Asphalt Driveway Edge Repair

Make the driveway look fresh and new.

An asphalt driveway is a durable and relatively inexpensive option for many homeowners. While it can stand up to the weather and the traffic of cars, bikes and people, it is not completely immune to wear. Often, asphalt driveways break loose at the edges and crumble. Thankfully for those uninitiated with the process, repairing and sealing the ailing edges is a straightforward task that anyone can complete in only a few hours.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Wood planks
• Stakes
• Hammer
• Chalk line
• Cold chisel
• Wheelbarrow
• Crushed gravel
• Tamper
• Asphalt cold-patch

Instructions

1. Dig a trench next to the crumbled section on the edge of the driveway that is 1 foot wide and 1 foot deep.

2. Place wooden planks into the trench so that they extend 6 to 8 inches above the ground level. Backfill the trench with soil as needed to keep the planks secure and 6 to 8 inches above ground level. Secure them with metal stakes. These planks will act as the forms for the edging of the driveway.

3. Position a chalk line 2 inches inside the damaged edge of the driveway and snap it to create a straight line to guide your removal of the damaged section. Keep the line parallel to the edge of the driveway.

4. Position a cold chisel onto the chalk line and strike it with a hammer to create a clean edge. Work the chisel down the length of the chalk line guide until you have broken off the damaged edge and created a new, clean edge.

5. Pick up the damaged pieces of asphalt and dispose of them.

6. Compact the ground where the damaged edges of the driveway just were with a steel tamper.

7. Add crushed gravel into the compacted spot at a depth of 6 to 8 inches and compact it with the tamper.

8. Pour asphalt cold-patch into a wheelbarrow and scoop the material onto the crushed gravel. Spread it evenly, then tamp it down so that it is level with the adjoining driveway.

9. Wait 48 hours for the cold patch to begin curing, then remove the wooden forms from the trench. The forms will have provided a clean edge for the asphalt cold patch.

References

• "Complete Do-It-Yourself Manual: Completely Revised and Updated"; Editors of The Family Handyman; 2005