Patching - Patching is probably the most widespread method of repair in highway, street and parking lot maintenance. All pavements require patching at one time or another. If holes do not occur from natural causes, man-made service cuts and trenches produce them. Defects vary from cracked areas and shallow abrasions to deep holes. Patching requires skill and close supervision. Prompt repair of small breaks will help keep down expenditures because once an area is broken and water enters the subgrade, a large failure will result.