Over time, asphalt driveways (aka blacktop) get worn and damaged from the harsh freeze-thaw cycles of winter. It can lead to cracks and potholes forming.
The good news is that these problems can be repaired quickly and easily! Simple repair methods allow you to breathe new life into your tired asphalt driveway.
Weed Killer
While weeds may not seem like an issue on your driveway, their roots can extend deep into cracks and seams, pulling apart asphalt and causing more severe repair work down the road. Taking a weed killer to growth areas is the first step toward fixing your driveway.
A weed killer is a non-toxic, effective solution for removing unwanted plants. These sprays come in various concentrations, ready-to-use forms, and granules.
Some herbicides are targeted for specific weed types, while others kill everything in the area they are applied to, so choosing the right one is vital. Some are made with natural ingredients, such as vinegar that burns weed foliage and herbicidal soaps that dry out the plant.
For months or even a year after application, longer-lasting weed killers remain in the soil and stop the growth of new weeds in the region. They are an excellent option for lawns or gardens that need lasting weed control, but users should avoid applying them to areas where they plan to plant new crops soon.
Crack Filler
Repairing a blacktop driveways Elkhart IN necessitates the filling of cracks. It prolongs the life of the asphalt and guards against cracks, potholes, and other damage.
It adequately cleaned the crack and surrounding region before applying the crack filler. It involves removing dirt, debris, and gravel from the shots.
Once you have removed these things, you can fill the cracks. Many crack fillers are available, including elastomeric, epoxy, and acrylic.
Some of them even offer UV protection. They can also help to prevent stains from gasoline and oil.
Most of these products are safe and easy to use. However, they may be more expensive than alternatives like coal tar repair products. The best option is to choose a sealer for your asphalt and the climate. For example, a UV-protected acrylic or epoxy formula may suit sunny weather conditions. It will also last longer and prevent unsightly stains.
Sealant
A sealant may be the right solution if your blacktop driveway has small hairline cracks or is only a few inches wide. These cracks allow water to seep through the asphalt and cause it to delaminate. Sealing the surface keeps this from happening and slowing fading and oxidation damage from the sun.
You’ll need a sealant suitable for the substrate (the material you’re filling) and will provide adequate adhesion data to seal a crack. Look for products that are flexible, durable, and easy to apply.
The type of sealant you choose depends on the sealed material, as dissimilar materials are hard to bond. Generally, polyurethane-based sealants are the most durable and adhere to most surfaces. However, other types of adhesives can be equally effective.
Asphalt
Asphalt is a black-colored material made from bitumen mixed with various inert mineral materials. It can be used for road surfacing or sealing waterworks.
Different consistencies are available, ranging from light oil “dust layer” treatments to wide, high-viscosity industrial varieties. It can be produced from natural sources such as gilsonite, wurtzite, Trinidad lake asphalt (TLA), or petroleum-based mixes.
Cracks in an asphalt driveway can occur for many reasons. The most common cause is moisture, which seeps through the cracks and weakens the pavement’s base.
Larger cracks (more than 1/2″ wide) – consult an asphalt expert to determine the cause of your severe longitudinal cracks and offer a long-term solution. Put a crack sealant on small cracks (less than 1/2″ wide) to stop moisture from penetrating the sub-grade layers through the cracks and to stop the margins of the attempts from raveling.