An asphalt driveway is a popular choice for homeowners. It provides a smooth, sleek finish that enhances the curb appeal of any home. It’s also known for its resilience against various weather conditions, offering a long-lasting solution compared to other materials. Additionally, asphalt driveways are relatively easy and cost-effective to install.
However, regular repairs and maintenance are essential to maintaining an asphalt driveway’s longevity and appearance. Over time, factors like heavy traffic, weather fluctuations, and natural wear and tear can cause cracks, potholes, and other damage. Addressing these issues promptly through proper repair techniques ensures the driveway remains in good condition.
Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to repairing your asphalt driveway:
Step 1: Determine The Damage
The first step in repairing asphalt driveways is knowing what you will fix. This will help you decide whether to fill cracks and apply a seal coat only, which isn’t necessarily a repair but a simple preventative maintenance task, or make initial repairs.
In most cases, there’s NO NEED TO FIX if your driveway only has:
- Sealant peeling in small areas
- Discolouration from black to grey
- Light pitting
- Oil stains
- Hairline cracks
These are normal conditions when asphalt driveways age. In contrast, what needs initial repairs are:
- Potholes, which are holes in the driveways caused by missing pieces of asphalt;
- Alligator/Spider Web Cracks, which are cracks on the driveways that resemble the scales of an alligator or spider web, hence the name, and
- Sink Holes, which are deep holes in driveways that vary in size. Those that are 1-2 inches deep are called bird baths because they can collect rainwater and let small birds bathe or play in them. They’re often caused by damaged constructed base (foundation) due to high traffic, degradation, heat from the sun, cold climates, or poor construction.
Can they be DIYed?
These asphalt repairs can be DIYed, but it’s important to plan ahead and time it well. Consider the weather. Just sealing an asphalt driveway requires at least two days of dry weather but not on scorching hot days, which may cause the sealer to dry too fast and not cure. Ideally, the weather must not be rainy and too hot, and it should be over 10°C or 50°F during application and throughout the night.
Step 2: Prepare The Driveway For Repairs
Whether you DIY or hire a professional, you need to prepare the driveway for the repairs. Simply clean the affected repair area thoroughly, making sure it’s free of dust, debris, vegetation, water, or any other substances that could prevent the repair materials from adhering properly to the existing asphalt. This is particularly crucial for alligator asphalt.
For removing dirt and dust:
- Method 1: Sweep the repair area with a stiff-bristled broom. Any broom will do, but a stiff-bristled one is preferable.
- Method 2: Use water from a hose or pressure washer, ensuring the area is completely dry before repairs. Ideal for hot summer days; wait 24 hours before applying material.
- Method 3: Use a backpack or push blower. If needed, loosen the dirt with a stiff-bristled broom before blowing.
For removing vegetation:
- Method 1: Use a triangle-shaped gardening hoe to remove vegetation from cracks. A heavy-duty steel hoe is recommended.
- Method 2: Use a propane-fueled crack torch to burn off vegetation, dry wet spots, or melt snow. Optional but effective for large areas or persistent vegetation.
Step 3: Start Repairing
Repairing an asphalt driveway requires different materials and processes depending on the type and extent of the damage. If you’re unsure about the best approach for your situation but want to DIY, it’s always wise to seek professional advice.
- For Pothole Repairs in Driveway Asphalt
- Assessment: Check for missing chunks of asphalt or holes at least 1/2″ deep.
- Materials Needed:
- Pothole patch
- Asphalt tamper or vibratory plate compactor
- Repair Process:
- Clean the pothole area thoroughly.
- If deeper than the asphalt layer, fill with sand/gravel to 4-5″ depth.
- Heat surrounding asphalt with a torch if available.
- Pour a cold patch into the hole, overfilling by 1-2″.
- Compact with a tamper or vibratory compactor.
- Repeat until level with the surrounding area.
- Alligator Asphalt Driveway Repair
- Assessment: Look for tiny cracks forming squares or spider web patterns.
- Materials Needed:
- Alligator patch material
- Sealcoat sealer
- Asphalt brush or squeegee
- Repair Process:
- Spread the alligator patch over cracks using a squeegee.
- Apply a seal coat after the patch dries.
- Bird Bath and Sink Hole Repairs
- For bird baths:
- Use an alligator patch for depressions 1-2 inches deep.
- Layer patch until level and seal coat.
- For sinkholes:
- For deeper than 2″, use a pothole patch.
- Compact with vibratory plate compactor.
- For severe cases, cut out bad asphalt, rebuild the base, and fill.
When to Seek Professionals?
Seek professional help if the holes are “over” two feet by two feet (2” x 2”) and multiple; it’s highly recommended that you call a professional. This repair may require much work with specialized asphalt equipment for a long time. Calling professionals will be more affordable than purchasing the things you need.
It’s also advised to seek professional help if the asphalt severely crumbles on the edges. This damage is tricky and complicated to repair since the asphalt edge will continue to crumble while being fixed. Unless you have the background to fix such repairs and the right equipment, never DIY such damage to avoid costly mistakes.
Final Thoughts
Repairing an asphalt driveway can be a manageable DIY project, but it requires understanding the type and extent of the damage to choose the appropriate materials and methods. Overall, never DIY asphalt driveway if you don’t like a knowledge-based, dirty, time-consuming, physically taxing, and dangerous job.
Source: engineeringcivil
