Useful Repair Tips for an Asphalt Driveway

However, such driveways may develop problems, unless maintained regularly. They may develop cracks, holes or depressions, which allow entry of water; that may result in corrosion and damage. If a major part of the driveway is worn out, it is better to opt for an asphalt resurfacing job. Otherwise, you can fix these problems by undertaking some repair work. 

The most common problems associated with an asphalt driveway are cracks, holes and depressions. Weeds may also grow from the cracks. They have to be removed to prevent further damage to the driveway. Repairing techniques may vary with the type of damage. Here are some guidelines to repair an asphalt driveway on your own.

● It is advisable to repair an asphalt driveway during warm weather. The asphalt becomes slightly pliable and elastic due to the warmth, and this makes it easy to repair.

● In case of cracks or holes, you have to check for weed growth. Weeds have to be removed, along with the loose particles inside. Clean the cracks or holes with a water hose, to get rid of any debris.

● Experts recommend priming of all cracks and holes with liquid asphalt coating. Otherwise known as 'driveway coating', this compound helps in securing a bond between the patch and the driveway.

● You can also apply weed killers to prevent regrowth 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 proper dispensation of the asphalt filler.

● If the crack is ¼-inch deep, fill it with rubberized asphalt filler. If the cracks are deeper, use sand to fill the extra depth. For instance, if the crack is three inches deep, fill sand up to 2¾ inches (of the crack), and apply the rubberized asphalt filler on top.

● Cracks with a width of more than half an inch are classified as holes and are repaired accordingly. In case of holes, standard cold-press compounds are used for filling. This compound is also available in hardware stores. Fill the holes and press and tamp properly.

● 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. 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 a day. The time limit for holes is around 12 to 40 hours. Once the sealant is applied over the cracks, holes and depressions, wait for five days.

After that, apply the sealant over the entire driveway. However, these time limits may change with different brand of sealants. So it will be better to follow the instructions 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 hire professionals for repair. Otherwise, you can undertake the task, as regular maintenance can make your asphalt driveway more durable and long-lasting.