From Cracks to Chaos: What Really Causes Potholes in Utah’s Asphalt

Potholes are more than just an annoying bump in the road—they’re a sign of deeper issues lurking beneath your asphalt. For property managers and commercial property owners in Utah, understanding how potholes form (and how to prevent them) is key to keeping parking lots and driveways safe, clean, and functional.

Here’s a breakdown of what really causes potholes and how to stop them before they spread.

Water Is Always the First Offender

The #1 culprit behind potholes is water. It seeps into even the smallest cracks in your asphalt. From there, the real damage begins beneath the surface.

• Moisture softens the subbase and weakens the support layers
• In Utah’s colder months, water freezes, expands, and pushes the asphalt upward
  When temperatures rise, the ice melts, creating air gaps
• Over time, the surface collapses under pressure, forming the pothole

Even well-maintained asphalt can develop cracks, but if those cracks aren't sealed, water will always find a way in.

Traffic and Weight Speed Up the Damage

Heavy vehicles like garbage trucks, delivery vans, and tenant traffic are a major stress test for commercial asphalt. When these loads roll over weak points—especially where water has already compromised the layers—the pressure causes cracking and surface collapse.

• Constant traffic compresses and flexes the surface
• Damaged or weakened areas cave in more quickly
• Commercial lots with no reinforced sections wear down faster

Without proper maintenance, the weight of traffic turns a minor issue into a full-blown liability.

Freeze-Thaw Cycles Make Everything Worse

Utah’s climate is a pothole’s best friend. During winter and early spring, the freeze-thaw cycle accelerates the breakdown of asphalt.

• Water inside the cracks freezes and expands
• Expansion pushes the asphalt up, weakening its structure
• When it thaws, voids are left behind under the surface
• With every cycle, the problem gets worse

The more often this cycle repeats, the faster potholes form. It’s a hidden chain reaction happening right under your feet.

Patching Isn’t Always the Long-Term Fix

Throwing patch after patch on your potholes may seem like a solution, but it’s often just a temporary bandage. If the underlying problem—like poor drainage, soft subbase, or repeated freeze-thaw impact—isn’t addressed, new potholes will return.

• Surface patches often fail if the subbase is compromised
• Inconsistent repairs can cause uneven surfaces and safety hazards
• Recurring problems signal the need for professional evaluation

Investing in a long-term solution prevents more costly damage in the future.

Preventative Maintenance Is the Smart Move

The good news? Potholes are preventable. With regular inspections and proactive maintenance, property managers can avoid the cycle of repair and re-repair. That’s where Go Pave Utah comes in.

Go Pave Utah offers commercial asphalt solutions designed for Utah’s weather, traffic demands, and property needs. From asphalt crack sealing to asphalt repair, their team helps you stay ahead of potholes and keep your pavement looking professional.

Don’t let a small crack turn into a big problem—prevent potholes before they even start.