How to Asphalt Coat Driveways
An asphalt driveway is a major investment, so you want to keep it looking good. Luckily, asphalt doesn’t require much in the way of maintenance. Typically, an asphalt sealer, applied every year or so, is all that is necessary to keep the driveway looking good. If potholes or other signs of wear and tear develop, you should take immediate steps to repair asphalt defects. Anything that allows water past the asphalt coat can serve to weaken the base of the asphalt driveway, which is why the application of a good asphalt sealer is important. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Broom
- Commercial detergent
- Bucket
- Scrub brush
- Hammer
- Chisel
- Shop vacuum
- Asphalt crack repair compound
- Caulk gun
- Emulsified asphalt liquid
- Cold patch asphalt compound
- Piece of 4-by-4-inch lumber
- Asphalt sealer
- Roller or squeegee broom
Instructions
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1
Clean the asphalt driveway well. If there are grease spots on it, mix a few drops of commercial detergent into a bucket of hot water. Remove the stains with a scrub brush. Allow most of the moisture to dry before proceeding.
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2
Repair any cracks in the asphalt. Dig out any loose materials with a hammer and chisel. Clean out debris with a shop vacuum. Fill the cracks with asphalt crack repair compound applied with a caulk gun.
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3
Coat the lining of pot holes and low spots with emulsified asphalt liquid after you remove the debris in them. Fill the holes with cold patch asphalt compound. Tamp the asphalt compound into place using the end of a piece of 4-by-4-inch lumber. Allow the asphalt compound at least 24 to 36 hours to dry before driving on it. After two to five days, apply sealer.
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4
Apply a coat of asphalt sealer to the entire driveway after you complete the repairs, using a roller or a squeegee broom designed for that purpose. Apply a thick coat, letting the sealer fill into small cracks you didn’t fill. Let the sealer dry at least 24 hours before using the driveway.
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Tips & Warnings
Plan the project for a warm, sunny day when there isn't any rain in the forecast for several days.
Put up string and stakes to keep foot and vehicular traffic off the driveway while you make repairs to it.
Scatter sand across the asphalt coat before it dries to give the driveway surface a roughened texture. This helps prevent falls on the asphalt when it’s wet.
If the asphalt crack repair compound dries with a rough surface, use sandpaper to smooth it down.
Some asphalt products stick to your shoes. Take care when entering your house so you don’t track asphalt inside and onto flooring where it might be difficult to remove.
