Skip to content 
Most of us have experienced potholes in pavement. This kind of damage is not just annoying (and sometimes dangerous) to drivers – it can also result in significant damage to the asphalt surface it it’s not repaired quickly. But in some parts of the country, holes in pavement may be more than potholes. In fact, in some areas what looks like a pothole may actually be a sinkhole. These holes may look similar when they form in paved surfaces, but they’re actually very different. The best way to explain that difference is by understanding how and why each kind of hole forms.
A pothole is damage to a paved surface that occurs when ground water underneath the surface expands and contracts. Typically, this happens over the winter, when the freeze-thaw cycle is most prevalent. This expansion and contraction weakens the pavement, and a pothole forms. Potholes can also form as a result of damage that occurs on the surface of the pavement, weakening the asphalt or concrete and causing it to wear down and crumble over time, eventually creating a pothole.
While it’s true that repairing potholes in a timely manner is important to prevent any further damage from occurring in the pavement, prompt repair is an absolute necessity with sinkholes. Most of us have heard the nightmare scenarios from news channels where giant sinkholes appear suddenly, swallowing up vehicles or even buildings. But the truth is that sinkholes typically start out relatively small in size. The problem is that if they’re not repaired, they can grow quickly and pose a danger to pedestrians and drivers – not to mention your paved surface.
Repairing sinkholes is more complicated than repairing potholes. In order to repair a sinkhole, you need to address the root of the problem – in other words, stop the erosion that has caused the sinkhole to form in the first place.
If you notice holes in your paved surface, contact a local reputable paving contractor right away. Chances are you’re seeing potholes that are easy to repair. But if you experience sinkholes, you’ll need to address the problem right away.
How a Pothole Forms
A pothole is damage to a paved surface that occurs when ground water underneath the surface expands and contracts. Typically, this happens over the winter, when the freeze-thaw cycle is most prevalent. This expansion and contraction weakens the pavement, and a pothole forms. Potholes can also form as a result of damage that occurs on the surface of the pavement, weakening the asphalt or concrete and causing it to wear down and crumble over time, eventually creating a pothole.
How a Sinkhole Forms
A sinkhole forms when a gap develops in the soil underneath the pavement. Typically, this happens as a result of erosion caused by exceedingly heavy rainfall, pipes bursting underneath the pavement, or even underground drilling in some areas. When this kind of gap forms in the soil, it creates a void. Since the pavement has no soil to support it, it caves into the void underneath. Because it’s impossible to see these voids in the soil below a paved surface, large sinkholes can appear quite suddenly (as opposed to potholes, which usually start small and grow in size gradually over time).While it’s true that repairing potholes in a timely manner is important to prevent any further damage from occurring in the pavement, prompt repair is an absolute necessity with sinkholes. Most of us have heard the nightmare scenarios from news channels where giant sinkholes appear suddenly, swallowing up vehicles or even buildings. But the truth is that sinkholes typically start out relatively small in size. The problem is that if they’re not repaired, they can grow quickly and pose a danger to pedestrians and drivers – not to mention your paved surface.
Repairing sinkholes is more complicated than repairing potholes. In order to repair a sinkhole, you need to address the root of the problem – in other words, stop the erosion that has caused the sinkhole to form in the first place.
If you notice holes in your paved surface, contact a local reputable paving contractor right away. Chances are you’re seeing potholes that are easy to repair. But if you experience sinkholes, you’ll need to address the problem right away.
