Step By Step Process Of Fixing Crumbling Asphalt Driveway
There are several things that can usually result in your asphalt driveway crumbling, such as:
- Weather changes.
- Asphalt that is not sealed properly.
- Wear and tear.
However, regardless of the reason, it is important to take immediate action and fix the asphalt immediately after you see the crumbling or cracking. This will help make it to where it doesn’t make or become worse. In order to fix crumbling asphalt driveway, you need to follow and go through the below mentioned step by step process carefully:
Step 1: Clean Your Driveway
First of all, you need to clean your driveway by getting rid of any crumbled asphalt that is fallen into cracks & any debris that is mostly found in depressions or potholes. For this purpose, you can use a shop vacuum, a broom, or brushes. Dispose of the debris in accordance with your local ordinances. Get rid of the debris with loose gaps or depressions that is usually caused by potholes or cracked asphalt first. Allow it to cure properly, before you start sealing cracks & filling holes in the driveway. Cleaning your driveway regularly will ensure a long-lasting result.
Step 2: Wash Or Rinse Your Driveway With A Garden Hose & A Pressure Nozzle
Washing your driveway will help rinse off any excess oil or grime that could be stuck to your driveway. Allow your driveway to dry as long as it is damp, however, doesn’t have pools of water on it. If your driveway is heavily soiled, then you might need some cleaning agents in order to clear it all out.
Step 3: Repair Damaged Areas
In order to repair damaged areas, you need to figure out the main reason of crumbling, whether the crumbles are happening due to potholes, dips, or cracks. Here’s to fix each of these:
- Cracks: You can apply asphalt filler deep into the cracks in order to fix the cracks in the driveway.
- Depressed Areas: You need to fill in dips using patching material. As soon as you have patched in the filler, it is important to prime the area before applying a layer of liquid asphalt to it. Then, you can use a trowel in order to spread the cold patching material evenly so that it matches the other areas. After that, you can use a metal tamper in order to tamp it in. Wait for at least 24 hours before proceeding further.
- Potholes: Prime the area before adding cold patching material two inches deep. Tamp it in before adding another two inches, then tamp it again. Keep at it as long as you have overfilled the pothole, leaving a slight mound over the area. Tamp it in as much as you possibly can, before allowing it to cure for at least 24 to 36 hours before moving further.
Step 4: Again Clean Up The Driveway
Now, clean up your driveway once again. It may be monotonous, however, it is important to clean up the driveway again. Otherwise, you may run the risk of not having the seal work well. Use a broom or a vacuum in order to get rid of significant debris.
Step 5: Wipe Down Your Driveway With A Cleaner
Fine particles can destroy or severely damage an otherwise excellent repair job. A quick wipe down is all you need in order to make the driveway ready for its sealant, so don’t get too crazy when you are cleaning it up. If your driveway is still moist, it is okay to continue onto the next step.
Step 6: Stir Your Sealant.
It is important to make sure that it is well-mixed before the next step. If you notice any streaks, then you should keep stirring. You want it to be a uniform consistency before it is applied anywhere.
Step 7: Apply The Sealant To The Driveway In Small Patches
Applying the sealant piece by piece will help you make sure that you don’t miss a spot and will also allow the adhesive soak into the areas where cracks occurred. As soon as your driveway is covered in the sealant, you will need to put up some barriers in order to prevent cars from coming in. Sealant is the final step in the process, and is literally what locks everything in. In order to make sure that you have your driveway correctly sealed in, allow your driveway sit for at least 24 hours. After that, you can get rid of the barriers and enjoy a freshly patched driveway.