Asphalt is a cost-effective and long-lasting material. While regular maintenance will significantly extend the life of your driveway, eventually, your driveway will need some minor repairs. You may be able to handle simple repairs yourself if you catch the damage early, but it’s better to trust an experienced asphalt contractor if you have extensive damage. Common repairs include filling cracks and holes and fixing crumbling edges.
Here we provide advice for repairing common residential driveway issues yourself.
Don’t want to do it yourself? Get a free, no-commitment estimate from Premium Asphalt Paving & Sealcoating.
How to Fix Cracks
Asphalt cracks for many reasons including – heavy loads, shifting below the sub-base, vegetation growth through the asphalt, and freeze/thaw cycles.
Fortunately, you can fill cracks and help prevent your asphalt driveway from crumbling.
Here’s how:
1. Use a wire brush to clean out loose dirt and debris from each of the cracks.
2. Sweep away loose materials and completely clean out the cracks.
3. Thoroughly clean the crack and surrounding area – or the patch might not adhere properly and will wear away quickly.
4. Use a garden hose to clean off excess dirt and dust and scrub the asphalt with a cleaning agent to remove any grease or oil spills.
5. Apply crack sealer following the package directions.
You can find crack sealers at your local home improvement stores or on Amazon.
How to Fix Depressions
Depressions in asphalt can form where vehicles are parked in one place for an extended time or where the base/sub-base was incorrectly laid. Cold weather and water collecting in these depressions may cause them to worsen over time. Eventually, cracks will form in the depressions, water will penetrate, and the asphalt will weaken and begin to crumble.
Here’s how to repair depressions before they cause crumbling:
1. Clean the low areas in your asphalt thoroughly. Sweep dirt away, then clean oil and grease stains with a power washer and cleaning solution.
2. Make sure there’s no standing water left in the depression after you finish cleaning the area. The patching materials won’t stick to a wet or even damp surface.
3. Fill the depression with the asphalt patching material. Make sure you fill it to the level of the surrounding surface and spread it carefully. Use a metal tamper to compact and smooth it.
4. Fence off the patched areas to keep anyone from stepping or driving over them. It will take at least 24 hours for the patches to dry.
How to Fix Crumbling Asphalt
Crumbling asphalt occurs when a crack or depression isn’t repaired right away, and water penetrates the asphalt. When left for too long, asphalt cracks turn into crumbles – leaving you to deal with a big mess.
Here’s how to fix crumbling asphalt:
1. Use a wire brush to clear out the cracks.
2. Clean the pavement and remove the debris that’s crumbled away.
3. Add filler to the areas you cleaned out, including dips and potholes. Allow the filler to completely dry.
4. Spread a sealant to lock down the new asphalt.
Crumbling asphalt is usually a job for a professional paving crew because it’s not easy to patch and repair.
Don’t want to do it yourself? Contact Premium Asphalt Paving & Sealcoating!
Since your driveway is one of the first things visitors see, it’s an essential feature of your home’s curb appeal. So, of course, you want it to look well-maintained and make a great first impression. If your driveway is showing signs of deterioration, and you don’t want to make these repairs yourself – or if your driveway has extensive damage, contact us today.
At Premium Asphalt Paving & Sealcoating, we provide high-quality asphalt paving, repair, and maintenance to residential, commercial, and industrial clients in Bryan/College Station and the surrounding Brazos Valley.
