Potholes, Cracks, And Chips: How To Repair Your Asphalt Driveway
Are you tired of driving over bumps and cracks in your driveway every time you come home? Do you cringe at the sight of chips and potholes every time you pull into your garage? If so, it's time to consider repairing your asphalt driveway. With a little effort and some essential tools, you can have your driveway looking new in no time.
Gather Your Tools
Before you repair your driveway, you'll need to gather some essential tools. You'll need a broom, a putty knife, a trowel, a stiff-bristled brush, a pressure washer, a bucket, and a bag of asphalt patching compound. You can find asphalt patching compounds at most hardware stores.
Clean Your Driveway
The next step is to clean your driveway thoroughly. Use a broom to remove loose debris, such as leaves and twigs. Then, use a pressure washer to remove any dirt and grime from the surface of your driveway. If you don't have a pressure washer, use a stiff-bristled brush and soapy water to scrub your driveway clean.
Fill in Cracks and Chips
Now that your driveway is clean and dry, it's time to start filling in any cracks or chips. Use a putty knife to apply the asphalt patching compound to the damaged areas. Press the mixture down firmly with the trowel to ensure it fills in all the cracks and chips.
Smooth Out the Surface
Once you've filled in all the cracks and chips, it's time to smooth out the surface of your driveway. Use the trowel to spread the asphalt patching compound evenly over the surface of your driveway. Be sure to smooth out any bumps or lumps as you go.
Let It Dry
Now that you've successfully repaired your driveway, it's time to let it dry. Depending on the weather conditions, it can take a few hours to a few days for the asphalt patching compound to dry completely. Be sure to read the instructions on the bag of the patching compound to determine the recommended drying time.
Seal Your Driveway
Once your driveway is dry, it's a good idea to seal it to protect it from further damage. You can find driveway sealers at most hardware stores. Pour the sealer onto your driveway and use a squeegee to spread it evenly over the surface. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for drying time.
Maintain Your Driveway
Now that you've repaired and sealed your driveway, it's crucial to maintain it. Keep an eye out for new cracks and chips and fix them as soon as possible to prevent further damage. Sweep your driveway regularly to keep it free of debris, and avoid using heavy equipment, such as snowplows, on your driveway.
Repairing your asphalt driveway may seem daunting, but with the right tools and a little effort, you can have your driveway looking like new in no time. With these tips in mind, you can enjoy a smooth, pothole-free driveway for years to come. If you don't feel up to taking on your tasks on your own, you can always hire a professional paving contractor.
Contact a local service to learn more about asphalt driveway repair.