If you have an asphalt surface, such as an asphalt driveway or parking lot, a pothole is something that is common and that you may be bound to see at some point in time. When the pothole first appears, you may look at it and wonder if it really needs to be filled right away or if you can leave it until it is convenient for you to deal with. Potholes should always be repaired as quickly as possible. Here are a few of the benefits to patching them up quickly. 

Minimizes the Damage the Pothole Can Cause

One of the reasons you will want to have the pothole filled in as quickly as possible is because it helps to minimize the damage that the pothole can cause. A small pothole can grow quickly. If water gets in the hole, the edges of the pothole can begin to erode away and weather can cause the asphalt to crack and crumble, causing the hole to grow in size. Taking care of the pothole early on helps to ensure it does not grow larger or cause more extensive damage. 

Helps to Keep Maintenance Costs at a Minimum

Another benefit to having a pothole filled in right away is that it helps to minimize your maintenance costs. If potholes are caught early enough, they can simply be filled in with asphalt and then smoothed over. However, if the pothole gets large, a simple fill may not be an option. Parts of your asphalt surface may need to be removed and completely replaced due to the size of the pothole and the damage that it caused to the surrounding parts of your asphalt. This takes more time and is more costly. 

Prevents You From Being Exposed to a Lawsuit

The last reason you want to have a pothole filled in as quickly as possible is because it helps to minimize your risk for a lawsuit. If someone is walking on your asphalt surface and they trip over the pothole, you can be held responsible for their injuries. You are required to maintain your property and having potholes in an asphalt surface is not properly maintaining it. When you fill in the hole quickly, you help ensure no one gets hurt and you don't find yourself being served with a lawsuit. 

If you have a pothole in your asphalt surface, contact an asphalt professional today or visit a site like http://www.deluxeblacktop.net/. Professionals can take a look at the pothole and your entire asphalt surface and advise on the best way to repair the pothole. In most cases, the pothole can simply be filled in and then leveled, helping to give you an even asphalt surface once again.