First of all, you’re not alone when it comes to this problem. In fact, there are about 500,000 insurance claims filed each year because of potholes and we want to keep you off that list. Whether you’re dealing with a concrete or asphalt pothole, the most critical step is squaring off the edges before pouring the repair material. If the edges aren’t properly prepared, it’s likely that over time the repair material will become dislodged due to vehicle traffic and you’re back at square one. The following instructions for repairing concrete and asphalt potholes should help you successful address the problem.

Repairing Concrete Potholes

• Square the pothole edges as much as possible using a chisel, hammer and shovel.
• Mix the QUIKRETE Concrete Mix as directed on the package.
• Remove any debris from the pothole and apply concrete bonding adhesive with a brush.
• Pour the concrete mix into the hole about 2 to 3 inches above the surrounding concrete.
• Pull a 2 x 4 over the surface in a sawing motion before using a float to smooth surface.
• Texture the surface with a stiff-bristled brush or broom.
• Allow pothole repair to set for 24 hours before driving on surface.

Repairing Asphalt Potholes (How-To Video)

• Square the pothole edges as much as possible using a chisel, hammer and shovel.
• Pour QUIKRETE Blacktop Repair into the hole about 2 to 3 inches above the surrounding asphalt.
• Consolidate and compact the blacktop repair with a tamper until a firm surface is achieved.
• A trick to further compact the repair material is to place a piece of plywood over the patch and slowly drive back-and-forth over the plywood in a vehicle several times.