Cracks in asphalt driveways are common. Changes in the weather and shifting soil take their toll. Eventually, the asphalt will crack, and that's nothing to be alarmed about as long as you have repairs done without too much delay. Cracks that aren't repaired will get worse over time, and then you'll face more expensive repairs later on. Here's why cracks should be repaired, how it's done, and how to slow down the escalation of damage on your driveway.
Why Timely Asphalt Repairs Are Important
A crack in an asphalt driveway is more than a cosmetic issue. You might be willing to live with unsightly cracks, but the bigger problem is ongoing damage to your driveway. Rain gets in the cracks, and the rain and snow can freeze in the cracks during the winter and widen the cracks even more.
Rain can drain all the way down to the soil base, and once that happens, the base gets washed away and this causes further cracking or the development of potholes. It's better to have asphalt repairs done routinely so your driveway stays in good shape rather than let the cracks lead to the deterioration of your driveway.
How Asphalt Repairs Are Done
Asphalt cracks can be repaired with hot or cold filler. If you hire a contractor to repair your driveway, they'll probably use hot filler since it is more effective. However, if you want to fill cracks yourself when they're tiny, you can buy filler at a home improvement store that has a cap with a pointed tip you can place in the crack to fill it.
The crack has to be cleaned out first so the filler adheres. Once the crack is clean and dry, the hot or cold filler can be applied to the crack and then smoothed over on top so the repaired area isn't bumpy. Asphalt crack filler is black, and your driveway might be faded, so the repaired areas may be visible, but at least they won't be problems for your driveway any longer.
How To Protect Your Driveway
You can reduce the risk of cracking by having a sealcoat put on your driveway every few years. A sealcoat is a waterproof barrier that keeps rain from seeping down to the base of your driveway. The coating is applied once all asphalt repairs are complete.
The coating has a deep black color, so it freshens the appearance of your driveway too. A sealcoat wears off over time, so you'll want to replace it as part of your driveway maintenance plan to keep the need for asphalt repairs to a minimum.
An asphalt company, like W.N. Yoss Construction Inc , can help you with your asphalt.
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