How to Repair an Asphalt Driveway

July 1, 2021

Summer can wreak havoc on asphalt. The heat and increased traffic can reveal new cracks, potholes and other damage. If your pavement has only minor damage, you might be able to repair it yourself. If, however, your asphalt driveway is suffering from more severe problems, it’s time to seek professional driveway repair in Sumner County, TN.

Here’s how to repair an asphalt driveway:

  • Assess the damage: DIY asphalt repair can be performed on minor cracks (those that are two inches wide or less). If your asphalt has suffered more severe damage than that, you’ll need to get professional help.
  • Get the right products: Next, go to your local home improvement store and look for asphalt patching products. If the cracks are less than a half-inch wide, you can use “crack filler,” but if they’re bigger than that, you’ll need to get asphalt cold-patch. This is usually sold in bags or cans. If you can’t find the product you need, ask an employee for help.
  • Wait for the right weather conditions: Before you get started, read the instructions from beginning to end. Find out what kind of weather conditions you need for successful application. For example, some products need to be warmer than 55 degrees Fahrenheit, while others are suitable for any temperature between 30 and 100 degrees. Once you know when you can use the product, wait for the appropriate weather conditions.
  • Pull any weeds growing through the cracks: Next, get rid of any weeds that are growing through the cracks—they’ll interfere with the patching process.
  • Clean out the cracks with your garden hose: Get out your garden hose and use the pressurized spray attachment to clean out the cracks. Try to get rid of as much dirt and plant debris as possible. Allow to dry.
  • Apply weed killer: Spray the cracks with weed killer and allow to dry.
  • Fill deep cracks: If you have particularly deep cracks, fill them with sand, up to about a quarter-inch below the top. Tamp the sand down firmly.
  • Apply patching product: Next, apply patching product to the cracks as directed.
  • Allow to cure: Follow the patching compound’s directions for curing time. Keep all foot and other traffic away from the cracks during the curing process.
  • Seal the cracks: Finally, apply a sealant to seal the cracks and protect your asphalt driveway.

If you find that DIY asphalt repair still isn’t enough to keep your driveway safe and smooth, you may need to resurface or reinstall your pavement. Asphalt is incredibly durable, but it has a finite lifespan. Eventually, you will need to resurface or replace the entire driveway.

However, with regular maintenance—including prompt DIY repair to address minor cracks—your asphalt driveway should last for years or even decades.

RoadBuilders can help you restore your asphalt, including providing driveway repair in Sumner County, TN. Our paving contractors are experienced at installing everything from driveways to sport courts. Call us today to learn more about our services and to schedule an appointment.

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