Tips for Repairing Your Asphalt Driveway

Asphalt is a cost-effective, long-lasting, and proven paving material. Regular care can significantly extend your driveway's life, but nothing can last forever. Your driveway will need repairs eventually. If you notice damages early enough, you may be able to repair them independently. This potential makes it essential for you to know what asphalt deterioration looks like.

Pavement deterioration can appear in many forms, but you will likely first notice crumbling, depressions, or cracks on your residential driveway. But, again, if you detect these problems early, chances are good that you can complete the repairs on your own. Our experts on asphalt installation and sealcoating in Walnut Grove, CA, give you these tips for repairing common driveway issues on your own.

Repairing cracks

There are various reasons for asphalt cracks, including vegetation growth, freeze/thaw cycles, shifting of the sub-base, and heavy vehicle loads. Fortunately, you can fill in gaps and help avoid further deterioration of your driveway structure.

1. Clean any loose material or debris from the cracks in your pavement using a wire brush.
2. Ensure the surrounding area is also free of dirt and debris so the repair can be successful.
3. Use a garden hose to clean away excess dirt and dust in the area and use a cleaning solution to scrub away any fluid spills or stains nearby.
4. Apply crack sealer to your damaged asphalt according to manufacturer instructions.

Call asphalt paving professionals to manage the repairs if you do not feel confident managing them on your own.

Filling in depressions

Depressions can form on your asphalt when automobiles are parked for long periods, or the sub-base is not correctly laid. In addition, frigid weather and water collection in pavement depressions may make them deteriorate further over time. Eventually, these depressions will create cracking that allows water intrusion, weakening, and crumbling your asphalt pavement. Luckily, fixing asphalt depressions is manageable.

1. Clean the depressed areas of your pavement thoroughly to remove all debris and dirt, and spray away oil and grease with a high-pressure water hose. You can also use a cleaning solution to scour grease and oil more efficiently.
2. Be sure there is no standing water left in the depression after cleaning it. You cannot use patching materials on soggy or damp asphalt, so be sure the area dries completely.
3. Once you have confirmed that the area is clean and dry, fill the depression with asphalt patching to the same level as the surrounding asphalt, then use a metal tamper to keep it smooth.
4. Cordon the area off to ensure no contact for at least 24 hours while the patching dries.

 If you are not confident about making these repairs independently, reach out to a paving professional to handle the job.

These are tips for handling a couple of asphalt repairs yourself. But, if you do not feel comfortable or need asphalt installation or sealcoating in Walnut Grove, CA, contact M. Carroll Black Top Service for all your paving needs. Call us today for a free quote!