Caring for cracks or holes in your asphalt driveway

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Cracks and holes in your asphalt driveway are unsightly and can become large problems if the problem is not corrected quickly. The time it takes to actually repair small cracks and holes is well worth the effort, if the problem is allowed to progress into large holes and cracks, it will become more difficult to deal with and will cost you alot more.
Here is how to deal with those small cracks in your asphalt driveway.

step one: Sweep the crack and the area around it to remove all pebbles and other forms of debris.

step two:Clean any gravel or organic matter from the inside of the crack itsself. Weeds and grasses must be removed, root and all or else the root will allow the weed or grass to regenerate causing the crack to reform again.

step three: Once you have the area cleaned, use a caulking gun to fill in the cracks with a high quality asphalt patching compound.

step four: The use of a trowel to press the patching compound into the crack to ensure a smooth surface, and be sure to check for any types of debris you may have missed and remove it before the patching begins to dry.

step five: Using a paint roller or a bruch, apply a coat of asphalt sealer to the newly patched crack and the surrounding area of the crack, to create a waterproof seal and this will help bond the crack with the surface.


Reparing Holes in your asphalt driveway

step one: Sweep the area to remove pebbles and other organic debris.

step two: Remove any dirt, gravel fragments, rocks or any organic matter from with in the hole itself.

step three: If you notice any small loose sections of asphalt around the edges of the hole, carefully remove them. The area around the hole must be clean and firm or the patch will not proberly bond.

step four: If the hole you are preparing to fill is deep, you will need to fill the bottem with coarse gravel. Stopping when the hole is halfway filled or is about 3 to 4 inches from the rim of crack.

step five: Add asphalt til the level is one inch from the rim of crack.

step six: Using a small shovel or even a trowel, jab the newly poured asphalt to remove any air pockets which may have formed during the filling profess. Air pockets if left will allow moisture to collect. In the winter months it will freeze and cause the asphalt to crack and expand creating even larger problems.

step seven: Using a tamper or even a long section of a 4X4. Tamp down the asphalt to compact the asphalt and ensure fewer air pockets.

step eight: Fill the hole with asphalt until it is about one half of an inch from the rim of the hole.

step nine: Tramp the asphalt until it is even and smooth with the rest of the surface. The longer piece of 4X4 you use the heavier it will be, the heavier it is the better compression you will get out of it.

step ten: Add a thin layer of sand over the top of the patch, this will help prevent debris from sticking to the newly patched asphalt.

step eleven: Either drive your car wheel over the hole or use a lawn roller to ensure that the patch is completely level, a lawn roller is better to use but your car wheel is useable. This will also make sure all air has been removed.

step twelve: Using a paint roller or a brush, apply a layer of sealer for asphalt over the entire area. Concentrating on the patched area. Allow it to set undisturbed for at least one day, two days is even better.

step thirteen: When the sealer is completely set apply another coat to the same area and allow it to set for another one or two days.

Once you have tackeled all of the cracks and holes in your drive way apply sealer to the entire surface to seal it and help prevent any new cracks or holes from forming.
Adding a sealer to the entire driveway will help maintain the integrity of the asphalt. It is a good idea to treat your driveway every year or two to help extend the live of the driveway even to the point of beyond the normal lifespan.
A well maintained and beautiful drive way will add to the surrounding beauty of your home, cutting a graceful path through the landscape of your yard to your home. You will be the envy of the neighborhood by showing off your perfect driveway and the added curb appeal it adds to your home.