What You Need to Do When Your Asphalt Driveway Cracks

Asphalt is usually one of the best paving materials for driveways. This is because asphalt driveways and pavements usually have a better curb appeal, durability, and flexibility. However, your asphalt driveway may start developing cracks because of the effect of things such as tree roots. When this happens, you need to know what to do to restore the driveway. Here are some of the important things that you may want to do.

Find Out the Type of Cracks

The type of cracks on your asphalt driveway will give you a hint of the complexity of the repairs. For instance, if the cracks are covering a larger area, making them appear like a giant spider web or alligator skin on the driveway, they might be complex to handle. In most cases, you will have to call in a professional. However, you can decide to do it on your own. You will just spend more time and extra materials than you would have when handling zigzag or straight cracks.

Clean Before Filling

If you have decided to repair the cracks on your own, you need to avoid any mistakes so that you don't end up causing more damages. Before you fill the cracks, you need to clean the cracks first. Otherwise, the filler won't stick. You want to remove all the debris in these cracks. Depending on the size of the cracks, you can consider using compressed air to blow out the debris. If the cracks have sharp and severe edges, you want to use a chisel or screwdriver to even them out. Ensure that the cracks are dry before filling with a sealer or patch.

Know the Exact Way to Fill Different Sizes of Cracks

To achieve perfect results, you need to fill the cracks according to their size. Rubberised crack sealers can be used to fill small cracks. On the other hand, larger cracks will require more work. An asphalt epoxy/cold patch should do the trick for those large cracks. After filling the cracks, you will want to check the sealer or patch after a day or so to ensure that, as it cures, it remains level with your pre-existing asphalt parking lot or driveway.

After the patch cures, consider sealing over it for maximum protection. In fact, to prevent against constant damages or cracks in the future, seal your entire asphalt driveway.

Follow the above procedures when your asphalt driveway cracks or contact a asphalt repair company for help.

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