How to Fix an Old Driveway

Look up the weather forecast in your local newspaper, on TV or online and plan your driveway repairs for a four-day period of dry, warm weather. You must avoid rain and cold snaps in at least the three days after making the repairs.

Pull the sod and scrape the dirt away from the edges of the driveway with an edging spade. The sides of the driveway must be clearly defined and free of obstruction.

Sweep off dirt and debris from the driveway. Clean up any oil spots on the surface of the driveway with a stiff-bristle brush and a bucketful of detergent and water. Rinse the entire driveway with a garden hose. Allow the driveway surface to dry before continuing.

Fill small cracks and holes with a latex driveway filler compound. Dig out the bottom of the crack or hole with a hand trowel until all loose material is removed and you reach the solid substrate (usually concrete). Scoop some of the compound out of the tub container with a masonry trowel to fill a hole, or squeeze the compound out of a tube with a caulking gun to fill a crack. Scrape any excess off the surface with the trowel.

Prepare big cracks and potholes by chiseling the sides into a smooth surface with a hammer and cold chisel and digging down with a hand trowel to remove loose matter and reach the solid foundation. Mix coarse-aggregate filler from asphalt and crushed rock. Shovel that into the hole with the hand trowel. Smooth the surface by scraping away excess with a masonry trowel.

Compress big repairs by laying a wood plank or board over the top of the repair and parking one of the wheels of your car atop that plank or board. Leave the car parked over the repair for several minutes.

Pour tar-based sealant on the surface of the driveway and spread it into a thick, even coat with a bristle-brush squeegee. Continue pouring and spreading in sections until you have covered the entire driveway. Allow your driveway at least three days (or however long the manufacturer directs) to dry before disturbing it.