Winter does not officially arrive until December 21, but harsh weather is already wreaking havoc on paved roads and in parking lots. Cracks and potholes caused by the annual freeze-and-thaw cycle have begun to appear, and plowing and salting will worsen the condition of already deteriorated roads as the season gets into full swing.

The resulting damage is more than just an annoyance. According to the national transportation research firm TRIP, poorly maintained roads cost motorists an average of $523 each year to repair blown tires, broken axles and battered shock absorbers.

Repairing potholes can be costly, but if left untreated they are likely to increase in size and cause additional damage to both roads and vehicles. Patching potholes should be done as soon as possible, even if major road repairs won’t be made until spring. 

Should You Repair Asphalt with a Cold or Hot Patch Process?

Patching is the process of filling in a pothole once it occurs. There are two ways this can be accomplished: cold patch and hot mix asphalt repair.

With hot mix asphalt repair, the pavement around a pothole is excavated and filled in with hot asphalt. This type of repair is a complex process that requires machinery and expertise. It is typically performed by a pavement repair specialist or company and can be expensive, especially when repairing extensive damage or multiple potholes.

Cold patch asphalt repair is a simple process that requires minimal work. Potholes and wide cracks are filled in with already-mixed asphalt that is packed in as tightly as possible. Municipal workers and property owners can do cold patching themselves, making this type of repair far less costly than hot mix asphalt patching.

Cold Mix Perma-Patch is a Fast and Practical Pothole Solution

At Traffic Safety Direct, our go-to choice for fast and effective pothole repairs is Perma-Patch. Cold mix Perma-Patch is a permanent all-season, all-weather patching material that bonds to asphalt, concrete, steel, wood and other hard surfaces. Poured right from the bag into the hole, it displaces water and accepts traffic immediately.

No mixing or special pothole preparation is required, and Perma-Patch can be used under any weather conditions in temperatures ranging from -0° to 100°. You can instantly fill hazardous cracks or craters, even in the rain or snow, without the need for heated asphalt, rolling and heavy equipment.

One 60 lb. bag of Perma-Patch fills a 6-square-foot area, 1 inch deep. This product has a two-year shelf life, which means you can save even more by using the same patching material year-round. Although Perma-Patch can be used in water-filled holes, bags should be stored in a dry, covered area to prevent deterioration of the paper plies. If a bag gets wet, allow it to fully dry before handling.

If you have more questions about cold mix Perma-Patch, give us a call. Our knowledgeable sales team is happy to help you find the right products for your needs.

Traffic Safety Direct has everything you need to keep highways, city streets, bridges and parking lots safe for drivers and pedestrians this winter. Call or email us today – we’re here to help.