Motorists are being warned of a growing number of potholes which have emerged on our road network after the recent heavy downpour.

Potholes are inevitable after periods of wet weather. They are caused by water seeping into the cracks of the road. This seepage slowly undermines the integrity of the road surface causing the surface to break up and potholes to occur.

Wet weather adversely affects pothole repair too! Hot mix asphalt (HMA) is difficult to lay in wet weather, the rain cools the mix too soon to finish compaction and this can cause premature failure. Furthermore the water will most likely soften the base, weakening its structure.

Traditional HMA and associated equipment is difficult to transport to remote sites too, especially in poor weather conditions. Although HMA is a popular method, cold mix asphalt is an effective alternative since it can be used all year round for pothole and patch repairs. It can also be delivered and applied in a broad range of environments, using minimal equipment.

Ultracrete's Permanent Pothole Repair, the first ever pothole repair material to receive HAPAS Approval is a flexible cold lay asphalt (macadam) that can be used in all weathers and is the ideal solution for the repair of potholes in roads, driveways and car parks. The product’s flexibility means it is compatible with the existing road surface ensuring a durable repair that removes the burden and expense of return visits. Permanent Pothole Repair comes in handy 25kg re-sealable tubs, eliminating waste and can be trafficked immediately.


Potholes aren't the only problem for motorists in the severe weather! The heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding has knocked many manhole covers loose and caused some of them to blow from the pressure of the water. And whilst the unusually heavy down pour has played a large part in their demise, poor installation and quality of bedding material is also to blame in some cases.

Ultracrete offers a fully BBA/HAPAS approved reinstatement system for the installation of all types of access covers including composite, ductile and cast iron. It comprises of a range of bedding mortars, back fill flowable concrete, cold lay asphalt and a bitumen seal and tack coat spray that meet and exceed the rigors of the HAPAS scheme.

Ultracrete's Envirobed HA104® high performance bedding mortar contains a special blend of cements, polymer graded aggregates and recycled glass and is particularly suitable for use in wet weather conditions. It achieves an impressive 51N/mm² compressive strength in just 3 hours too, providing significant resistance to the elements! Furthermore, installations made using Ultracrete’s reinstatement system are ready to receive traffic in little over an hour, great for sites that require a quick turnaround which is especially advantageous for those contractors working in severe weather conditions!

Ultracrete's fast track, weather proof repair products mean that work doesn’t stop just because poor weather conditions prevail. Moreover, their longevity offers a lasting solution and eliminates repeat visits, reducing maintenance costs, traffic management outlay and disruption to motorists.

What to know more? Call Ultracrete on 01827 871 871 or email: ultracrete@instarmac.co.uk