Common Asphalt & Bitumen Problems
What causes them and how to fix them
The most common asphalt and bitumen problems are cracks, potholes, crumbling edges, alligator cracking and sunken patches. Almost all of them start with water getting under the surface. Seal cracks while they’re small, patch holes with a dense cold mix, and rebuild the base wherever it has failed.
By the Permanent Pothole Solutions team · Updated 26 October 2026
Use the table below to match what you’re seeing to the right repair.
Problem, cause, fix
| Problem | Usual cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Single cracks | Ageing, movement, heat | Rubberised Crack Filler |
| Alligator cracking | Weak or wet base | Remove, rebuild base, patch |
| Potholes | Water and traffic | Asphalt in a Bag |
| Crumbling edges | No edge support | Patch and support the edge |
| Sunken patches | Settled base | Fill in compacted layers |
| Holes around pits | Water at the joint | Patch and seal the joint |
Fix the cause, not just the hole
Nearly every asphalt failure starts with water getting under the surface. Seal cracks while they’re small with Rubberised Crack Filler, repair broken areas with a dense, well-compacted patch, and rebuild the base wherever it has washed out.
Choosing the right gauge
| Mix | Compacted lift | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Gauge | 12.5–20mm | Shallow repairs and fine finishes (made to order) |
| 7 Gauge | 17.5–28mm | Driveways, footpaths, shallow potholes |
| 10 Gauge | 25–40mm | All-purpose pothole and road repairs |
| 14 Gauge | 35–56mm | Deeper potholes and heavy-duty repairs |
Coverage at a glance
- 15kg bag/bucket ≈ 0.13 m² at 50mm
- 20kg bag/bucket ≈ 0.17 m² at 50mm
- 1 tonne bulk bag ≈ 8.7 m² at 50mm
Need an exact number? Use the Asphalt Calculator.
Why Asphalt in a Bag
- Permanent. Expands and contracts with the road surface, so the patch moves with the pavement instead of breaking away.
- Cures on impact. Curing is activated by compaction — tamp it or roll it and it sets.
- Bonds to anything. Adheres to asphalt, concrete, steel and even wood.
- Any weather. Apply from -26°C to 49°C, in rain, or straight into a pothole full of water.
- No tack coat. No pre-coating or priming. Open, pour, compact.
- Traffic-ready. Application is up to five times faster, and it can take traffic immediately.
Related
Common Asphalt & Bitumen Problems FAQs
Can I fix cracks and potholes with the same product?
What if the base underneath has failed?
Why do potholes keep coming back?
Fix it once.
Fix it permanently.
Talk to our team about Asphalt in a Bag, Rubberised Crack Filler and bulk supply.