How to Top an Old Blacktop Driveway
Ongoing maintenance is an essential part of the upkeep on an asphalt driveway. Routine repairs prevent cracks and holes from becoming too large and prevent the need to hire help, such as a contractor, to replace the entire driveway. However, if the driveway needs replacing, you can apply a new top to a blacktop driveway over the course of a couple of days after cleaning and repairing the old driveway. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Broom
- Pressure washer
- Air compressor
- Crack filler
- Asphalt sealant
- Sand
- Rubber squeegee
- Wire brush
- Rubber gloves
- 4-by-4 piece of lumber
Instructions
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Instruction
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1
Clear the driveway of rocks, yard debris and dirt. Sweep a broom from the top of the driveway to the street to remove large items from the driveway. Run a pressure washer or air compressor to clear cracks and holes filled with debris. Small wire brushes will remove any remaining rubble.
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2
Locate large cracks and fill the base of each crack with sand. This will eliminate the excess use of crack filler. Squeeze crack filler into each crack and slightly overfill the space. Add just the crack filler to small cracks that are less than a quarter inch wide. The filler will contract as it dries to the width of the crack.
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3
Fill potholes in the same manner as the cracks. Place sand in the bottom of the hole and fill the top with crack sealant. Tamp the filler with a piece of 4-by-4 lumber to smooth the patch.
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4
Reseal the driveway with asphalt sealant and a squeegee after the repair products have dried. Pour the sealant onto a small area of the driveway. Spread the product over the area with a rubber squeegee. Continue the process until the entire driveway is covered.
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5
Apply a second top coat to the blacktop approximately 12 hours after the first coat, which will allow the first layer time to cure. Two thin coats work to protect the driveway longer than one thick coat. Wait 24 hours to 48 hours for the asphalt sealant to dry before placing anything on top of the blacktop.
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Tips & Warnings
Too little filler in cracks will leave a divot in the surface of the driveway.
Pothole fillers are available in gallon jugs while crack fillers are sold in smaller sizes with a tip on the end to place in the crack.
Most asphalt sealants are not harmful to the skin, but rubber gloves and extra clothing coverage will prevent the sealant from coming in contact with skin while working.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit asphalt image by AGphotographer from Fotolia.com
