Crack Sealing Asphalt: The Hows and Whys
We really mean it when we say “We do everything asphalt!” And while “sealcoating” is in our name, it’s not all we do here at Sealcoat Specialties. In some cases, all that driveways and paved surfaces require is a fresh layer of sealcoat in order to look and perform their best. But in many instances, a once-over with asphalt crack sealer is needed to repair cracks and ensure that the surface will remain in usable condition for years to come.
If you’ve been wondering how to patch asphalt or if it’s something you can do yourself, you’re in the right place! On this page, we’ll share everything you need to know about asphalt patching, including whether it’s the best choice for DIY-ers and homeowners.
How to Patch Asphalt Driveway Surfaces: How Asphalt Patching Works
Have you studied your home’s driveway or your business’s parking lot and wondered “how do you get rid of cracks in asphalt”? If the surface is truly in bad repair, it may make sense to replace the asphalt altogether. However, in many cases, homeowners and businessowners are pleasantly surprised to learn that the asphalt can be patched. Here’s how it works:
Planning Makes Perfect
Whether you use cold patch asphalt, asphalt sealer/filler, or a combination of both, you’ll want to plan your project well in advance. Inspect the paved surface carefully. The size of the cracks and imperfections to be filled will dictate your choice of materials (see “Getting to Work” below for specifics).
Here’s an important factor that many homeowners neglect: You’ll want to allow the asphalt patching material to cure completely before driveway sealcoating material can be applied. While the cure time varies by product, it’s not unusual for asphalt patching products to require three months to fully cure.
In short: You should plan to fill any cracks in the asphalt and trowel on any asphalt patching material (if it’s required), and fill any potholes all in a single work session, followed at least three months later with driveway sealcoating.
Getting to Work
If there are any weeds growing through cracks, kill them with herbicide at least a week before beginning work, then scrape out the dead weeds with a string trimmer or garden knife. Scrape out the cracks, then use a shop vacuum or leaf blower to remove any debris from the cracks. Now it’s time to apply asphalt crack sealer material. Here are specific tips depending on the size of the imperfections involved:
Small cracks between 1/4” and 1/2” can be repaired with asphalt filling and patching products designed to be dispensed from a standard caulking gun.
Larger holes and depressions up to one inch deep can be filler with trowel-on patch or trowel patch.
Holes up to two feet foot square and up to four inches deep will require cold patch filler. For deeper holes, you can add base gravel to reduce the depth of the holes to 4 inches or less.
Whichever product or mix of products you use, be sure to read the manufacturer’s directions carefully. In general, you’ll want to let the patch material cure for at least 48 hours before use.
If you used cold-patch asphalt, it must be firmly compacted for it to cure solidly. And again: While paved surfaces can be walked or driven on immediately after the repair, it’s important to let the patches cure for 3 months before applying driveway sealer/filler.
Vancouver’s Best Asphalt Repair Companies: A Better Driveway Patching and Sealing Option
If it’s not apparent, while many homeowners can pull off crack sealing asphalt, it remains a time-consuming and messy job. If your asphalt driveway or parking area has unsightly cracks, we can help.
As one of the region’s most trusted asphalt contractors, we’re the pros Vancouver and Portland residents and businesses call to get asphalt repairs done right the first time. Call us today and cross driveway repair off your list for good!