Cracks in an asphalt driveway need to be repaired to prevent rainwater from seeping through and causing further damage. To seal cracks and repair an asphalt driveway:
- Kill and remove any weeds.
- Use a screwdriver to groove out the crack.
- Blow or sweep out any loose debris.
- Fill the crack with one or more coats of asphalt crack filler.
- Use asphalt patch material to fill larger holes.
- Apply asphalt sealer to the entire driveway.
Watch this video to find out more.
Further Information
- Repairing Cracks in a Driveway (video)
- How to Repair and Seal an Asphalt Driveway (video)
- How to Patch a Hole in an Asphalt Driveway (video)
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT
Danny Lipford: Jeremy asks, “What can I do to seal the cracks in my asphalt driveway?”
The first step in repairing those cracks is to remove any debris or vegetation that you may have already in the crack. Get that out of the way, take a screwdriver and groove out the crack a little bit, and then blast that debris away using a leaf blower. It works great.
Then break out a good quality crack filler, and fill in every crack you can find, and you may have to put a couple coats on in order to completely surface all of the cracks out. Now, with the larger potholes you’ll want to dig it out and put some crushed gravel in, pack it out real well, then use the asphalt patch to surface out and get it nice and even with the top surface of your asphalt driveway.
Then, for the icing on the cake, after everything’s dried, put on a complete coat of asphalt sealer, two coats if you want it to last a long time.
is there any temperature requirement for the repair?
What driveway sealer does not have a strong smell? Does a latex sealer not have a strong smell when applied?
just had my blacktop driveway sealed. Had a few cracks that had to be sealed. Unhappy with the way it looks. The cracks that were sealed stand out because they are darker and unhappy the way it looks. Is that the way it has to be?
Hi, Ann,
For clarification, was your entire driveway sealed, or were just the cracks sealed?
May be these people ought to check out crack repairs at Walmart, costco, and other shopping centers to see their results you will be amazed how money is spent and endless battle , to keep future damage from taking over. Water is important , you need to protect your project to the highest degree, that is an ongoing battle. Research and testing offer somewhat solution. Sometimes using basic materials and not costly will provide a protection for almost everything you venture.
I couldn’t agree more when you mentioned that the first step in repairing cracks is to remove any debris or vegetation! My neighbors and I are planning to repair the cracks in the asphalt driveway, and one of our problems is the fact that is growing up some vegetation there. We will definitely keep your great tips in mind when searching for help with this.