Asphalt Driveway Repair Tips

A properly installed asphalt driveway can last for around twenty years and is considered to be the best for regions with cold climates. These smooth, black driveways may develop problems, unless maintained regularly. These problems can be caused by heat, ultraviolet rays, oil, grease, gas or salt. The driveway may develop cracks, holes or depressions, which allow the entry of water and eventually lead to corrosion and damage. If the driveway is worn out to a very large extent, it is better to opt for an asphalt resurfacing job. Otherwise you can fix these problems by undertaking some repair work.

How to Repair an Asphalt Driveway?

The most common problems associated with asphalt driveways are cracks, holes and depressions. Weeds may also grow from the cracks, which have to be destroyed to prevent further growth. Even though these problems sounds similar, the repairing techniques and methods differ. The following are some guidelines regarding asphalt driveway repair.

• It is always better to conduct asphalt driveway repair during warm weather. Warm climates makes the asphalt slightly pliable and it is easy to work with.
• In case of cracks or holes, you have to check for any weed growth. If there are any weeds present, pull them out and remove any loose particles inside. Now clean the cracks or holes with a water hose to get rid of any debris.
• Experts recommend the priming of all cracks and holes with liquid asphalt coating. This compound, otherwise known as 'driveway coating', helps in securing a bond between the patch and the driveway.
• You can also apply weed killers to rule out the possibility of the emergence of weeds.
• Cracks can be repaired with rubberized asphalt fillers, which are easily available in hardware stores. You have to fill it in a caulk gun, which is perfect for the proper dispensation of the asphalt filler.
• If the crack is ¼ inch deep, then fill it with rubberized asphalt filler. But in case the cracks are deeper than ¼ inch, then use sand to fill it up to that depth. For instance, if the crack is three inches deep, fill sand up to 2 ¾ inches (of the crack), and then apply the rubberized asphalt filler on top.
• Cracks with a width of more than ½ inch are classified as holes and are repaired accordingly. In case of holes, standard cold-press compounds are used to fill them. This compound is also available in hardware stores. Fill the holes and press and tamp it.
• Unlike cracks and holes, depressions create uneven areas in the driveway. These depressions, mostly caused by settling, can be repaired only if they are less than one inch in depth. Clean the depressions and prime with driveway coating. Now, you have to fill these depressions with cold-patch asphalt and level the area by driving your vehicle over the depression.
• Once the cracks, holes and depressions are repaired, you can use asphalt paving sealers over the area. While cracks can be sealed right after the repair job, depressions need at least one day. The time limit for holes is around 12 to 40 hours. It is advisable to apply the sealant over the entire driveway after five days of applying sealant to the holes and cracks. However, the time limits may change with different brand of sealants. So it will be better to follow the instructions provided on the label given by the manufacturer.

It is very easy to repair an asphalt driveway, provided the problems are minimum. If the driveway is damaged completely, it is better to approach professionals for such home improvement jobs. Otherwise, you can undertake the task, as regular maintenance can make your asphalt driveway more durable and long lasting.