Why Asphalt Potholes Happen in Texas — and How to Prevent Them
Understanding Asphalt Potholes in Texas
If you own or manage a commercial property in Texas, you’ve likely seen your fair share of potholes. They’re unsightly, unsafe, and can lead to more extensive (and expensive) damage if left unaddressed. But what exactly causes potholes to form in Texas — and what can you do to prevent them?
Let’s break it down.
What Causes Potholes in Texas?
While Texas may not deal with the extreme freeze-thaw cycles of northern states, our climate still plays a major role in asphalt deterioration.
1. Moisture Penetration
Water is asphalt’s worst enemy. Rainwater seeps into small cracks in the pavement, weakening the base layer. Over time, the trapped water erodes the sub-surface, leading to collapses and pothole formation.
2. Hot Texas Summers
Intense heat causes asphalt to expand and soften, making it more vulnerable to pressure from heavy vehicles. This stress weakens the pavement, causing cracks that eventually evolve into potholes.
3. Heavy Vehicle Traffic
Commercial parking lots and roadways experience constant pressure from cars, trucks, and delivery vehicles. Repeated stress in specific areas can compress the base layer, leading to dips and fractures.
4. Neglected Maintenance
Small cracks that aren’t repaired early will grow larger. Without routine crack sealing or sealcoating, potholes are almost guaranteed to develop.
Why Potholes Are a Problem for Texas Property Owners
Safety hazard – They can cause trips, falls, or vehicle damage.
Liability risk – Property owners can be held responsible for accidents.
Bad curb appeal – Potholes make your business look poorly maintained.
Further structural damage – The longer you wait, the deeper the damage goes.
How to Prevent Asphalt Potholes in Texas
The best defense against potholes is proactive maintenance. Here’s what we recommend:
1. Routine Inspections
Walk your parking lot regularly. Look for early signs of cracks, pooling water, or weak spots.
2. Crack Sealing
Sealing cracks early prevents water from getting into the asphalt base and causing deeper damage.
3. Sealcoating
A fresh coat of sealant every 2–3 years acts like sunscreen for your asphalt—protecting it from UV rays, moisture, and oxidation.
4. Prompt Repairs
If a pothole has already formed, don’t wait. Filling and patching the area quickly will prevent the damage from spreading.
5. Proper Drainage
Ensure your property has clear, functional drainage systems to keep water from pooling on your pavement.
North Texas Line Striping: Your Local Asphalt Experts
At North Texas Line Striping, we offer:
Pothole repair & patching
Asphalt crack repair
Sealcoating services
Parking lot maintenance plans
We proudly serve Tarrant, Parker, Johnson, Hood, Erath, and surrounding counties—helping business owners extend the life of their asphalt and maintain a clean, safe, and professional appearance.
Get a Free Asphalt Assessment
Worried about potholes in your parking lot or driveway?
We're local. We’re experienced. We’re here to help.
Contact North Texas Line Striping today for a free inspection and quote.