Key Takeaway:
- Asphalt driveways are prone to cracking and potholes and must be patched.
- Potholes are formed in asphalt when water seeps into the pavement’s cracks, freezes, expands the cracks, and weakens the pavement. Over time, traffic can cause the pavement to collapse and form a pothole.
- Paving contractors identify the root cause of pavement cracks by the crack structure.
- To help prevent potholes from forming, it is important to repair pavement cracks as soon as possible.
- When adding new asphalt mix, fill in all cracks & crevices completely, then smooth out the surface before compacting it with a, tamper-allowing it time to cure afterward.
If you have an asphalt driveway, then sooner or later, you’re going to need to patch it. Asphalt driveways are prone to cracking and potholes, so it’s important to know how to patch them properly.
This blog post will walk you through the entire process of repairing an asphalt driveway. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right materials to sealing the patch against weather damage. Following our guide can ensure a successful repair that will last for years!
How Are Potholes Formed?
Potholes are a common sight on roads and highways. They are created when water seeps into cracks in the pavement & freezes, expanding the cracks & weakening the pavement. Over time, the weight of traffic can cause the pavement to collapse, creating a pothole. Potholes can also be formed by the sudden impact of a large object, such as a truck or tree branch.
When a pothole forms, it is usually filled with water, further weakening the surrounding pavement and accelerating the formation of new potholes. Potholes can range in size from a few inches to several feet across, and they can cause damage to vehicles and cause injuries to pedestrians. To help prevent potholes from forming, it is important to repair pavement cracks as soon as possible.
Difference Between Hot Patch & Cold Patch Asphalt
Hot patch asphalt is made with hot asphalt heated to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Hot patch asphalt is placed in the damaged area and compacted with a roller. This patching material is best used in the summer when temperatures are high enough to keep the hot asphalt workable.
Cold patch asphalt is made with cold asphalt, which can be purchased in pellet form or made from recycled pavement. It is placed in the damaged area and compacted with a roller. This type of patching material can be used year-round, but it is best to avoid using it in very cold weather when the ground is frozen solid.
Related: Repairing a Pothole
How To Identify the Cause of The Crack?
There are several ways to identify the cause of a crack.
- One is to look at the pattern of the crack. If it is a straight line, the cause is likely structural, such as settling or thermal expansion. If the damage is curved or zig-zag, it is likely caused by weathering, such as freeze-thaw cycles or root growth.
- Another way to identify the cause of a crack is to look at the width of the gap. A wide crack is more likely to be caused by settling or thermal expansion, while a narrow gap is more likely caused by weathering.
- Finally, you can also look at the color of the crack. A dark-colored crack is more likely to be caused by weathering, while a light-colored crack is more likely to be caused by settling or thermal expansion.
By examining all of these factors, you can usually identify the cause of a crack and avoid it in the future.
Related: Asphalt Sealcoating
How to Patch Asphalt Properly?
1. Choose The Right Asphalt Mix
Different types of asphalt mixes are available on the market, so choosing one that suits your particular repair job is important. If you need help deciding which combination to choose, ask a professional at your local hardware store for guidance.
2. Clean The Area to Be Repaired
Before you begin patching, cleaning the area that needs to be repaired is important. This will help the new asphalt adhere properly and prevent any potential problems down the road. Use a wire brush to remove any loose debris, and then use a hose or power washer to remove any dirt or grime.
3. Apply A Primer
Once the area is clean, you’ll need to apply a primer before adding the new asphalt. The primer will help the new asphalt bond with the existing surface. It will also help to prevent any potential problems down the road.
4. Add The New Asphalt
Once the primer is dry, you can add the new asphalt mix. Make sure to fill in all of the cracks and crevices completely. Use a trowel or putty knife to smooth out the surface of the patch and then compact it with a tamper.
5. Allow The Patch to Cure
After you’ve compacted the new asphalt, it’s important to allow it time to cure properly before walking or driving on it. Depending on the temperature and humidity, this can take anywhere from 24 hours to several days. Once the patch is fully cured, spray it with an approved sealant or paint if desired.
Conclusion
Following these simple steps, you can quickly and easily patch your asphalt. With proper preparation and an eye for detail, your repair will be successful and last for years. Remember always to use high-quality materials that are designed specifically for asphalt repairs. If you take the time to do it right, you can save yourself much money in the long run. Good luck with your repair!
Your parking lot or driveway is looking a little worse for wear.
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