These days, asphalt driveways can last up to 20-25 years. However, their lifespan can also be cut short by a variety of factors, such as:
- High temperatures
- Excess moisture
- Oil and fuel damage
- Heavy traffic
Proper asphalt maintenance can help minimize some of these factors, but it can’t completely prevent them. Over time, every driveway will develop cracks. At that point, it’s important to react quickly and fix the issue before it gets worse.
Not sure where to start? Here’s a quick guide on asphalt patching and how to do it right the first time!
Does Your Driveway Need Patching?
There are several obvious signs that you’ll need to repair your driveway. These include:
- Deep pits
- Large holes
- Cracks wider than 1/4-inch
- Rough and crumbling surface
However, some asphalt conditions are simply signs of aging and don’t require repairs. Common examples include:
- Oil stains
- Hairline cracks
- Slight changes in color
- Sealant peeling in small areas
When to Repair an Asphalt Driveway
As mentioned, the best time to repair an asphalt driveway is as soon as possible. Doing so will stop your driveway from deteriorating and forcing you to spend $4,200-$9,000 to replace it. Plus, you’ll prevent potential accidents.
That said, you should avoid patching your driveway in extreme weather conditions. Sure, hot weather will help you pour the crack filler more easily. However, it will also keep the filler viscous for a long time before it cures.
Cold weather has the opposite effect on pavement repair strategies, as the filler won’t pour freely. In cold seasons, store the patch filler in warm conditions and only move it outside once you need it.
What You’ll Need for Repairs
Here are all the tools and materials you may need for asphalt surface care:
- Driveway sealant
- Driveway patch
- Crack filler
- Leaf blower or broom
- Pressure washer
- Metal paint scraper
- Squeegee
- Paintbrush
- Bleach
Steps for Patching an Asphalt Driveway
Asphalt patching isn’t a complicated procedure, but it does involve planning and research. Here are the main steps of this process.
Step 1: Create a Game Plan
The timeline for this project is about 4-6 weeks. That’s because driveway patch takes that long to cure before you can apply the sealant. As such, the first thing you should do is inspect your driveway thoroughly to determine:
- How many cracks you’ll need to patch
- The exact location of those cracks
- The amount of product you’ll need
Ideally, you would create a map of your driveway and note where the damage is. Add any other information relevant to the project as well. Photos would be a nice bonus, even if you don’t think you’ll need them.
Step 2: Clean the Driveway
Once you’re ready to begin, use a broom or a leaf blower to sweep debris from the driveway surface. If you see weeds in the cracks, apply herbicide to remove them. You may need to wait a week or two for them to die off.
If your driveway is mossy, use a pressure washer to get rid of it. For best results, use the 15-degree nozzle type. You can also use bleach to target and destroy moss and a metal scraper to lift it off the asphalt.
These road upkeep solutions will help you ensure that the asphalt surface is fully clean. This is crucial for securing a long-lasting treatment.
Step 3: Patch the Cracks
For smaller cracks (less than 1/2 inch), use a bottle of crack filler. This product is fluid, but you should still avoid overfilling the cracks. If you do overfill it, use a scraper to spread the filler and give it 4-8 hours to dry.
For bigger cracks and holes, you’ll want to use driveway patch. You can shove it in with a tamper or the back of a shovel. If you’re using driveway patch, give it at least 4-6 weeks to cure before applying sealant.
Step 4: Add the Sealant
The best way to apply the sealant is to work from the top of the driveway towards the end. If the driveway meets a garage or sidewalk, use a paintbrush to cut in around the edges. For the main area, use a squeegee.
Start by pouring a line of sealant along the width of the driveway. The sealant buckets are heavy, so try not to spill too much. Hold the squeegee at a 45-degree angle and start compressing the sealant into the surface.
Though the sealant has self-leveling qualities, you should still pay attention while applying it. If you use too much pressure, the coverage may be too thick. Once you’re done, let the driveway cure for 24 hours.
Step 5: Apply a Second Coat
When you look at the driveway, you may notice that some areas could use a second coat. This is common with older driveways. Applying a second layer of sealant will create a stronger seal and simplify driveway maintenance.
You can apply the second coat the same way as the first one. Let the surface cure for 24 hours before walking on it and 72 hours before driving on it.
When to Call In the Pros
In some situations, DIY asphalt patching may not do the trick. Some bigger holes are hard to repair with the above method. Asphalt that keeps crumbling at the edges is difficult to contain without specialized equipment.
In times like these, your best bet is to call in the experts. If needed, they’ll add hot-mix asphalt by cutting back enough asphalt to get to a stable edge. They may also apply a sticky tack coat to smooth the surface.
If the driveway is beyond repair, you’ll need to replace it. This project is best left to professional contractors, as it tends to be far more involved than repairs.
Asphalt Maintenance Made Easy
With proper asphalt maintenance, you won’t need to worry about patching for a long time. Once you do, though, this guide will help you prepare and complete the project safely and efficiently!
Want to leave asphalt patching to the pros? American Asphalt is a family-owned business dedicated to providing top-notch asphalt repair services! We also offer a 10% discount to seniors and military personnel — get your free quote now!
