Potholes don’t just happen. They have evolved through a systematic process across their range in the asphalt jungle. They are especially good at finding the areas you drive and walk across. In this blog we discuss the life cycle of The Minnesota Pothole.
Chapter 1. The Spawn of the Crack.
Early life stages start with a fissure in the pavement that slowly grows into a tiny crack. It blends naturally to its setting and is easy to ignore. The combination of frequent vehicle migrations and intense UV rays makes it tough for any piece of pavement to survive. In the fall of the year water moves into these cracks. It’s a parasitic relationship likely due to the naturally aggressive personality of water.
Chapter 2. The Great Freeze.
As winter arrives the water becomes bolder, expanding as it freezes. The pavement is no match. This continues as temperatures rise slightly above freezing and drops back below. Without a proper base and compaction, the pavement will not survive. The tiny cracks flourish in the dark of winter.
Chapter 3. Unnatural forces.
If the cold weather and intrusive water was not enough the pavement is up against one more antagonist. The snowplow. Each pass scrapes at the surface. Near misses and close encounters with the tiny cracks threaten the pavement. Some areas of the pavement are not so lucky. Nature rewards resilience.
Chapter 4. The thaw.
Spring arrives at last. Snow melt, standing water, and vehicles repeatedly hitting the weakened area of pavement increase. The pavement fails. Small and large chucks of pavement are moved from their homes. The pothole emerges fully developed, unavoidable, and angry.
Chapter 5. Reproduction
Left untreated the pothole will spread. Crumbling the edges of its host. Birthing more cracks with the end goal of transforming the formerly single piece of asphalt into a waste land of broken pavement. A safety cone appears… will it ever leave?
The good news? The evolutionary chain can be broken with the stewardship of the property owner. Crack filling, seal coating, and timely repairs stop the potholes from forming and keep them at bay.
While RTA Parking Lot Striping LLC focus on the pavement markings, we feel it is important to understand all aspects for pavement and regular maintenance. If you own a property in Central Minnesota and have questions regarding your parking lot, feel free to reach out. If we don’t provide the service you need, we are happy to help you find someone who can.