Wondering how to repair cracks and seal your asphalt driveway?
With the right tools and preparation, you can restore the appearance and durability of your driveway in just a weekend.
A visit to an asphalt sealcoat supply company will provide you with everything you need for this DIY project.
Step-by-Step Guide to Repair Cracks and Seal Your Asphalt Driveway
You will need:
- Leaf blower or broom
- Asphalt crack filler
- Scraper
- Asphalt sealant
- Paintbrush
- Squeegee
Let’s get started.
- Check the Weather Forecast
It should take 24 to 48 hours to repair asphalt cracks and reseal your driveway. During this time frame, you don’t want it to rain, so make sure there’s nothing but clear skies in your local weather forecast. - Clean Driveway
For the best results, you’ll need to clean the surface of your asphalt pavement. For this step, we recommend using a leaf blower or broom to clear debris such as fallen branches, leaves, and pollen. - Repair Small Asphalt Cracks
For small asphalt cracks under 1 inch wide, you’ll be able to do the repair yourself.
While at the sealcoat supply company, make sure you pick up a tube of asphalt crack filler. Clear asphalt cracks of dirt and vegetation with a trowel or similar tool. Next, you’ll need to wash out any residual debris in the crack with a garden or power hose. Let the crack completely dry before moving onto the next step.Cut the tube’s spout so its width is smaller than the crack you want to fill. Fill in the crack so the new asphalt is level with surrounding pavement, smooth out new asphalt, and let dry for 24 hours. You may need to apply a second coat of asphalt patch product. For alligator cracking or cracks over 1 inch wide, hire an asphalt contractor. Like the name suggests, alligator cracks resembles the scaly hide of an alligator and indicate structural failure. - Clean Driveway Again
Since at least 24 hours have passed since you started patching asphalt cracks, you may need to clean your driveway again. This is especially common in the spring and fall when pollen and leaves are falling from the trees in your yard. - Mix Asphalt Sealant
Before opening the first driveway sealer bucket, tip it upside down to mix the product thoroughly. Do this to each bucket prior to opening it. - Seal Edges of Driveway by Hand
After putting in so much hard work and effort, the last thing you want is your asphalt sealcoating job to look sloppy. Use an old paintbrush to seal the edges of your driveway that touch sidewalks or buildings. The precise brush strokes will help sharpen the edges of your driveway. To avoid being trapped in a corner, you’ll want to start at the top of the driveway and work your way down. - Pour Sealant
Once you’re done sealing certain edges by hand, you’ll need to pour a line of sealant along the width of your driveway. Angle your squeegee 45 degrees and pull the sealant across your driveway, compressing it into the surface as you go. Apply an even amount of pressure as you work. Too much pressure will cause sealant to ooze over the squeegee. Not enough pressure and the layer of sealant will be too thick. - Allow Driveway to Cure
Wait 24 hours for the driveway to cure. Don’t walk or drive on the newly sealed asphalt surface. - Apply Second Coat of Sealant
Older driveways may need a second coat of asphalt sealant. Use your best judgment. You may be able to get away with applying a second layer to certain sections of your driveway. Allow another 24 hours before walking on pavement. Wait 48 to 72 hours before allowing vehicles on surface.
For the best results, we recommend going to an asphalt supply company with experience in helping homeowners and asphalt contractors.
They will be able to help you find the asphalt sealcoating products you need for your project.
B&E Seal Coat Products, Inc. is a Grand Rapids asphalt maintenance supplier dedicated to offering customers quality asphalt products.
f you are interested in our asphalt repair products, please feel free to call us at (616) 608-6169.
