Do Potholes Always Require Full-Depth Repair?

Potholes are a common frustration for drivers and property owners alike. Not only do they pose a safety risk, but they can also lead to greater deterioration of roads and driveways if left untreated. But do all potholes demand a full-depth repair to be fixed properly? At Bannockburn Road Tech in Bannockburn, VIC, we often assess this question when advising clients on the best course of action.

Understanding the structure of the pavement and the extent of the damage is key to deciding whether a full-depth repair is necessary—or whether a more targeted, cost-effective fix will do the job.

What Is a Full-Depth Repair?

A full-depth repair involves completely removing the damaged section of the pavement, including all layers of asphalt and base, and then rebuilding it from the ground up. It is the most comprehensive form of pothole repair and is typically used when the underlying base has been compromised.

This type of repair restores the structural integrity of the surface, ensuring a long-lasting result in high-traffic or load-bearing areas.

When Is Full-Depth Repair Necessary?

Not all potholes are created equal. Several factors determine whether a full-depth repair is the right solution:

Depth and Size of the Pothole

• Deep or wide potholes often signal damage that extends beyond the surface layer.
  
• If water has penetrated the base layers and caused erosion, resurfacing alone will not resolve the issue.
  

Evidence of Base Failure

• Signs of base failure include:
  
  • Cracking around the pothole
    
  • Sinking or movement under pressure
    
  • Recurrent damage in the same spot
    

In these cases, a full-depth repair ensures the problem is addressed at its root, rather than simply covering up symptoms.

High-Traffic Areas

• Areas that carry frequent or heavy loads—such as driveways used by trucks, agricultural equipment, or multiple vehicles—may benefit more from full-depth repair to handle the stress long-term.
  

When Surface Patching Is Enough

For smaller potholes where the base remains intact, surface patching or shallow-depth repairs may be appropriate.

These approaches include:

• Cold patching – A quick fix suitable for low-traffic areas or temporary repairs.
  
• Spray injection – A semi-permanent fix where bitumen and aggregate are sprayed into the pothole.
  
• Surface overlays – Applying a new asphalt layer to reinforce the surface without removing the base.
  

These methods are faster and more cost-effective, but they’re best suited to isolated potholes with no underlying structural issues.

The Risk of Ignoring Structural Damage

Attempting to save costs by applying a surface patch to a pothole with base damage can result in:

• Faster reappearance of the problem
  
• Water ingress worsening the sub-base
  
• Increased repair costs down the track
  

That’s why professional assessment is vital. At Bannockburn Road Tech, our team in Bannockburn evaluates every pothole thoroughly to determine the most appropriate repair method—ensuring safety, durability, and cost-efficiency.

Conclusion

Potholes don’t always require full-depth repair—but when they do, skipping this step can result in short-term fixes and long-term headaches. Understanding the cause and extent of the damage is crucial in choosing the right repair method.

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