A pothole is where the roadway cracks and gives way leaving a hole in the pavement.
What is the Cause of a Pothole?
Potholes are usually caused by water, weather and traffic. When the roadway cracks under usual wear and tear of everyday traffic,water enters the crack and causes the roadbase under the pavement to erode and give way. Once the erosion occurs, vehicle traffic casues the pavement to sink and break apart causing a hole. During the winter months the cracks fill with water then freeze causing the pavement to expand, and then thaws and contracts. This freeze/thaw cycle can cause pavement to crack and deteriorate quickly under heavy traveled conditions. During this time, potholes can occur quickly.