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.
