How to Blacktop an Asphalt Driveway

Do you cringe every time you pull into your driveway? When your driveway starts to turn gray and discolored in spots from antifreeze or oil leaks, it can ruin the beauty of your home. Should you call a contractor and pay to get your driveway looking jet black and new again? Think again, do it yourself quickly and easily.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Strong detergent and water
• Driveway push broom
• Hose with jet spray attachment
• Sealer
• Filler mix
• Hammer and chisel
• Putty knife
• Square shovel or an edger
• Wide squeegee or brush
• Driveway barriers

1. Take everything off of your driveway. Give it a good cleaning with a strong detergent, plenty of water and scrub it with a large push broom especially made to clean driveways.

2. Rinse your drive way from the top down. Use the "jet" setting on your hose spray gun. Let the driveway dry before attempting any other steps.

3. Fix cracks or holes in your driveway. This is the time to fix them. Remove cracks or any edge of a hole above the general height of the driveway. Use a chisel and a hammer to level those areas.

4. Fill in the cracks and holes with filler from a hardware store for asphalt driveways. Make sure that you level the fill with a putty knife. Wait for the fill to dry before proceeding.

5. Edge your driveway before you start to seal it. Use a square shovel or mechanical edger.

6. Apply your driveway sealer with a wide squeegee or brush. Spread in thin coats, and keep the sealer well mixed before and during application. Lightly mist with water during the application. Prevent the cracking of the sealer that looks like dried mud by using thin even coats.

7. Remember to block your driveway to keep people from parking on it. Purchase driveway barriers or rope off the area.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't seal a newly asphalted driveway. It takes up to a year for the asphalt to properly dry. Allow the repairs to cure for at least three days before sealing.
• Don't start to seal your driveway if rain is expected in the next 48 hours or the temperature is below 50 degrees. Make sure that you wear old clothes that you won't mind soiling.
• If your driveway is on an incline, start at the top. If your driveway is flat, start at the part of the driveway closest to the house so you can send the foam and dirt into the gutter on the street.
• Avoid prolonged skin contact, and avoid breathing the vapors from the sealer. Use safety glasses when using the hammer and chisel.
• Do not use the driveway for a good 24 hours. Remember that you shouldn't seal your driveway more than once every two years to prevent it from becoming too slippery.