A well-constructed driveway has the potential to endure for an extended period, braving the elements and supporting the weight of vehicles. Nevertheless, over the years, like any other aspect of your property, your driveway is likely to exhibit signs of aging and deterioration.
Repairing your driveway can ensure a safe path for driving and walking. Fixing your driveway is also essential if you plan to sell your home, especially if other homes in the area have smooth, well-maintained driveways.
Concrete vs. Asphalt Driveways: A Comparison
The most prevalent driveway materials are concrete and asphalt, both of which incorporate crushed stone and sand, commonly referred to as aggregate, and use one of the two materials to bind them together. Here are the key distinctions between these two types of driveways:
Concrete: These driveways use cement as the main ingredient to bind the aggregate together. The cement mixture utilizes water, rock, clay and aggregate to create a strong foundation. A cement driveway can simply look like cement or be stamped to look like paver stones or brick.
Asphalt: In an asphalt driveway, aggregate is bound together using a petroleum-based material — asphalt — that’s comparable to tar. These driveways are often referred to as blacktop, as they’re dark in color.
How to Repair Cracks in a Concrete Driveway
If you start to see damage on your concrete driveway, follow these steps to repair it:
Inspect your driveway: Before starting the repair process, you need to inspect your driveway to determine the extent of the damage and the materials you’ll need to repair the damage. Use a tape measure or ruler to get an accurate gauge of what you need. When you find a crack or damage, you should chip away at crumbling or soft concrete to ensure that the gap is wider below the surface than at the top.
Wash the concrete: Now that you’ve assessed the damage, it’s time to start washing the concrete. Consider using a power washer for the most efficient cleaning experience. Begin from the middle of the driveway and work your way outward, ensuring the dirt doesn’t come back to areas you’ve already cleaned. Using a brush, you can also apply environmentally safe detergent and work it into the surface. Use a hose or the power washer to remove the detergent and dirt. Then, let it dry.
Remove additional debris: Use a shop vacuum to eliminate the remaining dirt from the cracks and ensure everything is completely dry before fixing the damage.
Fill and repair cracks: Apply a bonding adhesive, vinyl patching compound or primer to ensure the old material bonds well with the patching material. Any larger cracks will require foam backer rods to support them and prevent them from worsening. Fill all cracks. Cover big sections with a plastic sheet until the material sets. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on your chosen material to stay safe and ensure each crack is fixed properly.
How to Repair Cracks in an Asphalt Driveway
If you have an asphalt driveway instead of a concrete driveway, you may need to take a few different steps to fix any damage or cracks:
Clean your driveway: Before fixing the holes or cracks in your driveway, start by cleaning away any debris from the asphalt. Use a broom or leaf blower to eliminate leaves and dust and a pressure washer to eliminate any pesky stains.
Patch holes or cracks: Patching cracks and holes ahead of time will give you the best results. Use crack filler for minor cracks and a driveway patch for larger cracks. Ensure you don’t overfill cracks so they’re not visible under the sealant. If you overfill the cracks, you can always use a scraper to level it out.
Clean and mix sealant: After filling the cracks and holes, give the driveway another pass-over with your broom or leaf blower. Start mixing your sealant to have it ready by the time you need to apply it to the asphalt.
Seal the edge: Sealing the edge of the driveway first can help prevent any sealant from spilling over the edge. Work your way around the edge and on any place where the driveway meets any structure. Be more precise by using a paintbrush, making it look as good as when it was first laid down.
Seal the remaining asphalt: Now that you’ve sealed the edges, you can pour the sealant on the remaining asphalt. Use a squeegee to move the sealant around, using the right amount of pressure to keep the coverage even. The sealant will need to cure for 24 hours, so wait to do so until the next couple of days are clear and sunny. Apply a second coat once it’s cured to ensure each space is cured evenly.
When is a Crack Too Large to Repair?
When it comes to addressing minor driveway cracks or holes, you can typically handle the repairs yourself with relative ease. However, there are instances when cracks become too extensive for DIY solutions, necessitating the expertise of professionals for resurfacing. In more severe cases, a complete driveway replacement may be the only solution to restore it to its original condition.
Engaging a professional allows for a thorough assessment of the damage, providing you with a clearer understanding of the necessary repairs. While professional services can come at a cost, it's important to recognize that the condition of your driveway can significantly impact your home's value and marketability. Therefore, investing in professional repairs or replacement could prove to be a valuable investment in maintaining or enhancing your property's overall appeal and marketability.
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