Potholes form when water enters cracks in asphalt, weakens the pavement foundation, and combines with traffic and temperature changes to break the surface apart. Utah’s freeze-thaw cycles can accelerate this process because trapped moisture repeatedly freezes, expands, and thaws beneath the pavement.
A pothole may begin as a small crack or depression that seems minor. However, once the asphalt loses support from the base below, passing vehicles cause pieces of pavement to loosen and collapse. Understanding what causes potholes can help property owners repair damage early, correct underlying problems, and prevent the same potholes from returning.
Quick Check: Why Is a Pothole Forming?
The location and appearance of a pothole can provide clues about its cause.
- Pothole surrounded by cracks: Water may have entered through untreated asphalt cracking.
- Pothole in a low spot: Standing water and poor drainage may be weakening the pavement.
- Pothole near a loading zone: Heavy trucks may be placing more stress on the pavement than it was designed to support.
- Pothole that returns after repair: The damaged base may not have been removed or rebuilt.
- Potholes appearing after winter: Freeze-thaw cycles may have expanded existing pavement damage.
- Pothole near a drain or utility cover: Settlement, drainage problems, or weak pavement joints may be involved.
Small potholes can often be repaired with professional asphalt patching. Widespread potholes, alligator cracking, sinking pavement, and recurring failures may indicate that the pavement base needs more extensive reconstruction.
Learn more about Eckles Paving’s asphalt patching and pothole repair services.
1. Water Enters Cracks in the Asphalt
Water penetration is one of the primary causes of potholes.
As asphalt ages, small cracks can form because of oxidation, temperature changes, traffic stress, or movement beneath the pavement. Rain, melting snow, and irrigation water then enter those openings and reach the aggregate base.
Once the base becomes saturated, it may lose strength and no longer provide consistent support for the asphalt surface. Vehicles passing over the weakened area cause the pavement to flex, crack further, and eventually collapse.
Common sources of water infiltration include:
- Untreated pavement cracks
- Open joints between paving sections
- Broken pavement edges
- Cracks around drains and utility covers
- Low areas where runoff collects
- Sprinklers spraying directly onto asphalt
Sealing cracks before water reaches the foundation is one of the most effective ways to reduce pothole formation.
Explore our professional asphalt crack sealing services in Utah.
2. Utah Freeze-Thaw Cycles Expand the Damage
Utah’s changing winter temperatures can turn small pavement problems into potholes.
Water trapped inside cracks or beneath the asphalt freezes when temperatures fall. Because frozen water expands, it pushes against the surrounding pavement and base material. When temperatures rise, the ice melts and leaves gaps beneath the surface.
Repeated freezing and thawing gradually reduces support under the asphalt. Traffic then bends the unsupported pavement until it cracks and breaks apart.
Freeze-thaw damage is especially common:
- During late winter and early spring
- In shaded parking lots
- In northern Utah and mountain communities
- Where snow piles remain for extended periods
- Near drains, gutters, and low spots
- On pavement with untreated cracks
Repairing cracks and drainage issues before winter can help limit the amount of moisture entering the pavement.
Learn more about how Utah weather damages asphalt.
3. Heavy Traffic Breaks Apart Weakened Pavement
Water and freezing temperatures often weaken asphalt, but traffic provides the repeated pressure that causes the surface to fail.
Every passing vehicle places weight on the pavement. When the asphalt and base remain stable, that load is distributed across the surrounding area. When the foundation has softened or eroded, the pavement flexes more than it should.
Heavy vehicles can accelerate pothole formation, including:
- Garbage trucks
- Delivery vehicles
- Buses
- Construction equipment
- Snow removal vehicles
- Tractor-trailers
Potholes commonly develop around loading docks, dumpster enclosures, parking lot entrances, drive lanes, and tight turning areas. These locations may require thicker asphalt, a stronger base, or full-depth patching designed for heavier traffic.
4. Poor Drainage Allows Water to Remain on the Pavement
Potholes are more likely to develop when water cannot drain away from the asphalt.
Standing water may appear harmless, but moisture gradually enters surface cracks and pavement joints. It can also erode unprotected edges and saturate the aggregate base.
Drainage problems may be caused by:
- Improper pavement slope
- Settled asphalt
- Clogged storm drains
- Insufficient drainage infrastructure
- Runoff from roofs or landscaping
- Low areas created by base failure
Patching a pothole without correcting a significant drainage problem may allow the damage to return. A long-term repair may require adjusting the pavement slope, rebuilding settled areas, clearing drains, or installing improved drainage features.
Learn about our Utah parking lot drainage services.
5. The Asphalt Base Was Not Properly Installed
A durable asphalt surface depends on the strength of the foundation beneath it.
Before asphalt is installed, the underlying soil and aggregate base should be properly prepared, graded, and compacted. If the foundation is too thin, uneven, poorly compacted, or built over unstable soil, the pavement may not support normal traffic loads.
Installation-related causes of potholes can include:
- Insufficient aggregate base depth
- Poor soil compaction
- Inadequate asphalt thickness
- Soft or expansive soil
- Improper grading
- Weak joints between paving passes
A surface-only repair may not last when the base is unstable. Full-depth patching allows the damaged asphalt and weak base to be removed before properly compacted material and new pavement are installed.
6. Asphalt Has Become Brittle From Age and Oxidation
Asphalt becomes less flexible as it ages.
Sunlight, oxygen, heat, and Utah’s dry climate gradually reduce the oils that help bind the pavement together. The surface changes from dark black to gray and becomes more vulnerable to cracking, raveling, and moisture penetration.
Signs of oxidized asphalt include:
- Faded gray color
- Loose surface stones
- Block-shaped cracks
- Dry or brittle pavement
- Small cracks spreading across the surface
Sealcoating can help slow oxidation when asphalt is still in stable condition. It cannot repair a pothole or rebuild a damaged foundation, but it may help protect surrounding pavement after cracks and failed areas have been properly repaired.
Learn how asphalt sealcoating helps protect Utah pavement.
7. Small Cracks Were Left Untreated
Many potholes begin with cracks that could have been addressed earlier.
An open crack allows water, dirt, vegetation, and debris to enter the pavement. The opening gradually becomes wider as vehicles pass over it and temperatures change.
The damage may progress from:
- A small surface crack
- To a wider opening
- To water infiltration
- To base erosion
- To broken pavement
- To a pothole
Timely crack sealing does not guarantee that a pothole will never develop, especially if structural problems already exist. However, it can significantly reduce moisture penetration and delay more extensive deterioration.
8. Snowplows and Maintenance Equipment Damage Weak Areas
Snow removal equipment can worsen asphalt damage during Utah winters.
Plow blades may catch on raised cracks, uneven patches, utility covers, broken pavement edges, or existing potholes. Once a piece of asphalt is lifted or removed, water can reach the exposed base and expand the damaged area.
Snowplow-related damage often appears:
- Near curbs
- Around storm drains
- Beside utility covers
- Along parking lot edges
- Near speed bumps
- Where previous patches have settled
Repairing uneven areas before winter and marking raised obstacles can help reduce damage from snow removal equipment.
9. Oil and Chemicals Have Softened the Pavement
Oil, gasoline, diesel fuel, and certain chemicals can weaken asphalt binder.
A spill may initially look like a dark stain. Over time, the affected pavement can become soft, sticky, crumbly, or depressed. Passing vehicles then break apart the weakened asphalt and contribute to pothole formation.
Chemical damage frequently develops in:
- Parking spaces
- Gas stations
- Automotive repair facilities
- Loading areas
- Equipment yards
- Dumpster enclosures
Minor spills should be cleaned promptly. Pavement that has softened or lost structural strength may need to be removed and replaced rather than simply sealed.
10. Pavement Edges Lack Proper Support
The edges of parking lots, driveways, and private roads are more vulnerable because they may have less support than the center of the pavement.
Vehicles driving over unsupported edges can cause the asphalt to crack and break away. Water then enters the exposed area and erodes the foundation, allowing potholes to spread inward.
Edge failures are common near:
- Gravel shoulders
- Landscape beds
- Unpaved parking areas
- Drainage ditches
- Driveway entrances
- Areas without curbs
Repairs may involve rebuilding the failed edge, adding compacted base material, correcting drainage, and replacing the damaged asphalt.
11. Utility Repairs or Previous Patches Have Settled
Potholes can develop where asphalt has previously been cut for utility work or pavement repairs.
If the fill material beneath a utility trench or patch is not compacted correctly, it may settle after the surface is replaced. Cracks form around the perimeter, water enters the joint, and traffic begins breaking apart the weakened section.
Warning signs include:
- Cracks outlining an old patch
- Sunken utility trenches
- Potholes beside manholes
- Repeated failures in the same location
- Loose pavement around repair joints
A lasting repair may require removing the existing patch, rebuilding the base in compacted layers, sealing the joints, and installing new asphalt.
12. Maintenance Has Been Delayed
Routine pavement maintenance helps identify and address conditions that commonly lead to potholes.
Without inspections and preventive repairs, small cracks may widen, drainage problems may continue, and isolated damage can spread into surrounding pavement.
A proactive asphalt maintenance plan may include:
- Annual pavement inspections
- Timely crack sealing
- Drainage cleaning and repairs
- Full-depth patching of failed areas
- Sealcoating when appropriate
- Repairing broken pavement edges
Preventive maintenance is generally more affordable than allowing widespread potholes and base failure to develop.
How Does a Pothole Form?
Potholes usually develop through a gradual process:
Small Asphalt Crack
↓
Water Enters the Pavement
↓
The Aggregate Base Becomes Wet
↓
Moisture Freezes and Expands
↓
The Pavement Loses Support
↓
Traffic Breaks the Asphalt Apart
↓
A Pothole Forms and Continues Growing
Addressing the early stages of this process can help property owners avoid larger repairs and protect the surrounding pavement.
Common Pothole Causes and Repair Options
| Pothole Cause | What May Be Happening | Common Repair Option |
|---|---|---|
| Untreated cracks | Water is entering the pavement and weakening the base | Crack sealing and asphalt patching |
| Freeze-thaw damage | Moisture is expanding beneath the asphalt | Full-depth patching |
| Poor drainage | Standing water is saturating the pavement foundation | Drainage correction and patching |
| Heavy vehicle traffic | The pavement may not be designed for current loads | Reinforced full-depth repair |
| Weak aggregate base | The foundation is unstable or poorly compacted | Base reconstruction and new asphalt |
| Oxidized asphalt | The surface has become brittle and cracked | Patching, crack sealing, or resurfacing |
| Settled utility patch | Fill material beneath the repair has moved | Remove and rebuild the patch |
| Widespread pavement failure | Large portions of the surface and base are deteriorating | Milling, overlay, or reconstruction |
How Are Potholes Repaired?
The proper repair depends on the pothole’s size, depth, cause, and the condition of the surrounding pavement.
Temporary repairs may use cold patch material to fill a hole until more permanent work can be completed. Although this can improve safety for a limited period, it may not correct a damaged foundation.
A more permanent full-depth repair generally includes:
- Removing loose and failed asphalt.
- Cutting the damaged area to create stable edges.
- Excavating weak or saturated base material.
- Installing and compacting a new aggregate base.
- Placing and compacting hot-mix asphalt.
- Sealing the repair edges when appropriate.
When potholes cover a large percentage of the pavement, an asphalt overlay or full reconstruction may provide better long-term value than repeatedly patching individual areas.
Learn more about asphalt milling services in Utah.
Can Potholes Be Prevented?
Not every pothole can be prevented, but regular inspections and timely maintenance can significantly reduce the risk.
Helpful prevention steps include:
- Seal asphalt cracks before winter.
- Repair drainage problems and standing water.
- Patch structurally failed areas promptly.
- Keep storm drains and gutters clear.
- Direct sprinklers away from pavement.
- Protect asphalt from oil and fuel spills.
- Maintain supported pavement edges.
- Use pavement thickness designed for expected traffic.
Property owners should inspect asphalt after winter because new cracks and potholes often appear as temperatures rise and frozen moisture thaws.
When Should a Pothole Be Repaired?
A pothole should be repaired as soon as practical after it appears.
Even a small hole can collect water, expose the base, create a trip hazard, and damage vehicles. Passing traffic also breaks away additional asphalt, causing the pothole to become wider and deeper.
Professional inspection is especially important when:
- The pothole is rapidly growing.
- Multiple potholes are appearing in the same area.
- The surrounding pavement has alligator cracking.
- Water collects inside or around the pothole.
- A previous repair has failed.
- The pavement moves or sinks under traffic.
These conditions may indicate that the damage extends beyond the visible surface.
Frequently Asked Questions About Potholes
What is the main cause of potholes?
The main cause of potholes is water entering cracked asphalt and weakening the pavement base. Freeze-thaw cycles and repeated vehicle traffic then cause the unsupported asphalt to break apart and collapse.
Why do potholes appear after winter?
Potholes often appear after winter because water beneath the pavement repeatedly freezes and expands. When the ice thaws, it leaves weakened or empty areas below the asphalt. Traffic then breaks the unsupported surface.
Why does the same pothole keep coming back?
A pothole may return when a repair only fills the visible opening without removing failed pavement or rebuilding the damaged base. Recurring drainage, soil movement, heavy traffic, and poorly compacted repair material can also cause repeated failure.
Can you fill a pothole with sealcoating?
No. Sealcoating is a protective surface treatment and is not designed to fill potholes or repair structural damage. The failed asphalt and unstable base should be repaired before sealcoating is considered.
Are potholes only caused by freezing weather?
No. Freezing weather can accelerate pothole formation, but potholes also occur because of water damage, poor drainage, heavy traffic, weak pavement foundations, oxidation, improper installation, and delayed maintenance.
Can a small pothole become a larger pavement problem?
Yes. A small pothole exposes the pavement base to additional water and traffic. As surrounding asphalt loses support and breaks away, the damaged area can grow and contribute to more extensive structural failure.
How long does a pothole repair last?
The lifespan of a pothole repair depends on the repair method, base condition, drainage, traffic loads, and surrounding pavement. A properly completed full-depth patch generally lasts longer than a temporary surface fill because it addresses damage beneath the asphalt.
Can potholes be repaired while a business remains open?
Many pothole repairs can be completed in phases so portions of a parking lot remain accessible. The appropriate traffic-control plan depends on the location, number of repairs, equipment requirements, and time needed for the pavement to cool.
Learn More About Pothole Damage and Asphalt Maintenance
You may also find these Eckles Paving resources helpful:
- Utah Asphalt Services
- Asphalt Paving Tips & Resources
- Signs Your Parking Lot Needs Repair
- Why Is My Asphalt Cracking?
- Asphalt Sealcoating vs. Asphalt Crack Sealing
- How Often Should You Sealcoat Asphalt in Utah?
Additional Resources About Potholes and Pavement Damage
For additional information about pavement performance, repair, and maintenance, visit:
Request a Free Pothole Repair Inspection and Estimate
Potholes are more than an appearance problem. They can damage vehicles, create trip hazards, allow water to reach the pavement base, and spread into surrounding asphalt.
Eckles Paving has provided asphalt patching, pothole repair, crack sealing, paving, milling, sealcoating, drainage improvements, and pavement maintenance throughout Utah for more than 35 years.
Our experienced team can inspect the damaged area, identify the likely cause, and recommend a repair based on the condition of the pavement and its foundation.
Contact Eckles Paving today to request a free pothole repair inspection and estimate.
