DIY Tips for Asphalt Maintenance & Seal Coating

Cracks

• Fill cracks as soon as possible to prevent water from penetrating under the slab, which could lead to other problems. Clean cracks with a masonry chisel and wire brush. Remove broken and loose pieces. Pack cracks of one-half-inch and wider with cold-patch asphalt. Use crack-filler to repair narrower cracks. This material come in cans, pour bottles or caulking cartridges. For deep cracks, fill the gap to within one-quarter-inch of the surface with closed-cell backer rod -- a foam joint filler material. Pack the remaining opening with patching compound.

Patching

• Begin patching potholes or chunk holes by removing all lose materials and dirt from the repair area. Cut into the edges of solid material to provide the proper surface for binding the patching asphalt, but make sure the surrounding material has firm edges. Clean away the dirt and debris. For deep holes, plug all but four inches with filler material. Compress the material with a hand tamper. Use emulsified asphalt to "prime" the repair area. Fill with cold-patch asphalt and stir the materials before using to ensure the proper mix.

  Add a two-inch layer of patching material and compress. Add more material to within one-inch of the surface and compact. Add the final layer of material and make the final layer of asphalt higher than the surrounding surface. Tamp the asphalt down prevent air pockets, then level the surface.

Low Spots

• Check the asphalt surface for vehicle tire impressions, which denotes a poorly constructed surface. If the surface heaves or tilts during cold weather or cracks and buckles during warm temperatures, this means the surface has a poor drainage system. Remove loose asphalt, using a broom, brush or scraper as needed. Wash a soiled and greasy surface with a driveway cleaning solution. Remove standing water before applying patching material.

  Spread driveway coating or emulsified liquid on the repair areas to ensure the old and new materials bond properly. Smooth out the material even with the surrounding surface. Use a tamper to compress the materials. Allow the surface to dry, following the manufacturer's instructions. For large potholes, use cold-patch asphalt. Apply the material in layers, packing each layer of asphalt before applying the next coat to ensure the removal of air pockets.

Seal Coating

• It is good to seal the complete driveway after making repairs. Sealer provides protection from oil, grease and moisture. The material also safeguards against normal wear and tear and fills gaps and cracks. Clean all soil grease and debris from the surface before applying the sealer. Spread the sealer evenly, but not too thin. Use the spreader to push the material into gaps and worm areas. Work carefully around doors and other adjoining surfaces to avoid splashing them with asphalt. Enhance surface traction by mixing sand into the sealer. Stir the mix frequently during the application process. Alternatively, scatter sand across the surface before the sealer dries. Sweep away excess sand later.