How to Prevent Potholes in Your Driveway

Potholes are not only an eyesore, they are a hazard to your car. Whether on the street or in your own driveway, potholes can cause all sorts of problems including flat tires, rim damage, and steering system misalignment. If you are worried about potholes forming in your new driveway, use the tips in this article to prevent them.

How do potholes form?

Potholes are created when water penetrates the surface of the concrete and freezes. As the water begins to freeze, it expands, causing it to take up more and more space until the pavement is forced to bend and crack in order to make room. When the ice thaws and the water contracts, the pavement contracts too, leaving gaps and cracks on the surface. These cracks continue to get worse as more and more water enters and the cycle of expansion and contraction occurs over and over again. When the weight of an entire car drives over these weak spots, the concrete can't handle the pressure and begins to break one small piece at a time – which eventually leads to the formation of potholes.

How can I prevent potholes in my asphalt driveway?

Now that you know how potholes are formed, you have a better idea of how to prevent them. Some of the best prevention methods that we recommend are:

• Keep your driveway clean. Remember when you were a little kid and your mom told you that if you keep things clean they will last longer? Well, she was right. Keeping your asphalt driveway clean of snow, water, oil, and even yard clippings will go a long way in preserving its appearance.
• Sealcoat often. The first step in the formation of potholes occurs when water penetrates your driveway and seeps into the ground below the concrete. When a driveway is sealcoated, it adds a layer of protection on top which prevents water from passing through. Keeping a good sealcoating schedule will help prevent the seepage of water into your driveway and go a long way in keeping it free of potholes.
• Fix cracks before they become potholes. Potholes don't form overnight, it is a long and slow cycle which must repeat itself several times. Pay attention to your driveway for warning signs that potholes are on the horizon. If you see an area in your driveway cracking, be proactive and patch the cracks up before they turn into something worse.

If your driveway is covered in potholes, a repaving may be the best option. If you live in Nassau County and need your driveway paved, call Stasi Brothers at 516-997-7283. Stasi Brothers is Long Island's oldest and most reputable paving contractor, serving the area and its residents for a proud 52 years. For more information about our company, visit our website or like us on Facebook.