How to Self-Blacktop Your Driveway: A Comprehensive Guide
Driveway maintenance can be a daunting task, especially if you're dealing with issues like cracks, alligator cracks, and depressions. This comprehensive guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to self-blacktop your driveway, ensuring a smooth and long-lasting repair. Follow these detailed steps to maintain your driveway's aesthetic and functionality.
Part 1: Prepping the Driveway
Before you start blacktopping, it's crucial to prepare the driveway properly. Follow these steps for the best results.
1. Assess the Damage
Blacktop patching materials may not solve all issues. Begin by inspecting the driveway for damaged areas. Small cracks, depressions, and alligator cracks can usually be self-repaired.
2. Clear the Surface
Remove dirt, debris, and loose stones to ensure a clean surface. Use a leaf blower, compressed air blower, or a broom to clear away any dirt, dust, and loose material.
3. Clear Vegetation
Trim grass and weeds away from the edges of the driveway. If there is heavy weed growth, spray the vegetation with a long-lasting herbicide at least two weeks before starting the project. Scrape out any grass or weeds in cracks and sweep the area with a whisk broom.
4. Clean Grease Spots
Apply a heavy degreasing detergent and scrub with a sturdy wire-bristled brush. Avoid using solvent-based cleaners as they can leave residue that may affect the blacktop's adhesion.
5. Fill Deep Holes
If the driveway has broken off and revealed the subsurface, fill the hole with dirt, gravel, or sand until it's level with the rest of the surface.
Part 2: Filling Potholes and Deep Depressions
For larger issues like potholes, you'll need to follow these steps to ensure a strong and lasting repair.
1. Wear Protective Clothing
Before handling the blacktop, put on gloves, protective eyewear, and long sleeves and trousers. Check the product label for any specific safety instructions.
2. Select the Right Material
Choose a cold pour pothole patching material. This type of material is best for missing chunks of asphalt and depressions deeper than 2 inches (5 cm). For home repairs, use a cold pour product as hot pour products require specialized machines.
3. Prepare the Hole
Use an asphalt saw or hammer and chisel to create straight edges in the hole. Clean away any dust and broken asphalt debris.
4. Apply the Patching Material
Start by pouring a layer of patching material from the bag, ensuring the material is compacted well. Use a pothole tamper, vibrating plate, lawn roller, or any heavy object to push the material down. For large areas, oil a piece of plywood and place it over the repair to compact the material.
5. Allow the Material to Set
After applying the patch, wait at least four hours or as directed by the label instructions. Ensure the weather is at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (16 degrees Celsius) and the driveway is dry. If you plan to apply an asphalt sealer, wait until conditions allow.
Part 3: Filling Cracks and Minor Depressions
Smaller cracks and depressions can be repaired with ease using the following methods.
1. Fill Small Cracks
Use asphalt crack filler for small cracks. Shake the bottle to mix the product evenly. Cut the nozzle to fit the crack and squeeze the filler directly into the crack until it's flush with the driveway. Allow it to dry for 24 hours and add additional coats if needed.
2. Handle Alligator Cracks
For more severe alligator cracks, use an asphalt patching material. Remove any large chunks of asphalt, then spread the patching material using an asphalt squeegee or brush. Ensure the damaged area is fully covered with a layer of 1/8 to 1/4 inch (3 to 6 mm).
3. Repeat and Allow Time to Dry
Spread additional alligator patching material until the crack or depression is level with its surroundings. Squeegee out a thin layer one or two feet in each direction for a smoother transition. Allow the material to dry over a few hours, and repeat if necessary. Allow 24 hours for the blacktop to dry and cure before walking or driving on the driveway.