Asphalt Repair and Crack Filling
Over time, every asphalt driveway will start to develop cracks and pits. Here are a few handy tips on how to fight back and perform asphalt patching.
DIY Driveway Repair: Fix Driveway Cracks
In colder climates, it is not uncommon for the water to seep in and destroy asphalt when it expands during freezing. If you plan on top coating your driveway, you will need to fix the cracked driveway and carry out the asphalt repair later.
You can buy a squeeze bottle and caulk tube crack filler product from any home center. They are quick and easy to apply. However, they do shrink and crack and do not last for very long, but there is another way to fill asphalt cracks, you can use a melt-in filler that doesn’t shrink. It is the same type used by highway crews. The melt-in material and cover mix will cost you around $100 for a standard driveway.
It will take almost a full day to repair multiple cracks if they are 20 ft. long or so, but the asphalt repair work will last longer than other quick fixes. In addition to this method, you will also need a propane torch with an extension hose and a leaf blower or compressed air gun. Using an angle grinder that has been fitted with a diamond wheel to widen hairline cracks is also recommended.
Check the weather and prep the cracks
Choose a sunny day with no rain in the forecast for at least 24 hours. Begin by rolling the driveway crack filler rope onto a section of the driveway to encourage it to warm and soften up. While it is warming, remove any dirt, weeds, and old driveway crack filler. Scrape out the old material, which sadly can be a painstaking process. However, it is critical to producing a successful repair. Never skip it or take shortcuts, like cleaning and filling hairline cracks is more time-consuming for asphalt repair, but when this is not done, the fix won’t last unless you widen them with an angle grinder and diamond wheel. Once you are finished digging out all the cracks, blow the remaining dust and debris out using a leaf blower or compressed air gun.
If you would like information about our Town and Country Paving asphalt patching services and products, and you live in or around the Perris, CA area, please do not hesitate to call us at (951) 442-7176 anytime.