We’ve all driven over them—and winced at the bump. Potholes are a common part of life, especially after a rough winter or heavy rains. But while some look like harmless surface dips, others are quiet troublemakers just waiting to cost you big time. So how do you know if that pothole in your driveway or parking lot is just a cosmetic blemish—or the start of a serious problem?
At Patriot Pavements, we get this question all the time from property owners and facility managers. It’s easy to brush off a small pothole, but even a minor one can cause major issues if it’s left to grow. Knowing the signs of a deeper issue can help you avoid expensive repairs and keep your pavement in great shape for the long haul.
Size Isn’t Everything—But It Does Matter
It’s tempting to judge a pothole by its size alone, but that can be misleading. Sure, a gaping crater is obviously a problem. But even smaller holes—especially ones with ragged edges or crumbling pavement around them—can indicate a bigger issue underneath. Think of it like a cavity in your tooth: small hole, potentially deep damage.
Here are a few signs a pothole may be more serious than it looks:
- Jagged or widening edges: These suggest ongoing erosion and unstable pavement.
- Water pooling inside: Standing water can seep through to the sub-base, weakening the foundation.
- Softness around the hole: If the area gives under foot or tire pressure, there’s likely structural compromise below.
- Nearby cracks or multiple holes: When one pothole appears, others often follow—hinting at widespread deterioration.
If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to take action before the damage spreads.
Why Potholes Form—and Why They Don’t Fix Themselves
Most potholes start with moisture. Water works its way into tiny surface cracks, freezes, expands, and creates separation in the layers beneath. Then add heavy traffic, heat, or more rain, and that weakened spot collapses. Once a pothole forms, it doesn’t stay the same size—it grows. And as it grows, it invites more water, more stress, and more problems.
Ignoring a pothole not only risks the safety of vehicles and pedestrians, but it can also lead to damage deep within your pavement’s foundation. At that point, what could’ve been a quick repair becomes a full-depth patch or even complete resurfacing.
Fast Fixes Save You Big in the Long Run
Here’s the good news: catching a pothole early makes a huge difference. Prompt repair not only restores the surface, but also seals off the damaged area to prevent water infiltration. That means you’re not just fixing the problem—you’re stopping it from getting worse.
Whether you’re managing a commercial parking lot or taking care of your home driveway, the smartest move is getting a professional opinion before small damage becomes a major headache. Potholes won’t disappear on their own, but the sooner you deal with them, the cheaper and easier they are to fix.
Let’s get your pavement patched up the right way—before that little hole turns into a big problem. Contact us today!