Read information on repairing driveways, driveway sealer and driveway repair.
Repairing Driveway
Run-down driveways are not only an eye sore but also
reduce the value of your property almost instantly. A little care,
cleaning, polishing and maintenance from time to time will not only keep
your home shining for many years but will also be cost-effective in the
long run. And you can avoid all the unnecessary expenses of hiring a
contractor for major repairs. Skid marks and oil and petrol stains can
damage asphalt and discolor your pavement. A small crack if not repaired
immediately can develop into a major fault on which you will have to
spend a lot of money. A coat of rich black colored premium driveway
resurfacing product can give a new lease of life to your cherished
driveway. Though asphalt driveways are extremely durable, over a period
of time the surface can become pitted and cracked. Cracks are the
gateway to a deteriorating driveway. Water will seep through these
cracks and the freeze and thaw cycle will widen the cracks. Here are a
few suggestions on repairing your driveway:
- For cracks use latex crack sealers that can be poured into these cracks to seal them.
- For larger holes use an asphalt patch mix to seal.
- Potholes can be filled with filler that is commonly known as cold patch.
- After cracks, holes and potholes are filled and sealed, level the driveway. Then coat the driveway with driveway sealer. Most sealers are coal tar based. Acrylic based sealers are also available.
- Buy an applicator with a brush on one side of the head and a squeegee on the other.
Preparing the Driveway
- Apply maintenance products on your driveway when, the weather is warm and there in no rain forecast for the next few days. The driveway will take a few days to dry and set properly.
- Prepare not to use the driveway for the time required to repair it.
- First prepare the edges of the pavement, where the asphalt meets the lawn. Remove grass that is encroaching on to the driveway, using a flat spade to dig it out.
- Wash off oil stains using a soap and water solution. For a stubborn spot use driveway cleaning solution. Wash the area with water and let it dry completely.
- If the driveway is right next to the garage or house foundation mask the area to prevent the driveway sealer from blackening the walls.
- Fill large hole on the driveway with asphalt patch and potholes with cold patch.
- Use a screwdriver to clean the cracks of debris. Vacuum the crack and fill it with crack filler following manufacturers instructions. Smoothen the surface of the crack.
- Ensure that the driveway sealer is of uniform consistency before applying it. Pour the sealer onto a section of driveway. Using the squeegee side of the applicator spread the sealer across the pavement. The use the brush side of the applicator to smoothen the sealer and remove the ridges made by the squeegee.
- Allow the sealer to dry according to manufacturers instructions. If the driveway has not been resurfaced, it is better to apply a second coat.
- Allow the driveway to dry completely before you use it. Normally you should allow the sealer to dry for 48 hours before using the driveway.