Wondering how to start fixing driveway cracks at your home? Driveway cracks are commonly caused by cycles of aging, a settling subbase and/or freezing and thawing. Untreated cracks will lead to moisture entry and eventual erosion of underlying subbase under your concrete or asphalt.
The best way to avoid further damage to your pavement is to be proactive and take action before the cracks extend and worsen. We can supply essential products necessary to fix asphalt driveways. So, purchase the right crack filler and tools for your driveway and follow these instructions for the best results when repairing driveway cracks.
Tools You Need to Fix Driveway Cracks
When it comes to fixing driveway cracks, UNIQUE Paving Materials offers solutions to make it as quick and easy as possible, while still providing competitive prices. Whether you are working on a few small cracks or a major paving project, our products are intended to save time, money, and future repairs.
To get started on repairing driveway cracks at your home, make sure you have the following tools and supplies:
- Latex gloves
- Broom
- Tamper
- Chisel
- Hammer
- Protective eyewear
- Asphalt crack filler
- Cold applied asphalt patch
- Squeegee
Continue reading to learn the next steps in the driveway crack repair process.
Preparation for Repairing Driveway Cracks
Fixing driveway cracks at home can be easy and affordable with our UNIQUE repair solutions. It’s best to clean, repair and seal your driveway every few years. Filling driveway cracks prevents rainwater from entering, disturbing your asphalt foundation. As you learn how to fix driveway cracks, review the steps to properly prep the area:
- Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from the debris
- Remove any pieces of asphalt, dirt, or debris from inside of the crack
- Clean or flush out the crack with a Shop-Vac, air gun, or garden hose
- Make sure to let the crack dry of any standing water before filling
Fixing Driveway Cracks of Various Sizes
Our UNIQUE Paving Materials products are used to fix driveway cracks on a regular basis. The solutions we offer are not only designed to withstand any region, climate, or weather condition, but they are also equipped to complete repair projects of any size. From large cracks to small cracks and everything in between, choose our UNIQUE products to repair driveway cracks at your home.
How to Fill a Small Asphalt Crack (1/8 to 1/2 Inch)
- Use a rubberized asphalt-emulsion crack filler
- Apply it by pouring carefully from the container
- Smooth the crack filler level with the pavement using a V- or U-shaped squeegee
- Always let the filler dry before driving over the repaired area
How to Fill a Large Asphalt Crack (>1/2 Inch)
- If the crack is deeper than two inches fill it with small, sand or very fine crushed gravel and pack it in
- Fill the crack with rubberized asphalt-emulsion crack filler
- Smooth the crack filler level with the pavement using a V- or U-shaped squeegee
- Always let the filler dry before driving over the repaired area
Repairing Driveway Cracks: How to Patch a Hole in an Asphalt Driveway
In addition to repairing driveway cracks, UNIQUE Paving Materials also offers solutions to patch holes in your driveway. Neglected driveway cracks can lead to potholes. To learn how to patch driveway potholes, follow the steps below:
- Clean the area, removing loose material and large debris.
- Pour your asphalt patch repair material into the pothole, or use a flat-edge shovel or rake to smooth material ½ inch above pavement level.
- With a tamper or other suitable tool, pack the material until it is compact. You could also apply a piece of plywood over the hole and drive over it with a car to compact it.
- Fill deep potholes in 2” layers and reapply and compact until you’ve filled the pothole.
Finally, sealing your driveway helps to avoid water seepage and will protect your driveway from future cracks. Contact Unique Paving Materials to learn to learn more about how to maintain your asphalt with our crack filler and asphalt repair products.
Reach Out to UNIQUE Paving Materials to Learn More About Our Products for Fixing Driveway Cracks
When it comes to asphalt, blacktop, and concrete repair companies, UNIQUE Paving Materials is the premier choice for all of your road maintenance and repair needs. If you are looking to repair driveway cracks at your home, choose UNIQUE today.
We offer a variety of cost-effective, durable solutions that are able to withstand every climate and weather condition. Contact our team today to learn more about our products for fixing driveway cracks and other maintenance needs.