If your driveway has cracks and other surface damage, resurfacing may be a good choice. Depressions and tire ruts also reveal asphalt that needs repair. They allow water to soak in and cause further damage.
The biggest consideration is whether your driveway has widespread damage that requires a replacement. Contact Driveway Repair Charleston SC for professional help.
Cracks in your driveway are a common problem and although they don’t usually cause damage it’s still unsightly. Cracks can also indicate structural problems that require a professional assessment and more extensive repair work. In many cases, the best solution for repairing cracks is to use concrete repair products that are specifically designed to bond and seal concrete surfaces, helping to restore the integrity of your driveway and prevent further damage.
For hairline cracks, which are less than 12 inch wide, you can use a concrete patching compound to fill the cracks and smooth out the surface. For this, you’ll need to prepare the area by lightly dampening the concrete and using a putty knife or trowel to work the crack filler into the cracked areas. The best results are achieved when you apply the crack filler in layers rather than filling the entire crack at once. Once the crack filler has set, you can seal it with a high quality concrete or asphalt sealant.
A good concrete sealant has the ability to expand and contract slightly with temperature changes, which helps to prevent pulling away from the edges of the cracks. It’s important to read the label of any concrete repair product you choose, and be sure that it’s suitable for your specific needs.
For cracks wider than 12 inch, you’ll need to use a more extensive repair method. You may need to use a hammer and chisel to widen the cracks so that the concrete repair compound can be properly applied. Then, you’ll need to prep the cracks again by removing any loose bits of debris with a broom and thoroughly brushing the cracks. It’s essential to ensure that the cracks are completely clean prior to applying a repair product, to avoid having the new sealant pull away from the existing cracks.
Structural cracks that appear in the center of your driveway are a serious issue and need to be addressed as soon as possible. These cracks are caused by shifting of the ground underneath your driveway and can lead to severe damage if not treated immediately. If you have large, structural cracks in your driveway, contact a concrete service to assess the problem and provide an appropriate solution.
Potholes
Potholes are a major headache for driveway owners. They damage cars and are a safety hazard for pedestrians. They also make the surface of a driveway look unkempt and unprofessional. In addition, they’re costly. It’s important to address them early before they grow and cause more damage.
Like cracks, potholes are caused by water build-up in a small area of the asphalt. This can happen during the winter after snow melts or rain. Asphalt pavement is especially susceptible to this deterioration, but even dirt or gravel driveways can experience the same issue.
Almost all potholes develop because of poor drainage. This is a problem in both dirt and asphalt driveways, but it is much more of an issue in gravel driveways because there is less of a solid base to support the pavement. This is why a gravel driveway should be regularly graded to redistribute the existing material and keep water from pooling in one spot.
To repair a pothole, start by cleaning out the old material and removing any debris. Heating the hole is important because it removes any excess moisture and softens the existing material. This will allow the new material to bond with the existing asphalt. Once the pothole is cleaned, add the new asphalt patch and tamp it down. If you don’t have a tamper, a lawn roller or car will work fine. After tamping, rake the patched area to blend it with the rest of the driveway surface.
For best results, it’s a good idea to use bagged asphalt patch for driveway pothole repairs. This will usually have instructions on the label that will let you know how to prepare and apply it correctly. Most of the time, you will need to heat the patch before applying it to the pothole. This will help to ensure that it bonds with the existing asphalt and doesn’t fall off later.
If you have a gravel driveway, it’s a good idea to repair any potholes in the spring before the winter weather hits. This will prevent them from getting bigger and damaging your vehicle and the surrounding driveway. It’s also a good idea to perform regular maintenance on your driveway to reduce the risk of potholes and cracks. Regular grading, along with proper drainage and a crown, will minimize water erosion and maintain the integrity of your asphalt pavement.
Crack Filler
Crack filling is a quick, cost-effective way to treat asphalt surface damage. It stops the flow of water through cracks, preventing further deterioration and the formation of potholes. The process involves cleaning the crack, applying a premium crack filler, and smoothing it to blend in with the existing driveway surface. The process can be performed by the homeowner with a caulking gun and store-bought sealants for small cracks or by professionals with industrial-grade materials and equipment.
Asphalt crack fillers are available in a wide range of textures and strengths, making them suitable for various types of asphalt surfaces and weather conditions. Hot-pour crack fillers, which are heated and poured into cracked areas, are ideal for high-traffic pavements. These materials are durable, flexible and able to withstand the movement of heavy vehicles.
Cold-applied crack fillers, on the other hand, are typically applied to parking lots and residential driveways. These materials are less durable than their asphalt counterparts, but they offer a more economical and quicker repair solution.
When cracks in asphalt are left untreated, they can cause serious problems, such as erosion and failure of the base materials. Using crack filler prevents the entrance of rain and moisture into the cracked area, slowing down the rate of deterioration and helping to maintain the longevity of the asphalt.
In addition to preserving the asphalt, crack filling also improves the overall appearance of the driveway. It makes the surface of the driveway look newer and more attractive, which can make a positive impression on customers and visitors.
The process of filling and sealing cracks in a driveway is fairly simple, but there are a few key steps that must be taken to ensure success. First, the crack must be cleaned thoroughly to remove dirt and debris. This step is important because it ensures that the crack filler adheres properly to the damaged area. Next, the crack filler must be carefully introduced into the cracked area, using a caulking gun or crack-filling machine for large areas and a putty knife for smaller areas. Finally, the filled crack must be smoothed and allowed to cure for a minimum of 24 hours before driving over the area.
Sealer
Sealing a driveway is one of the best ways to protect it from damage and prolong its lifespan. It acts as a barrier against water, which seeps into and destroys asphalt from underneath. This is especially important in areas that experience frequent freeze and thaw cycles, as well as shifts and settling of the ground.
Unlike crack filling, which is most cost-effective when applied to small cracks that have not spread widely, seal coating is the most effective treatment for protecting the entire surface of an asphalt driveway. It’s also more economical than resurfacing or replacing the entire driveway.
For the best results, always apply a new sealer to a clean driveway. Remove any weeds or debris and pressure wash the surface to remove dirt and grime. Before applying a driveway sealant, read the manufacturer’s instructions for proper application. Spraying or rolling is usually recommended for even coverage, and a thin coat is best for maximum durability.
Concrete driveways require regular maintenance and resealing to prevent damage and extend their life. This includes cleaning the surface with a brush or blower and washing it with a degreaser every few months to prevent oil or gas staining. It’s also a good idea to distribute the weight of parked cars and avoid driving on icy or snowy driveways, and to inspect your concrete for cracks or other damage annually.
Depending on the type of concrete you have, you can choose from several different types of sealers. Acrylics, epoxy, polyurethanes, and silanes are popular choices, all of which offer durability and weather protection. Penetrating sealers are made of silanes, silicones, or other resins that bond with the concrete to form a chemical barrier against contaminants like water and oil.
While it’s tempting to ignore any signs of damage to your driveway, ignoring problems will only lead to more costly repairs and possibly compromise the structural integrity of the entire structure. Repairing your driveway promptly not only saves money, it ensures the safety of your family and guests who use the area. If you need a repair done on your driveway, contact a professional to get the job done right.