subject: A How-to Guide On Cleaning And Repairing Driveway Cracks [print this page] Asphalt driveways can get damaged and develop cracks as a result of everyday wear and tear. While asphalt driveway is long-lasting and durable as compared to some of the other varieties, regular maintenance can further enhance its dependability and the amount of time it lasts.
This article provides some valuable and easy to use tips for cleaning and maintaining your asphalt driveway:
Cleaning the Driveway
Although, a tiny oil spill may not seem too harmful, it can cause serious damage to the driveway by seeping into the surface and breaking the asphalt. Follow the below mentioned procedure to perform regular driveway maintenance.
1.Begin by removing weeds or tiny plants that may have developed inside the cracks, with the help of a spade or any other sharp edged object.
2.Spray water at high pressure to remove loose or cracked asphalt from the surface of the driveway and use a broom to clean the exterior.
3.Spray some cleaning liquid onto the affected areas and wipe thoroughly with a brush before washing thoroughly with water to remove oil and chemical stains.
4.Make sure that there is no loose debris before beginning the repair work. If necessary, use a vacuum cleaner to clean the driveway.
5.Wait for a few minutes before the area becomes dry and ready for repairs. Check to see if it is completely dry before beginning the work.
Repairing Cracks in the Driveway
For small cracks, use rubberized asphalt to fill in the cracks and smooth the surface with a putty knife. Use the putty knife to fill the cracks completely with rubberized asphalt and make sure that none of it spills out onto the surface.
Large sized cracks can be filled up using commonly available putty and leveling it with an iron rake. Allow it to dry before using the driveway.
It is important to fill the driveway and seal it for proper maintenance and long-life. To do so, start by wetting the driveway with a gentle spray of water. Next, pour a driveway sealer approximately one foot wide across the length of the driveway. Spread the strip to a width of around four feet with the help of a brush. Repeat the process to cover the entire driveway.
Remove the excess sealer carefully using a brush. Start the process from the up and carefully move down the driveway to complete the procedure. Give it at least a few hours to dry.
