.
Hot Mix
The best way to fix potholes is hot mix asphalt patching. Hot mix is the more permanent fix and thus the cheaper long-term option.
Asphalt Patching in Maryland
PTG Enterprises has been in the asphalt paving, concrete, and masonry business for more than a decade. We have seen it all before and we know the telltale warning signs of asphalt and pavement failure. And as a member of the Community Association Institute (CAI), National Facilities Management and Technology (NFMT), and Maryland Multi-Housing Association (MMHA) we are well-positioned to help you make the right financial decisions for your commercial property or community association.
To learn more about Asphalt Patching, please contact PTG Enterprises aka My Pavement Guy today by calling 410-636-8777,! You can check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!
Tags: Asphalt patching, Cold Patch, Hot Mix
