Hot Mix vs Cold Patch
There is no doubt that hot asphalt repair is a superior long-term solution to potholes and it is what we recommend when temperatures permit. However, hot-mix asphalt must be kept hot during the repair process and cannot be done during the wintertime unless there are unseasonably warm and dry weather conditions. Since hot asphalt repair is generally not an option in mid-winter, the question becomes:
Should I do Cold Patching or wait for warmer weather to “do it right”?
The thinking goes, if hot mix asphalt repair is the superior option, then it’s probably worth waiting until conditions permit. The problem is, potholes can be hazardous for pedestrians and vehicles alike. Drivers often steer around potholes, creating additional risks.
In addition to creating hazards and liability, potholes expose your asphalt to excessive water penetration and further damage from erosion and the freeze-thaw cycle.
Cold Weather = Cold Patch
The cheaper solution that we recommend for potholes during the cold of winter is a temporary cold patch. Cold patching asphalt gives you affordable protection from winter hazards and winter damage. It is done during colder weather to protect your investment while reducing your liability.
In the spring, when conditions permit, we will come back to carry out a more permanent fix. If you were to leave the potholes until the spring, they would likely spread and become larger, possibly eroding the subbase and becoming more expensive to repair.
If your parking lot is suffering from potholes and any other tripping hazards during winter, you can call EastCoat Pavement.