How to Repair Cracks and Damage in Your Asphalt Driveway

How to Repair Cracks and Damage in Your Asphalt Driveway

Owning a home comes with an equal share of maintenance tasks, and keeping your asphalt driveway in top shape is one of them. Over time, open-air exposure and daily wear and tear can make space for cracks and even damage the asphalt driveways in Melbourne. 

Fortunately, with the right approach, you can repair your asphalt driveway, extend its life and maintain your home’s street-side appeal. In this blog, we’ll guide you with practical advice on tackling common driveway issues, from simple DIY fixes to knowing when it’s time to call in the professionals.

Keep reading until the end if maintaining the asphalt driveway is a concern for your home or commercial settings. 

Understanding Asphalt Driveway Damage

Before heading straight for repairs, it’s important to understand the types of damage that can occur. 

  1. Cracks: 

The most common type of damage is cracks, ranging from small fractures to wider gaps. These can appear due to constant and heavy vehicle traffic, temperature changes, water running into the base material, or the ageing of the asphalt material.

  1. Potholes:

Potholes are a serious concern for driveways where heavy vehicles run continuously. Asphalt driveways in Melbourne can appear as small or large potholes in heavy rains. This develops when water seeps into the asphalt, expands, and contracts with temperature changes.

  1. Skin Cracking:

As the name suggests, asphalt’s base layer sometimes cracks and breaks down, forming interconnected cracks. This can be the result of internal or external malfunction. Repairing such cracks requires immediate repair from professionals. 

  1. Surface Wear:

Poor installation, low-quality asphalt mix, and loss of surface texture can result in damage. Further, harsh UV rays can also make the asphalt dry out and fade over time. Repairing asphalt surface wear is a cost-friendly alternative to replacements.

  1. Oil Stains: 

Oil and other fluid leaks from vehicles can penetrate the asphalt surface, causing soft spots that may lead to further damage. Besides being unsightly, these stains can weaken the sealants laid over the asphalt surface.

DIY Solutions for Minor Repairs

1. Cleaning the Area:

Start with removing debris, weeds, and dirt from cracks. You can use a stiff brush or a leaf blower to clean the surface. If you suspect oil stains, use a degreaser or detergent before rinsing thoroughly with water.

If you are a complete beginner and are clueless about the cleaning process, finding concrete companies in Melbourne is the key. 

2. Crack Filling:

Fill small cracks (less than ½ inch wide) with a rubberised asphalt crack filler. Use a caulk gun tool to apply sealant in line. Use the filler with a putty knife to ensure it is distributed evenly. Allow it to cure according to the product’s instructions.

3. Patching Potholes:

For small to medium-sized potholes, use cold asphalt mix for quick repair. Fill the hole with the patch material. While doing so, ensure that the mix is overfilled slightly. Snug over with the back of a shovel and then drive over it to ensure it remains tight and secure.

4. Sealcoating:

Applying a seal coat can revamp your driveway’s appearance and protect it from future damage. Ensure the driveway is clean and dry before applying the sealant with a squeegee or brush. Sealcoating also helps to waterproof the surface and protect against water damage.

When to Call a Professional

While many minor repairs can be handled on your own, certain situations require searching for concrete companies in Melbourne.

1. Large Cracks and Potholes: 

If your driveway has large cracks (wider than ½ inch) or deep potholes, a professional repair may be necessary. These issues often require repairing with a hot mix of asphalt. As a result, it is a more durable solution that needs specialised equipment.

2. Extensive Damage:

When the driveway is extensively damaged or has multiple areas needing repair, it’s time to call the experts. They can assess whether resurfacing or a complete replacement is the best course of action.

3. Drainage Issues:

If water is flooding or is not draining properly on your driveway, it can pave the way to major damage over time. Professionals can regrade the surface or install drainage solutions to resolve these issues.

4. Structural Concerns:

Cracks or damage that extend into the driveway’s foundation require professional attention. These may indicate underlying issues that require prompt and professional expertise to prevent further damage.

Tips for Maintaining Your Asphalt Driveway

Now that you are familiar with DIY and professional repairing methods, let’s understand maintenance tips offered by concrete companies in Melbourne.

  1. Regular Cleaning:

Keeping your driveway clean from debris, chemicals, and oil spills can significantly extend its lifespan.

  1. Sealcoating:

Apply a seal coat every two to three years to protect against water infiltration, UV rays, and chemical spills.

  1. Prompt Repairs:

Addressing cracks and damage early on can prevent them from worsening, leading to more costly repairs.

  1. Avoid Heavy Loads:

Be mindful of heavy vehicles or equipment that could cause indentations or damage to the asphalt.

Takeaway

Maintaining an asphalt driveway in Melbourne requires caution and on-time repairs. Homeowners can tackle common issues and keep their driveways looking great for years to come with the practical advice outlined in this blog.

Whether you’re filling in small cracks on a sunny Saturday afternoon or calling in professionals for more significant repairs, each step you take contributes to the longevity and appearance of your driveway. Remember, a well-maintained driveway not only boosts your home’s curb appeal but also its value.

Schedule a call with RoadSeal Civil— an efficient concrete and asphalt contractor in Melbourne. The experts here are top-notch and provide guaranteed repairs for your home or commercial properties.