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Nowadays, it seems like there is a DIY guide for just about everything – even pothole repair. But, realistically speaking, is DIY pothole repair even a viable option?
In 2020 alone, there were approximately 276 million registered motor vehicles in the United States. With that many vehicles and traffic the way it is today, it is almost a miracle that the country’s roads, parking lots, and driveways manage to stay intact. Of course, these places are not immune to damage, and potholes will form every now and then.
When potholes appear, it is best to address them as soon as possible. Otherwise, these potholes can grow and start to affect the surrounding surface. This will eventually lead to premature wear and tear, even requiring the need for full repaving.
Other than long-term damage and costs, potholes can also have other unfavorable effects, particularly on commercial properties. Potholes are unattractive, and they can give a bad first impression to customers. Workers also tend to feel demotivated when working in a poorly maintained environment.
Additionally, potholes can cause costly damage to vehicles. This will undoubtedly put drivers off. If they do run over a pothole and suffer damage – or, worse yet, personal injury – they might take legal action.
All in all, it is easy to see why pothole repair is necessary. In this day and age, though, many property owners feel inclined to do DIY asphalt repair, believing it will save them money. But, pothole repair is more complex than you might think. As such, it is important to think twice before you try to fix potholes yourself.
If you’re still unconvinced, here are the disadvantages of DIY pothole repair.
Pothole repair is not as forgiving as other projects, such as painting your house or starting a home garden. There is more room for error for these things, whereas pothole repair only provides a fraction. If you mess up painting your house, you can always redo the entire thing without wasting too many resources.
A DIY approach to pothole filling is more prone to mistakes. This primarily stems from a lack of experience or knowledge. You have to know what materials to use and how to use them. There are also other considerations, such as the temperature or weather, curing periods, and the condition of the surface material.
Professionals know how to patch potholes effectively and efficiently. As such, when it comes to repairing potholes, it is always best to leave it in the hands of a trained and experienced technician.
Professionals not only know how to fix a pothole, but they also have access to the right tools and equipment. Unlike other maintenance or repair projects, you need more than just a hammer and nails to get the job done.
Depending on the size of the pothole, you will likely require commercial-grade equipment. You will also need the correct asphalt or concrete mix, plus a possible sealant for added protection. Sure, you might be able to buy or rent the things you think you need, but hiring a professional is always better than going to a local home improvement store.
If you want to fill a pothole properly, you need the right resources, not to mention the knowledge on how to use them. For larger potholes, you may need a road roller, and not everyone knows how to drive this. There are also safety considerations you must take into account.
Even if you know how to repair a pothole, it is a process that takes up a lot of time. Imagine having to devote an entire workday or weekend to something that you can outsource. Sure, you might have in-house maintenance personnel that you can put to work. But, there is no guarantee that they know what they are doing either.
Professional technicians already know the ins and outs of pothole repair. They can come in and finish the job in far less time than you can. Companies already have a system in place that ensures efficiency.
Moreover, most companies offer their services even outside of normal working hours. This allows you to operate your business with minimal to no interruption. You can have professionals fix the pothole in the evening and be ready for use once it is time to open up again. That means no lost dollars.
A major reason why a lot of people opt for DIY driveway repair is cost. People tend to think that repairing potholes themselves will save them money. In truth, it is actually more expensive if you look at it from a larger perspective.
There are several costs associated with repairing potholes yourself. These include the cost of materials, tools or equipment, and labor. You also have to factor in the cost of any errors you make along the way. If you make a mistake and have to redo it, that’s an added expense. If you botch the entire thing, you will incur even more costs.
In comparison, professionals tend to get it right the first time. They are less likely to make mistakes because they have been doing this for so long. Companies also have access to materials and equipment that they purchase in bulk, thus bringing down the overall cost.
If nothing else, you should reconsider repairing potholes yourself because of safety reasons. Some pothole fillers are applied at astoundingly high temperatures that you might end up burning yourself or others if you don’t know what you’re doing. Handling equipment also carries certain safety risks.
When you hire professionals, though, there is a significantly lower chance of injury. Professionals are trained in their craft and wear all the right protective gear. This clearly makes them the best option.
There is a common misconception that taking a DIY approach to pothole repair is the better alternative. But, when you look at the big picture, there are more disadvantages than benefits. Thus, the short answer is that it is not a good idea to repair potholes yourself.
Pothole Repair Carolinas is the leading pothole repair company in North and South Carolina. We serve both commercial and residential properties. Call us today at 704-227-0468 or contact us online to get started!
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