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As long as there are homes and cars there will be driveways. In this episode, Danny demonstrates how to properly seal, protect and maintain asphalt driveways. Plus, take a look at other options for driveways.

While driveway surfaces (concrete or asphalt for most of the country) are incredibly resilient, they do require some attention so they’ll last as long as they should.

The key factor for most drives is preventing water from getting under the surface. Cracks are the chief concern. Clearing the drive of all weeds and debris, cleaning and making repairs will make it last longer and in our case, prepare it for sealing.

An asphalt driveway oxidizes as it ages which weakens it significantly so it needs to be sealed occasionally. These sealers can be applied with a brush, roller or squeegee and should last from two to four years depending on climate and every day wear.

If you’ve neglected to maintain your drive and it’s too far gone you’ll need to consider replacing it. There are of course alternatives to asphalt or concrete should you need a new drive or are just looking for a change – these include gravel, stamped or stained concrete or even pavers.

Frankly, repairing an asphalt driveway is not a glamorous job, but it’s one of those necessary evils. Sure, they’re durable and inexpensive by comparison, but they will wear out. One of the first things Danny mentioned was the need to properly clean the driveway prior to any repair; as you could see this is fairly straightforward.

Concrete driveways, however, are more absorbent and create a greater challenge. There have been some breakthrough products that have recently hit the market that make cleaning a breeze, especially when it comes to removing oil stains. There are a number of good ones, but one I’ve seen in action and was impressed by is Pour-N-Restore. Their website explains the product, including a streaming video.

You may have noticed that the sealer we used on the asphalt drive was clearly labeled as “no stir” sealer, yet, there we were, stirring to our heart’s content. Even the manufacturer told us it’s a good idea to stir it up. Regardless of the composition, settling and separation of the chemical makeup of the sealer occurs while sitting on a shelf, so even though it isn’t necessary, it never hurts to stir up the sealer before application.

By the way, if you have plans to replace your driveway or are building a new one, be sure to ask about the placement of control joints. A control joint is a score (groove) made in the concrete, or, perhaps, a piece of material inserted at a predetermined location that will help eliminate ugly surface cracks from forming in your finished drive.

The fact is, that as concrete dries and cures, the stress of traffic or ground movement will cause the concrete to crack. Having these control joints will cause any necessary cracking to form within the confines of the joint and relieve any excess stress or strain on the remaining surface. Be sure to ask your concrete finisher where he is going to place these joints.

One final note with regard to creating a gravel or paver driveway: It is vital to start out with a proper base foundation. Crushed limestone or some other material is suitable, but be sure the material is slightly damp first, and always…let me repeat this for emphasis…always tamp the material down with a gas-powered tamper. If this is a do-it-yourself project, you can rent a tamper from most rental companies.

Before you walk out with the cheapest model, though, keep this in mind. The tamper should be no less than 4 horsepower, preferably at least 5 horsepower. Anything less simply won’t do the job. Also, when you are operating the tamper, open it up. Full speed ahead! Throttling back will only serve to make the base uneven with “soft” patches evident throughout the area.


Other Tips Seen in This Episode

Simple Solutions with Joe Truini: Picture Hanging Tip

There are all sorts of gadgets out now including lasers to help hang pictures, but all you really need is a strip of wood and single nail. A single piece of lathe with a roofing nail in it works very well because the wood is thin and the roofing nail has a broad head. Just slip the nail onto the picture wire, hold it up to the wall where you want it, and press in on the picture against the nail. The nail will make an impression in the wall exactly where you need to drive your nail for hanging.

Best New Products with Danny Lipford: Dap DryDex Spackle and Joint Compound

Do-it-yourselfers all over the country face this problem all the time. You’ve filled in those nail holes in the wall with spackle or completed finishing a drywall repair but you’re not sure when to begin sanding and painting. The DryDex line of spackle and joint compound from DAP solves that problem with a unique technology that let’s you know exactly when its ready to sand or paint. DryDex is applied just like ordinary spackle or joint compound, except that this material is pink when it goes on the wall. As it dries, the color changes from pink to white to let you know its dry.

Around the Yard with Tricia Craven Worley: Planting a Privacy Hedge

A hedge is a beautiful way to enclose a space or create a backdrop in your yard. When choosing shrubs for a hedge, ask your local nursery what types of hedges do well in your area. They will also be able to help you determine proper spacing. Other things to consider are annual maintenance required of the hedge you choose, whether the plant is deciduous or not (if so, the plant will lose its leaves at some point during the year and break down your privacy) and whether it will be a source of infestation

Editorial Contributors
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Danny Lipford

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Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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