Maintain Your Asphalt Driveway

Although most asphalt driveways should last 15 to 20 years, asphalt typically begins to crack in the first 5 to 7 years. In colder climates, freezes and thaws eventually break the asphalt. And in warmer regions, low spots develop as water washes away the asphalt base.

Inspect your asphalt driveway each year. You can fix cracks with filler and sealer.

Choose a nice day, with predicted clear skies the next 24 hours, to work on your driveway. If it rains, all your hard work will wash away. The manufacturers of most sealers recommend temperatures be at least 55 degrees. Rent an air compressor and have safety glasses on hand.

Before you apply sealant, you'll need to prepare your drive. Kill the weeds growing in cracks and holes. For groove-type cracks, an eighth of an inch or larger, put on your safety glasses and use the air compressor to blow away loose debris. Pour in the crack filler until it's flush with the driveway.

For holes, dig out loose asphalt or gravel and make sure the edges of the holes are firm. Then fill the hole with a cold-mix asphalt patch. Let it dry thoroughly.

Now, you’re ready to spread the sealer. Sweep away dirt and debris from the driveway. Don't skimp on mixing sealer. It will require 10 to 15 minutes of mixing with a three-foot length of 1 x 2 or an old broom handle.

Use only as much sealer as you need. Work with 100 square feet at a time, using a sealing brush and an old broom or a roller.

The sealant will require up to two days to dry. And if this is the first time you've sealed your drive, you may need to add another coat.