There are a few things you should keep in mind when repairing asphalt. Consider what caused the asphalt's demise first. Water corrosion and UV radiation are the two most common factors in asphalt deterioration. As a result of ultraviolet radiation breaking down the asphaltic substance, cracks develop in asphalt. Water pours into the asphalt cracks, soaking the sub-foundation material and washing it away. When the base material beneath the asphalt is washed away, the asphalt may continue to deteriorate and eventually turn into a pothole. Before repairing a pothole that has already been created, the base underneath it must be corrected.