How to Repair Narrow Asphalt Driveway Cracks
By Mark J. Donovan
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Narrow asphalt driveway cracks (1/8th to ½ inch thick) are fairly common and can usually be addressed with a rubberized emulsified crack filler. Ideally, thin asphalt driveway cracks should be repaired as soon as they are discovered, and certainly before winter, to prevent water from seeping into them and causing more damage. When the water freezes it can cause the asphalt to lift and effectively enlarge the crack.
Eventually the asphalt driveway crack could begin to crumble the surrounding asphalt area, which is a much more expensive asphalt driveway repair. |
Asphalt Driveway Crack Repair – Preparation
Asphalt driveway crack repair begins with proper preparation prior to filling the crack with a rubberized emulsified crack filler. If there is loose material in the crack, the asphalt crack filler will not adhere well.
| To begin with, remove any grass growing in the crack.
Next, use a broom or a shop vacuum to remove dirt and other loose debris from the crack. Finally, use a water hose to wash out the crack of loosened debris, and let it thoroughly dry before applying the crack filler. |
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Asphalt Driveway Crack Repair – Applying Asphalt Crack Filler
After cleaning the crack inspect the depth of the crack. If it is more than a ¼ inch deep, fill the crack with sand to within ¼’ of the surface of the asphalt driveway.
| Next, apply a bead of crack filler to the asphalt driveway crack either using a caulking gun, or by pouring it into the crack.
When applying the asphalt crack filler, limit it to only to the crack itself. Use a putty knife to compress and smooth the crack filler into the asphalt driveway crack. Allow the crack filler time to dry, and your driveway should be as good as new. To mask the crack repairs you may also want to consider sealing the entire driveway. |
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For more help on Asphalt Driveway Paving, see HomeAdditionPlus.com’s Asphalt Driveway Paving Bid sheet. The Asphalt Driveway Paving Bid Sheet will help ensure that your hire the right contractor so that your driveway is paved correctly and you get the finished driveway you are looking for.
Related Information
Additional Driveway Paving Resources
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