How to Recoat a Driveway
After about five years, weather and the stress of daily use begins to show on a driveway. Potholes, brittle patches and cracks are all signs that an asphalt driveway is due for a recoat. With a little preparation, a novice do-it-yourselfer can improve the appearance of and add years of service to an existing driveway with a new layer of asphalt. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Broom
- Gloves
- Leaf blower
- Bleach
- Hose
- Bucket
- Scrub brush
- Elastomeric filler
- Putty knife
- Sand
- Asphalt resurfacer
- Paddle bit
- Drill
- 4-inch-wide paintbrush
- Squeegee
Instructions
-
-
1
Sweep the surface of the driveway with a broom. Wear gloves and pull out any weeds growing through cracks. If the asphalt still appears dirty, go over it with a leaf blower to remove embedded dirt.
-
2
Mix a solution of 1 part bleach and 4 parts water in a bucket. Spread the solution over the surface and scrub it with a scrub brush. Leave the solution on the surface for about 10 minutes and hose it off thoroughly.
-
-
3
Measure the depth of the holes and cracks with a measuring stick. Fill any holes that are less than 1/2 inch deep with elastomeric filler, using a putty knife. Compact the filler and spread it thinly around the surrounding area.
-
4
Pour sand into holes more than 1/2 inch deep until the sand is 1/2 inch from the surface. Scoop elastomeric fill into the holes and pack it down.
-
5
Mix a tub of asphalt resurfacer with a drill and paddle bit.
-
6
Use a 4-inch-wide paintbrush to paint the resurfacer onto the edges of the driveway.
-
7
Pour resurfacer over the center of the driveway and use a squeegee to spread it. Brush the material in long even strokes across the width of the driveway. Work in small sections at a time beginning at the end of the driveway nearest the house.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Pay attention to the weather forecast and wait to resurface the driveway until temperatures will be over 60 degrees Fahrenheit and dry for at least two days.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Photos.com/Photos.com/Getty Images
