Asphalt Repair for Long-Term Results
A lot of homeowners find asphalt driveways very glamorous due to their high durability and the fact that they are aesthetically pleasing. However, like all materials exposed to the elements, asphalt can develop cracks and damage over time. Proper repair asphalt techniques are essential for maintaining your driveway and ensuring it lasts for years to come. In this blog post, we will walk you through the most effective methods to repair cracked asphalt driveways and how to go about addressing any crack in the asphalt driveway to get long-lasting results.
Understand Asphalt Damage
Asphalt driveway cracking happens for numerous reasons, including the following locations:
• Weather Extremes: Fluctuations in temperature can cause the asphalt to expand and then finally contract. The expansion followed by the contraction will result in cracks.
• Heavy Traffic: Vehicles use the asphalt frequently, stressing it and resulting in wear and tear.
• Poor Installation: If the driveway was not installed correctly, it might be weak.
Therefore, identifying the first signs of damage will keep minor issues from becoming significant ones.
Steps to Repair Asphalt
1. Cleaning the Area: Repairing is essential, but before doing so, one must clean the area of all damage. Clear the cracks from any remains of debris, dirt, or vegetation. If it is necessary to clean out the crack further, use a hose or pressure washer and let it dry out entirely after that.
2. Choosing the Right Repair Product: There are lots of products available on the market for asphalts. If very minor cracks appear, then a liquid crack filler can work well. On the other hand, if there are larger cracks or potholes, an asphalt patching compound may be used. HippoSeal also offers high-performance caulking products to endure any weather and assure long-lasting repairs.
3. Fill the Cracks: After choosing the right product, fill the cracks accordingly:
a. Apply the crack filling or patching compound according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
b. For small cracks, squeeze the filler into the crack and fill the whole space.
c. For larger, spread the patching compound evenly by topping it off so that it bevels with the asphalt around.
4. Compact and Smooth: After filling the crack or hole, the air pockets in the filler or patching compound should be compacted so that the binding material solidly repairs the damaged area. Press down the filler or patching compound firmly using a tamper or a piece of wood. Use a trowel to smooth the surface for a seamless finish.
5. Allow Time to Cure: Let the repair material cure according to the product instructions. Most of them call for an area free from moisture and heavy, usually for some hours or days, depending upon the nature of the repair.
Preventative Maintenance Tips
Sealcoating:The application of seal coats at intervals of several years will help protect your asphalt driveway from the ravages of ultraviolet rays, moisture, and chemicals.
Periodic Inspections: Inspect your driveway from time to time for any damage and repair it instantly to curb further deterioration.
Proper Drainage : This is to ensure that no pool of water sits on the driveway, so a sound system of drainage must keep all weak spots away from the asphalt area where cracks usually begin.
About HippoSeal
HippoSeal is a trusted driveway repair company in Dalton, offering top-quality asphalt seal coating results at residential and commercial properties. Having been in the business for quite some time, they are dedicated to raising the bar of quality so that your asphalt surface remains concealed and produces good looks. Whether you want to repair a cracked asphalt driveway or fix any crack in an asphalt driveway, HippoSeal has solutions that maximize durability and perfect the appearance of your asphalt surfaces.