Asphalt driveway repair products work by sealing the cracks and fixing any defects that may have formed in the pavement. This can prevent water and other elements from seeping into the cracks and causing further damage, as well as keeping the pavement looking its best. Some of the most common asphalt driveway repair products are sealer, patching materials, and resurfacing products.
To choose the best asphalt driveway repair product for your needs, it is important to consider what is causing the damage. Once this has been determined, the specific product needed will be easier to find. Sealers are used to fix large cracks or tears in asphalt pavement. They are available in a variety of formulas and can be applied using a brush or a sprayer.
To use a sealer effectively, it is important to clean the area before application by scrubbing it with a stiff brush or using a degreaser. After cleaning, apply sealer liberally and wait until it has dried before proceeding. If patches are needed instead of full repairs, these can be made using a variety of materials including hot mix asphalt (HMA), gravel, or crushed stone.
HMA is easy to apply and can quickly fill small holes or cracks; however, it is not as durable as other materials and must be replaced every two years or so. Gravel patches are also easy to apply but last longer than HMA patches but need regular replacement due to wear and tear; while crushed stone patches offer the best of both worlds, requiring less replacement than either HMA or gravel but lasting for up to five years.