You love your durable asphalt driveway! But no material is immune to the wear and tear from weather, daily use, and perhaps even improper maintenance. Asphalt driveway repairs are inevitable, and in the article we will give you some tips on how you can perform some of those repairs yourself. These are our top repair tips for asphalt driveways!
CHECK THE WEATHER FIRST
Notice damage in the winter? Add repairs to your to-do list for the spring! Repairs should only be performed on days with hot, dry weather. Rainfall will prevent sealing, and cooler temperatures will prevent a good bond from forming.
WORK WITH A CLEAN SURFACE
Before beginning any sort of maintenance, make sure the surface of your asphalt driveway is clean. Sweep the area to remove any loose gravel or asphalt, and spray lightly with a hose to get rid of any particles the broom may have missed.
DETERMINE THE EXTENT OF THE DAMAGE
The size of the crack will determine what sort of product you will need to use to repair it. Crack-filler is applied with a caulking gun, and is perfect for cracks under a 1/2″ wide. Wider cracks should be filled using asphalt cold patch products, and deep cracks or holes should be filled with sand or gravel to ensure a better repair.
SEAL OFF THE AREA
Whether you are repairing a crack or patching a hole, you will need to apply a sealer to the area afterwards. Our experts recommend applying at least two coats of a good quality sealer to truly ensure a good bond, and prevent moisture from entering the area.
BONUS TIP: TAMP, TAMP, TAMP
Don’t forget to tamp down on the asphalt patch at least twice during the filling process. Tamping uses pressure to eliminate air bubbles and form a tighter bond. You can use a 4×4, tamping tool, or even your car.
When you follow our top asphalt driveway repair tips, your driveway will be looking sparkling new again! Facing a larger repair job? Contact our experts at 416-701-1881 for your asphalt driveway needs today!
