Articles
Potholes and Utility Cuts: A Simple Guide to Longer Lasting Repairs
Daniel Vaillancourt
Jan 22, 2026
10 Min Read
Most gravel and rural road issues follow the same pattern. Dust builds up, the surface dries out, washboarding starts, and the base slowly loosens. Add traffic and weather and the road unravels fast. A consistent maintenance plan and the right treatments, like proper grading, timely watering, and smart seasonal salting, can dramatically improve ride quality and extend the life of the road.
Most potholes and utility cut repairs fail for predictable reasons. Water gets in, edges break down, and the repair starts to unravel. A better process and the right supporting products can dramatically improve lifespan.
1. Understand Why Repairs Fail
Bad edges and water intrusion are the top reasons patches do not last. Poor compaction is close behind.
What to do:
Look for crumbling edges and loose material.
Watch for standing water or soft base conditions.
Confirm compaction is being done properly, not rushed.
2. Prep the Repair Like It Matters
Prep is not glamorous, but it wins. If the base is unstable, the patch will fail even with premium material.
What to do:
Remove loose debris and unstable material.
Square up edges when possible.
Address base issues before placing repair material.
3. Use Edge Bonding When Needed
Edge bonding products improve adhesion and help reduce water entry at the interface between old and new material.
What to do:
Treat vertical edges and base area before placing asphalt.
Use edge bonding on utility cuts and larger patches.
Pair with an edge sealing approach when performance matters.
4. Seal the Perimeter to Keep Water Out
Overbanding and sealing is a simple way to protect the repair perimeter, especially on utility reinstatements.
What to do:
Seal the edge where old and new meet.
Use a consistent perimeter approach on repeat work.
Focus on high traffic and high water exposure areas first.
5. Know When Flowable Concrete and Bedding Mortar Make Sense
Around ironwork like manholes and catch basins, the right bedding and backfill products can prevent movement and premature cracking.
What to do:
Use bedding mortar for stable ironwork seating.
Use flowable backfill around frames and structures.
Choose set times that match your crew schedule and weather.
6. Use a System for Manhole Reinstatement
A system approach reduces guesswork and creates repeatable results. It is easier for crews and better for consistency.
What to do:
Standardize the steps for ironwork reinstatement.
Use compatible materials designed to work together.
Keep a simple checklist so the process stays consistent.
Final Notes
If you tell us the repair type, traffic level, and timeline, we can recommend the right pavement products for longer lasting results and less rework.
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