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Repairing Driveway Cracks
from: SelfHomeImprovement.comDriveway maintenance is an important part of a homeowner's responsibility when it comes to keeping the property in good repair. Regular driveway maintenance helps prevent major problems and repair issues down the road. Ongoing maintenance is necessary to avoid small cracks from becoming much larger ones and other potential problems.
Driveways often erode due to poor maintenance. Grass, erosion, and small cracks can quickly become major problems if not handled and repaired promptly. Regular maintenance not only saves the driveway longer, but it saves on money in the long-term. Repairing driveway cracks early is one way to keep the driveway in better shape.
Asphalt is one of the most commonly used materials for residential driveways. It is a durable material that is economical and fairly easy to maintain. There are many different types of products and materials available to help with driveway maintenance including solid cold-patches and different types of fillers. Driveway maintenance also consists of preventive care such as sealing the driveway on a routine basis.
Repairing cracks is an essential part of driveway maintenance. The sooner they are filled, the less likely they are to become problematic. Filling the cracks will help avoid water seeping below the surface and causing erosion underneath. Asphalt cold-patch is very effective for sealing smaller cracks and crevices. It can be purchased in packages and the size you need is based on the size of the driveway and the problem area. For more extensive repairs, it can be purchased in larger buckets.
The most important thing when repairing cracks is to make sure the area is completely cleaned of material that has cracked and fallen apart. Removing all signs of asphalt, rocks, and other debris is essential to the repair process. Preparing the space for repair is the first step and cannot be overlooked. A wire brush or other small tools are great resources to help dig out loose asphalt and debris.
Clean the area thoroughly and then sweep it as clear as possible. If you have a shop vac, now is the time to use it. It will ensure that as much dust and dirt is removed as possible. Now that it's clean, it's time to wash it with a garden hose and rinse away dust thoroughly.
Once the area is completely clean and washed, you can begin to fill the crack. Read the directions carefully since different manufacturers may have different instructions. Depending on the depth of the crack, you may need to use some type of material before applying the filler so check the instructions for recommendations.
Once your driveway is repaired, keep it in good condition with routine sealing and frequent inspection. Repairing spots and areas before they become too big is the best defense against driveway damage.
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