Do Asphalt Driveways Crack?

Prevention

• Guaranteeing that an asphalt driveway won’t crack is impossible, but a few extra steps during the installation process can help reduce the odds. One of the main reasons driveways crack is because the ground shifts and the asphalt has to crack to move with the ground. Digging out the foundation below the frost line and layering the gravel base helps absorb tension and acts as a buffer between the pavement and subsoil.

Assess Cracks

• The majority of cracks that form in asphalt driveways are repairable because they are minor. The depth and size of the crack will tell you if it’s a problem you can fix yourself or not. Deep cracks that run through the width or length of a driveway indicate major structural problems. If this is the case, get a professional to assess the damage to determine if the entire driveway must be replaced.

Repair Cracks

• One of the best ways to prevent damage from spreading is to repair cracks right away to keep water from seeping through the surface and weakening the foundation. Use crack filler for narrow cracks that are 1/2-inch deep or less. Fill deeper cracks with sand until it is 1/2 inch from the surface, and fill the remainder with asphalt cold-patch.

Maintenance

• Coat asphalt with sealant every few years to reduce cracking. Sealant also repels water, keeps oil and grease stains from eating away at the surface and blocks UV rays so the surface doesn’t fade. The best times to apply it are sunny, dry days after all cracks are patched. Use a long-handled squeegee to spread the sealant in a single even coat.