Whether you have an asphalt driveway or a concrete driveway, cracks are likely to be a problem at some point. Water that seeps under the driveway freezes and thaws, creating cracks. These cracks usually worsen over time as grass and weeds grow in between them. Some of the materials used to repair asphalt and concrete differ, but the process is generally the same. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Clean the cracks thoroughly. Remove loose debris with an awl and broom. Rinse small debris from the cracks with the garden hose spray attachment and let them dry completely.
2. Measure the size of the crack to determine the best way to repair it. Different materials are used depending on the size.
3. Fill 1/4-inch cracks with a filler for asphalt or concrete that comes in a caulk-like tube. Run a bead of sealant into the crack and smooth it with a putty knife. Repeat if needed.
4. Fill cracks that are larger than 1/4 inch but smaller than 1/2 inch with a patching compound (for asphalt) or a pre-mixed mortar or sealant from a can (for concrete). After mixing, these fillers can be poured into the crack or scooped onto the crack. Smooth it down with a putty knife, and repeat if needed.
5. Fill cracks larger than 1/2 inch with pre-mixed concrete or cold-patch asphalt. Pour the concrete into the crack and wait 1 hour before leveling off the excess. Pour cold-patch asphalt into the crack and tamp it down until it is level.
6. Let all of the materials dry or cure according to manufacturer's instructions.
7. Seal the driveway with a water sealer using either a roller or sprayer. The driveway cannot be walked on or driven on for several days as the sealer hardens, so put up some sort of barricade.
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