Best Way To Fill & Seal Cracks In Asphalt Driveway
Sealing your driveway is an easy job to do and if it is done perfectly, it can improve the surface of your driveway for years that will last for longer period of time. Therefore, it is extremely important to be extra cautious while performing the sealing process. However, before you start, it is important to check the weather forecast & if the forecast shows clear skies for 24 to 48 hours & the temperature is above 50 degrees Fahrenheit, then you can proceed with the sealing process. However, if there is a rain forecast, then it is strongly recommended to avoid doing this project.
Tools & Materials Needed
- Driveway Sealant
- Driveway Patch
- Crack Filler & Bleach
- Squeegee & Paintbrush
- Broom Or Leaf Blower
- Metal Paint Scraper
- Pressure Washer(Optional)
Step 1: Clean The Driveway
- First of all, you need to get rid of leaves, acorns, as well as dust from the driveway surface, with the help of a leaf blower or broom. If you notice oil stains, then the best option is to use a degreaser or primer, which will help clean & disguise the stains before sealing.
- Take hold of all visible weeds between cracks and quickly remove them from their place. When it comes to the driveway that is shady and susceptible to growing moss, then you can use a pressure washer to remove it. Use bleach in a spray bottle in order to target and kill moss and a scraper in order to lift it off the surface.
- You can also use a 15-degree, general-cleaning tip on your pressure washer in order to completely clean the surface. You will need to allow the driveway to dry completely before you fill cracks and seal them, but having a clean surface to work upon will make sure a long-lasting treatment.
Step 2: Patch Cracks And Holes
- It is better to take time when it comes to repairing cracks in the driveway surface before you apply a final coat of sealant, due to the fact that it will give you the best possible result.
- If the cracks in the driveway surface are less than 1/2 inch, then you can use a bottle of crack filler. The product has some self-leveling qualities, however, it avoids overfilling the cracks in order to make sure that the patch won’t be visible underneath the finished sealed coat. If you do accidentally overfill the crack, then use a scraper in order to level out and spread the filler. Allow the filler to dry for at least 4-8 hours before sealing over the top.
- For holes or cracks that are more than 1/2 inch and with a definitive boundary (for instance, a hole in the middle of your driveway, not on the edge), then you can use a driveway patch and a tamper or the back of a shovel in order to make repairs. If you are using a driveway patch, then it is highly recommended not to seal over the top of it as long as it has cured for 4-6 weeks.
Step 3: Clean Driveway And Mix The Sealant
- Again, if there are 24 to 48 hours of clear skies, then this is the time to make the driveway shine. Clean the surface of the driveway once more with the help of a broom or a leaf blower. Mix the sealant buckets one at a time before pouring them by tipping them in or into an inverted position before opening the product.
Step 4: Seal Edge By Hand
- Avoid backing yourself into a corner & make sure to work from the top of your driveway down toward the end. If the top of your driveway meets a structure, such as a garage or a sidewalk, then you can use an old paintbrush in order to cut in around the edge. A squeegee will be good when it comes to covering the main area, however, the edges look nicely finished when brushed with precision.
Step 5: Pour Sealant Along Edge
- Now, it is time to seal the remaining asphalt & start pouring a line of sealant along the width of your driveway. As the sealant buckets are very heavy, you need to be very careful not to spill excess. Using the squeegee held at a 45-degree angle, you need to pull as well as compress the sealant into the surface of the driveway.
- The sealant, such as the crack filler, has self-leveling qualities, however, make sure to work diligently and pay attention to the amount of pressure you are putting on the squeegee in order to keep the layer of a sealant as even as possible.
- If you are pushing too hard, you will see sealant squeezing over the top of the squeegee. If you are not pushing hard enough, then it is possible that your coverage will end up being too thick. Work back as well as forth across the width of the driveway.
- Continue to pause periodically and use the paintbrush in order to manually paint in edges that meet structures for a finished look. Allow the finished driveway to cure for at least 24 hours.
Step 6: Apply A Second Coat
- When you look over the dry-sealed surface, you may notice you will need to apply a second coat of sealant to some areas, especially with an older driveway. A second layer will help create a stronger seal in order to protect the surface.
- Apply the second coat exactly the same way as the first, block off the end of the driveway using the empty sealant containers, and allow the surface to dry for at least 24 hours before walking on it and 48 to 72 hours before you drive on it.