How to Patch and Seal an Asphalt Driveway

A worn and torn driveway can be repaired without professional help.

If the asphalt driveway in front of your home has seen better days, a contractor could be hired for a lot of money to repair and reseal it, or you could do the work and save that money. The materials and supplies needed to patch the holes and repair any cracks or defects are easily available. Once those holes and cracks are patched, a new layer of driveway sealant can be applied and a new, smoother surface will be the result.

Things You'll Need

• Shop vac
• Asphalt crack sealer
• Cold patch
• Trowel
• Driveway coating
• Tamper
• Stick
• Hose
• Driveway cleaner
• Broom
• Driveway squeegee

Instructions

1. Fill driveway cracks that are 1/2 inch or larger with cold patch. Apply crack filler in smaller cracks. Dig away any broken pieces of asphalt and rock before sealing the crack, sweep out the crack with a broom and vacuum it with a shop vacuum.

2. Hose away the remaining dust from the crack. Use a high pressure spray nozzle to clean the area thoroughly. Apply the crack filler or cold patch to the cracks, following the package instructions.

3. Fill in depressed areas where water tends to pool with cold patch. If the depressed areas are less than 1 inch deeper than the surrounding driveway, fill them in to make them level and prevent the pooling of water.

4. Prime the area with driveway coating to help the new surface adhere properly. Apply blacktop patch to the area. Smooth out the patch with a trowel and tamp it down with a tamper. Let the patch dry for at least a 24 hours before applying additional driveway coating or sealant.

5. Pour out the driveway sealant slowly, and spread it evenly with a special squeegee/brush combination. These tools are available at home improvement stores and work well for this purpose. Spread the driveway sealant on one section at a time, then apply the squeegee to evenly distribute it. Do not spread the sealant too thin. Apply a thick coat to ensure a good seal. Allow the driveway sealant to cure for at least 24 hours before using the driveway. Follow the specific instructions on the driveway sealant for recommended curing times.

References

• Hardware Restore: How to Repair Asphalt Driveways