How to Fix a Crumbling Asphalt Driveway
If your asphalt is beginning to show signs of wear, age, or disrepair, it is important to repair the issues in a timely manner. If you fail to do so, the problems within your asphalt surface may worsen. What may have started out as a simple fix may turn into a major repair problem. Read on to learn more about the signs of damaged asphalt and how damaged asphalt can be fixed.
Signs Your Asphalt is In Need of Repair
There are a number of signs that your asphalt may give you if it is in need of repair. Some of the signs that your asphalt may need repairs are seeing the asphalt crumble or erode away, seeing cracks in the asphalt, or seeing depressions, holes, or potholes on your asphalt surface. Another sign that your asphalt may need to be repaired is seeing water puddling or pooling on the surface. Water that is puddling or pooling instead of draining away from asphalt can cause crumbling, cracks, and depressions.
How to Fix a Crumbling Asphalt Driveway
If you notice that there is damage to your asphalt surface, such as crumbling, cracking, or depressions, you will want to call in an asphalt contractor who offers asphalt repair. The first thing that they will do is remove any debris from the surface of the asphalt. This involves removing asphalt and aggregate from cracks and potholes. Once that is done, the asphalt surface will be cleaned. Patches and fills stick best to asphalt that is cleaned. If there is debris on the asphalt, such as oil or food, it can prevent the filler from properly adhering. Once the area is free from debris and cleaned, a professional will use a filler to fill in cracks, holes, depressions, or asphalt erosion. Once the filler is in place, it will be rolled so that it is compacted and so your asphalt surface is completely level.
How to Protect an Asphalt Driveway
If you have a new asphalt surface, or if you have just had yours repaired, you may be wondering if there is anything you can do to protect the asphalt surface from damage. While you cannot prevent all types of damage, seal coating an asphalt surface helps to prevent cracking, erosion, and potholes and depressions from forming. The surface of the asphalt should be coated after a surface has been installed or repaired, and every two to three years thereafter.
Reasons to Hire an Asphalt Contractor for Asphalt Repair
If your asphalt is in need of repair, you may find yourself wondering whether you can make the repairs yourself or whether you should hire an asphalt contractor to make the repairs for you. While home improvement stores do sell asphalt patching kits that allow you to make minor repairs to your asphalt surfaces yourself, these kits generally do not solve the problem for a prolonged period of time. They may be quick fixes but they do not last. A professional can properly patch or repair your asphalt so the problem is fixed and so your asphalt functions as good as new once again.