3 DIY Tips for Fixing Your Asphalt Driveway

Asphalt is a cost-effective and long-lasting material that is mostly used in driveways and roads. However, even the most durable materials can still collapse and deteriorate after years of use. No one wants to see or experience potholes when driving, so if you notice your driveway’s starting to fall apart, it’s time to patch it up again. If there are only a few cracks and minor problems, a few DIY fixes should do it. If you’re wondering how exactly asphalt companies fix an asphalt driveway, here’s our recommendation.

Fixing Small Cracks

Cracks are perhaps the easiest to fix on asphalt pavements. These usually occur due to heavy loads or if there is some vegetation growing through the pavement. Fortunately, you can easily fill cracks using this method:

1. Use a wire brush to clean out loose dirt and debris from the cracks.
2. Make sure no loose material is left by sweeping them off.
3. Thoroughly clean the crack and its surrounding area. Leaving it dusty and full of debris may prevent the patch from adhering properly.
4. Use a garden hose to clean off the excess dirt and dust in the area. You can also scrub the asphalt with a cleaning agent to remove any grease and spills.
5. Apply a crack sealer. Crack sealers are easy enough to use and can be bought from your local home improvement store.

Fixing Depressions

Depressions are an entirely different problem to fix. They usually form where vehicles are parked in one place for an extended period of time or where the base/sub-base was incorrectly laid. Eventually, cracks will form in the depressions and water will start to penetrate. This, combined with rain and cold weather, weakens that asphalt and making it crumble. Repairing depressions require some effort, like:

1. Cleaning the areas in your asphalt thoroughly. Same with fixing cracks, you need to sweep all the dirt away then clean grease or stains with a cleaning solution.
2. Make sure the surface is clean and dry and there is no standing water left in the depression.
3. Fill the depression with asphalt patching material up to the level of the surrounding surface. Make sure to spread it carefully. Use a metal tamper to compact and smooth it.
4. Fence off the patched areas to keep anyone from stepping on it until it completely dries after 24 hours.

Fixing Crumbling Asphalt

Now if you leave the depressions and cracks alone, it will lead to the asphalt crumbling. As soon as water is able to penetrate through the cracks, your asphalt will slowly crumble and disintegrate. You’re probably better off having a contractor add a new layer of asphalt driveway installation. However, it can still be fixed if you want to do it yourself. To prevent all of that mess, you should try to patch up all cracks and depressions and try performing this method:

1. Use a wire brush to clear out the cracks.
2. Clean the pavement to remove the debris that’s crumbled away. Make sure everything is dry and cleaned out.
3. Add filler to the areas with cracks and depressions, including dips and potholes. Allow the filler to dry completely before letting anyone step on it.
4. Spread a sealant to lock down the new asphalt.

Conclusion

Having an even driveway with no potholes and cracks should be a priority if you want your property to look presentable. Imagine having to drive through a rocky pavement that could cause some damage to your car’s suspension. Don’t let your asphalt pavement disintegrate in front of you. You need to repair it right away or have professional asphalt contractors in Edmonton do it for you.

W&W Construction is a full-service paving contractor in Edmonton offering asphalt sealing, paving, and roadway services to residential and commercial clients. For several years, our experienced pavement specialists have helped clients stabilize and repair their roads, driveways, and sidewalks with ease. Contact us today if you need an asphalt driveway installation in your area.