Is the freeze-thaw effect one of the main causes of a pothole in our car parks?

We tend to notice a pothole more in winter as our freezing night-time temperatures combined with warmer daytime conditions encourage potholes to form. In the UK it is estimated that there are around 2 million potholes on local roads and car parks, but the total number is likely to be much higher as not all potholes are reported. It’s important to have potholes repaired as soon as they appear, as leaving them unattended could leave property managers exposed to greater problems.

What is the freeze-thaw effect?

The freeze-thaw effect is the process that occurs when water seeps into cracks in the asphalt and then freezes. When the water freezes, it expands and causes the cracks to grow wider. The expanding ice also forces the asphalt up, further creating holes and voids.

The deterioration process is then accelerated when vehicles are driven over the compromised surface (due to their weight), which is why we regularly see potholes appear in high-traffic locations.

Pothole repair: Why it’s important to have them repaired straightaway

You have a duty of care to everyone on your site and must ensure it is safe and risk free. If incidents occur, employers place themselves at risk of legal action.

Nearly half of all workplace injuries are slips and trips and the economic impact of these accidents equates to well over £500 million to UK employers.

When it comes to potholes, our advice is simple: be proactive rather than reactive. Regular site inspections and the immediate repair of any defects will keep you one step ahead of potential problems and compensation claims.

Pothole repair services to suit all budgets

We provide numerous solutions to potholes and can assist you with producing site condition reports and recommendations. In addition to repairs, we also provide a complete resurfacing and refurbishment service.

• Pothole and minor surface repairs
• Environmental pothole repair solution (ERPT)
• Patch repair (covering a larger area)
• Full surfacing asphalt works
• Specialist coatings: waterproofing, aesthetic asphalt and street art services.

Find out how our expert winter maintenance team can help…