The September 1995 Asphalt Contractor enumerated six steps to effective pothole patching. Below is an outline of the steps listed in the article. Depending on the class of highway, crews need the protection of correct signing, flaggers, or other traffic control. Mark the area to remove.
Crews use paint or chalk to mark a straight-sided rectangle or polygon.
Lines should delineate the inclusion of at least a foot of sound pavement surrounding the pothole. Prepare the pothole. Remove damaged material to reach a firm base and make certain the remaining material is sound and free of cracks. Apply tack to sides and bottom. Immediately before filling, the crew hot mops, pours, or sprays a tack coat onto the sides and bottom of the pothole.