A driveway made of concrete may take decades before it wears out, however, cracks, potholes and surface erosion cannot be avoided. Most of the homeowners may believe that repair of a concrete driveway would entail costly concrete replacement, but asphalt provides a viable and affordable alternative.
This guide will take you through the steps of fixing your concrete driveway with asphalt, making it hard and smooth again.
Why Use Asphalt to Repair a Concrete Driveway?
Before diving into the repair process, it’s important to understand why asphalt is a great choice for fixing concrete:
Cost-effective – Asphalt is also less costly than a new pour of concrete.
Fast application – Asphalt can be applied within a short period of time as compared to concrete and can hence be repaired faster.
Durability – Asphalt can be used to give a lasting surface to deteriorated concrete when properly applied.
Versatility – Asphalt is used in cracks and potholes repairing and in resurfacing uneven surfaces.
This also makes asphalt the choice of a good number of homeowners who desire to have a durable driveway, but not to strain the budget.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
To begin with, prepare the tools and materials needed to carry out the repair process without any problems:
- Asphalt patch/cold patch asphalt mix.
- Shovel or trowel
- Broom or pressure washer
- Tamper or hand roller
- Eyewear and protective gloves.
- Asphalt sealer (not necessary, but desired, to protect)
- Crack filler (when it is necessary to fill in little cracks prior to placing asphalt)
This will help make the project quicker and safer since everything will be ready.
Step 1: Inspect Your Concrete Driveway
The initial one is an inspection of your driveway.
Look for:
Cracks – Determine small hairline cracks and big fissures.
Potholes – Mark down any spots where the concrete has cracked off.
Uneven surfaces – inspect the areas where the concrete has sunk or heaved.
The level of damage will give you the idea of whether you should do some patching or an overlay.
Step 2: Clean the Driveway
It is important that the asphalt be properly cleaned so the adhesion to the concrete may take place:
Clean up – Clean up dirt, leaves and loose gravel.
Power wash – A pressure washer can be used on tough spots and in the accumulation of dirt.
Surface drying – Asphalt sticks well on a dry concrete surface hence make sure that it is dry before applying.
A clean surface enhances a bond and the repair is longer lasting.
Step 3: Repair Cracks and Small Holes
Cracks and small holes should be fixed before applying asphalt:
Small cracks – Cracks can be sealed using concrete crack filler. This helps to avoid the seeping of water under the asphalt and resulting in more damages.
Potholes – Cleanse the pothole and patch with cold patch asphalt mix. Tamper it to a flat surface.
These problems should be repaired initially to make the overlaying asphalt on the road even smoother and more lasting.
Step 4: Prepare the Concrete for Asphalt
Asphalt cannot bond on a smooth surface:
Roughen the concrete – Roughen smooth surfaces with a wire brush or a grinder.
Apply a tack coat (optional but recommended) – A thin coating of asphalt emulsion is meant to ensure that the new asphalt adheres to the concrete.
When prepared properly, then the chances of the asphalt peeling or cracking out at a later time are minimal.
Step 5: Apply Asphalt to the Driveway
Now it is time to put the asphalt on your concrete driveway:
Apply asphalt – Instructions on your asphalt patch product. Small projects are the easiest to use cold patch asphalt.
Pour the asphalt – You should pour it at the far end of the drive way towards the garage or the street. Apply the asphalt to the damaged places.
Level surface– Trowel or shovel should be used to spread out the asphalt. Make sure that it partially intersects with the sides of the broken concrete.
Compaction of the asphalt – Asphalt can be compacted by means of a tamper, hand roller or plate compactor to stamp the asphalt on the concrete. Compaction is done properly and this results in removal of air cavities and enhances durability.
Go easy so that you can get a smooth surface.
Step 6: Allow Asphalt to Cure
It requires time to dry after the application of the asphalt:
Cold patch asphalt – Typically can be used in light traffic within 24 hours, complete within several days.
Hot mix asphalt (assuming it is used) – Takes as long as 72 hours to cure.
Driving heavy vehicles around the repair before it is completely cured should be avoided to avoid depressions or cracks.
Step 7: Seal the Driveway (Optional but Recommended)
Coating your asphalt patch increases its life and looks good:
Select an asphalt sealer- Water-based sealers are simple to install by homeowners.
Apply evenly – Coat the asphalt with roller, squeegee or brush or roller.
To dry – Drying is normally a time-consuming process of 24-48 hours which largely depends on weather conditions.
Sealing will guard the asphalt against water, UV rays and vehicular wear.
Tips for a Long-lasting Repair
Work in good weather – Do not work when it is raining, snowing or very cold.
Keep your driveway tidy – Clean on a regular basis, seal cracks and surface of your driveway after every few years.
Do not use heavy loads in the process of curing – Do not park heavy trucks or trailers until the asphalt has settled.
These tips will help you have your driveway repaired last long without any significant problems.