Table of Contents
Last Updated on August 9, 2024 by Heenan
The ways to fix crumbling asphalt driveways can be divided into multiple parts.
- Crack and small hole filling.
- Pothole repairing.
- Resurfacing/Resealing.
- Fixing crumbling edges.
I will discuss how you should follow to repair the above processes successfully.
It’s easy to repair without hiring any professionals in most cases.
Nonetheless, it’s wise for some tasks to take assistance from a professional instead of doing it yourself.
Bear with me. I will let you know where you should hire a reliable contractor in the process of letting you know the way of fixing crumbling asphalt driveways.
How to Fix Crumbling Asphalt Driveway?
Crack and Small Hole Filling
Crack and small hole patching doesn’t require you to hire any professional. However, if the hole is fairly big, and you don’t have any prior experience, you should hire one.
Patching crack requires the following tools –
- A screwdriver.
- A wire brush.
- Leaf blower.
- Asphalt crack filler.
First, use the screwdriver to dislodge the loose materials between the cracks and get the weeds out. If you want to restrict the weeds growing back after crack filling, use any weed killer.
Suppose the crack is wider than usual, it is better to use a wire brush instead of a screwdriver to dislodge the gravel, debris, and dirt. It will get the job done quicker, for sure.
Once you dislodge all those loose materials, it’s time to wash the area properly.
You can either dry clean the surface using a leaf blower or wash it properly using the garden hose attached to the Hyde Pivot Jet Pro.
However, if there is any grease mark, stain, or algae near the cracks, you must use the necessary chemicals and water to clean them up.
Give the surface ample time for drying if you wash it with water. It would help if you used the leaf blower to remove any standing water.
Once the area dries, pour the asphalt crack filler into the cracks carefully to fill them up. After applying the filler, you can optionally use a putty knife to flatten the bead.
If the crack is more extensive, for instance, larger than 1/2″, you better apply a driveway patch instead of filler to get the best results.
Let the filler cure for at least 1 to 2 days (see the manufacturer’s recommendation).
Potholes Repairing
Potholes are pretty common for any concrete or asphalt driveways. Potholes occur as the asphalt tends to break down over time. Moreover, thawing after the winter season is also responsible for depressed areas.
Potholes require repairing. However, pothole repair is a relatively straightforward process.
Driveway pothole repair materials –
- Pivot jet and hose.
- Push broom.
- Pothole Patch
- Tamper.
First off, the obvious: clean the pothole area to remove all the gravel and debris entirely (Using a hose attached to the pivot jet and any regular detergent).
Next, remove any standing water; you can use any push broom. Don’t forget to remove weeds if there is any.
Now, it’s time to apply the pothole patch. I recommend using Henry Asphalt Permanent Pothole Patch as it’s easy to use immediately without needing to trouble yourself in mixing anything. It costs low too.
Just upside down the bucket and pound the patch down. Use the tamper to level down the patch. If you need to level more than two inches, use another bucket of the pothole patch. You can use a piece of wood as an alternative to the tamper to level down the patch.
After tamping it down, use some crack repair along the edge of the pothole.
Give it at least one full day (24 hours) to dry.
Remember, if you plan to resurface or recoat the driveway, give it at least three weeks to dry before you recoat.
Resurfacing / Resealing
Resurfacing or releasing will prevent future damage and increase the driveway’s appearance.
So, after filling up the cracks, and potholes, you can consider resealing to make the asphalt driveways or pavers even more long-lasting.
Resealing will get better traction to the driveway as well.
Resealing materials that you should gather before starting the process –
- Asphalt resurfacer.
- Paintbrush.
- Paddle mixer attached to a cordless drill.
- A big Squeegee.
Mix the asphalt driveway sealer thoroughly. A paddle mixer attached to a cordless drill will make it easier to mix the solution.
Use the paintbrush to apply the sealant along the edges of the driveway surface layer.
Now, pour the resurfacer/ sealant along the driveway. Then use the squeegee to spread the sealant evenly along the pavement width.
Take assistance from someone to pour the resurfacer, and you do the spreading using the squeegee. It will help to finish the process in a quickly time.
Give it enough time to cure before you allow heavy vehicles or any vehicle traffic. Follow the manufacturer’s manual.
Fixing Crumbling Edges
The edge of asphalt driveways tends to crumble more than concrete driveways.
Fixing crumbling edges is also manageable by one person. However, if it’s a large area (e.g., the entire edge), you may want to hire a professional for this task.
The steps are pretty similar to the ones I’ve discussed so far. You don’t have to do anything fancy here.
Start with dislodging the loose materials first and wash the affected area. Let it dry a bit.
Then apply asphalt cold-patch along the edges and tamp them down.
How much does an asphalt driveway cost?
The average cost to pave an asphalt driveway is $4,737, ranging between $2,932 and 6,568. The project costs 7-13 dollars per square foot, including 2-6 for supplies and 5 – 7 for labor.
If you want to replace your current asphalt pavement, it will run 8-15 on each sq ft of the new layer, but this price can vary depending on different factors like desired elevation change.
Paving driveways are common in climates that either have temperate or continental weather patterns.
How long does an asphalt driveway last?
Asphalt driveways are a common choice for homeowners. They provide the durability and longevity you want for your driveway, but they also have drawbacks.
When it comes to asphalt, there is no such thing as a permanent solution because, most of the time, it will need some form of maintenance to remain durable and safe to walk on.
An asphalt driveway lasts anywhere from 25-30 years, depending on the climate and the type of asphalt. However, after a decade or so, cracks will appear in your driveway as it shrinks and contracts due to weather changes.
This can cause potential safety hazards for cars that drive over these cracks. The good news is that repairing an asphalt driveway only takes about 30 minutes per square yard!
Asphalt is a popular paving material for driveways and parking lots because it’s affordable, durable, and flexible.
It can last up to 30 years when properly installed. However, some factors will shorten the lifespan of your asphalt driveways, such as tree roots and cracks in the pavement, which can lead to potholes or other structural issues.
Asphalt driveways are more expensive than concrete or gravel but offer many benefits, such as flexibility with weather conditions and better traction when wet.
Suppose you have noticed that your asphalt has started to crack in the past few months. In that case, it could be due to improper installation, improper grading before the installation of the asphalt, water pooling on top of it during heavy rain events, or inadequate compaction by a substandard operator.
How thick should an asphalt driveway be?
To determine how thick your asphalt driveway should be, you must first understand the benefits of a thicker or thinner driveway.
A thin asphalt driveway can allow for water drainage and easier access to underground utilities, while a thicker one is more durable and cost-effective.
Do you need to know how thick your asphalt driveway should be? Before pouring the concrete, it is essential to measure the dimensions of your lot and calculate how much material will be needed.
The most common thickness for a residential driveway is 2 inches (industry standard).
Asphalt driveways are a great way to add value and curb appeal to your home. We recommend having it installed by a professional, but if you’re looking for some DIY tips, here’s what you need to know.
Is 2 inches of asphalt enough for a driveway?
The asphalt driveways of the past have been replaced with concrete or composite paving stones. However, many homeowners still prefer to use an asphalt driveway as it is much less expensive and can be completed quickly.
Are 2 inches enough for your driveway? The answer is it depends on the type of asphalt you’re using, how much traffic your drive experiences, and whether you want a smooth or rough finish. But as mentioned earlier, 2 inches is the industry standard.
I’ve been a professional asphalt contractor for more than 10 years now. When I started my business, I had no idea what the right size of an asphalt driveway should be.
As time went on and as more people contacted me to ask this question, I began to research the subject matter. Many variables go into determining how much asphalt you need for your driveway.
When should you seal a new asphalt driveway?
You’ve finally done it. You got the asphalt driveway you always wanted, and now it’s time to seal your new asphalt surface with a protective sealant. But when should you do this? And what kind of sealant should you use?
Well, you should allow the asphalt to cure fully for better results. It can cause many problems sealing a driveway too early. If weather permits, my recommendation is to wait at least 3 months. If the driveway were installed in the fall I would suggest you wait for 6 to 10 months before applying any seal coat.
A new asphalt driveway is a beautiful addition to any home. It’s also great for the environment as it reduces the dust, dirt, and weeds kicked up by cars.
But just because you have a brand-new asphalt driveway doesn’t mean you can skip one crucial step: sealing your driveway!
Final Note
These are ways to fix the crumbling asphalt driveway to make it long-lasting and prevent any injuries from the cracked driveway.
Every step I’ve discussed above is DIY-friendly, and anyone can get the job done well. But if you have to deal with a lot of deep holes, or anything that involves a lot of work, feel free to hire a reliable contractor.
Either way, don’t go cheap when finding the necessary tools. I’ve recommended the best tools, in my opinion (follow the links placed on corresponding tools).
Now it’s your turn.
