Repairing an asphalt driveway is a cost-effective way to improve the appearance and functionality of your home’s exterior without the high price of full replacement. With proper materials and techniques, you can patch cracks, fill potholes, seal the surface and more to restore your asphalt driveway. Let’s review some key steps for DIY asphalt driveway repair.

Assess the Damage

Before doing any repairs, you’ll need to thoroughly examine your driveway to identify all areas in need of fixing. Look for:

Cracks – Note hairline cracks less than 1⁄4 inch wide as well as larger cracks extending down to the driveway base. Mark the locations with spray paint.
Potholes – Inspect for bowl-shaped depressions filled with water. Measure the width and depth.
Raveling – Check for areas where the top layer of asphalt is crumbling. Use a screwdriver to test how soft and porous these sections are.
Depressions – Look for sunken spots or dips, which indicate subsidence of the subsurface beneath the asphalt.
Poor drainage – Water pooling in certain areas can undermine and damage asphalt over time.

Thoroughly documenting the types and extent of damage helps determine the repair techniques and materials needed.

Gather the Right Asphalt Repair Supplies

Repairing an asphalt driveway entails using the proper materials for the job. Some key supplies to have include:

Asphalt patch mix – Pre-mixed cold asphalt in a bag is available at home improvement stores for filling cracks and holes.
Asphalt sealer – Liquid asphalt sealant coats and protects the driveway surface from water penetration.
Crack filler – Specialty tar-based products fill cracks to prevent water intrusion.
Concrete patch mix – For repairing sunken sections, concrete patch creates a new solid base.
Masonry sand or gravel – Added as a base layer when rebuilding depressed areas.
Mastic asphalt – A solvent-based asphalt for flexible repairs of cracks and holes.
Polyester or fiber mesh – Used with asphalt patch mix for added strength.
Construction adhesive – Bonds patch materials to existing asphalt.
Tar paper – Creates water barrier beneath concrete patch areas.
Roofing shingles – Makes an anti-stick surface for tools when working with liquid asphalt.

Having the right supplies on hand allows you to repair asphalt driveway damage using the appropriate product for each situation.

Clean and Prepare the Surface

Once you’ve assessed the damage and gathered supplies, proper prep work is crucial for effective repairs:

Sweep away all dirt, debris and loose material from the asphalt driveway using a stiff broom. Hose down if needed.
Use a wire brush to clean cracks and holes, removing all crumbling material inside these voids.
Mark all cracks and damage with paint. Outline potholes and depressed areas.
Use a utility knife to cut a neat square or rectangle around damaged sections that will be patched.
Apply concrete patch mix to sunken areas after laying tar paper. Let cure completely.
Place a layer of masonry sand or gravel in deeper depressions before pouring new asphalt.

Proper cleaning, marking and base preparation creates the foundation for repairs to properly bond and adhere to the existing driveway.

Repair Cracks in Asphalt Driveway

Cracks are one of the most common issues with asphalt driveways. Luckily, repairing cracks is straightforward:

For cracks less than 1⁄4 inch, apply a specialty asphalt crack filler using a caulking gun. Work into the crack with a putty knife.
Larger cracks can be patched by cleaning thoroughly, applying a tack coat of liquid asphalt, then filling with asphalt patch mix. Tamp down with a hand tamper.
If the crack shows gaping movement, enlarge it into a full cut line with a concrete saw to prevent further spreading. Clean and fill the cut with asphalt patch.
For long cracks, use fiber mesh, mastic asphalt or roofing shingles as a reinforcement bridge across the damaged section before filling.
Check that all crack repairs are slightly overfilled to account for compression. Make multiple passes if needed to completely fill the void.

Repairing cracks as they appear prevents further driveway deterioration and water penetration to the subbase.

Fill Potholes in Asphalt Driveway

Potholes require more extensive repair:

Mark pothole areas and cut neat squares/rectangles around the perimeter.
Break up and remove all loose material until solid asphalt is reached on all sides.
Thoroughly clean and apply tack coat inside the holes.
Partially fill the pothole with asphalt patch mix, tamping down firmly. Leave 1” below surface.
Cover patch mix with liquid asphalt sealer to bind surface.
Fill remaining depth with fresh patch mix, leaving slightly overfilled. Tamp down.
Cover patched pothole with additional asphalt sealer once cured.

Filling potholes prevents further damage from water collection and freeze-thaw cycles. Monitor these areas to ensure patches hold solid.

Repair Raveling Asphalt Driveway

For raveled areas where the asphalt surface is crumbling:

Use a chisel and hammer to remove all loose material.
Sweep and hose the damaged section to clean.
Apply tack coat to raveled area plus 6” beyond.
Fill with asphalt patch mix, tamping down in layers until flush with surrounding driveway.
Cover patched section with asphalt sealer to bind surface.

Cutting out and patching raveled areas prevents this damage from spreading across your driveway.

Fix Sunken Spots and Depressions

To repair sunken sections of an asphalt driveway:

Mark and cut out depressed areas into squares/rectangles. Remove all material.
Line the hole with tar paper secured with construction adhesive.
Fill hole with 4-6” of concrete patch mix. Smooth and slope slightly. Allow to fully cure.
Once concrete has hardened, apply tack coat and fill remaining depth with asphalt patch mix.
Tamp asphalt firmly and check for 1⁄4” overfill to account for compression.
Cover repaired section with asphalt sealer once cured.

Building up depressed areas restores support and prevents further sinking and cracking.

Improve Driveway Drainage

Poor drainage accelerates asphalt driveway damage. To improve water flow:

Use a level on long driveways to determine direction of drainage. Identify low points.
Install trench drains, catch basins with drainage grates or underground drainage pipes at low points.
Build up driveway edges with extra asphalt so water flows off sides instead of pooling.
Fill any birdbaths and depressions with asphalt patch.
Ensure the final slope allows water runoff without being overly steep.

Enhancing drainage prevents water from undermining or settling into asphalt surfaces over time.

Seal Asphalt Driveway

Once repairs are complete, apply asphalt sealer across the entire driveway:

Select the right sealant for your needs – refined tar-based, acrylic-emulsion, asphalt-emulsion or gilsonite-based.
Thoroughly clean the driveway and let dry completely.
Mask off any areas not being sealed such as house foundations.
Apply sealer using a squeegee and backroll for even coverage. Let cure.
Apply a second coat for longevity, waiting for full cure between coats.

Sealing rejuvenates aging asphalt, provides UV protection, and prevents further water damage. Reseal every 2-4 years.

Let Asphalt Repairs Fully Cure Before Using

It’s crucial to allow all asphalt patch materials, concrete patches and sealants to fully cure before driving or parking on the repaired driveway. This usually takes 24-48 hours in warm, sunny weather. Avoid use before it has hardened completely to prevent damaging the repairs. Patience pays off with longer-lasting results.

With the right methodical approach and quality materials, you can successfully repair common asphalt driveway damage like cracks, potholes, raveling and depressions. Improving drainage and sealing the surface will maintain your driveway and extend its life. Careful prep work, proper patching techniques and ample cure times are the keys to restoring your asphalt driveway’s appearance and function.

Frequently Asked Questions About Repairing an Asphalt Driveway

Repairing your own asphalt driveway can save thousands of dollars compared to full replacement. Gain confidence in completing this project with answers to these common questions:

How do I know if my asphalt driveway can be repaired vs needing replacement?

Asphalt driveways are good candidates for DIY repair if the damage is limited to cracks, potholes, raveling and minor depressions. If large sections are extensively cracked with deep potholes, the subbase is compromised or drainage issues are severe, full replacement may be better.

What tools do I need to repair an asphalt driveway?

Useful tools include a broom, wire brush, garden hose, utility knife, caulking gun, putty knife, hand tamper, concrete saw, chisel, hammer, level and asphalt sealant squeegee/roller. You’ll also need safety gear like gloves, eye protection and a dust mask.

When is the best time to repair an asphalt driveway?

Schedule repairs in warm, dry weather ideally above 60°F. Avoid precipitation or freezing temps for several days after applying repairs to allow proper curing. Repair in spring or fall if possible.

How long does asphalt patch and sealer last?

With quality materials and proper prep, asphalt patches and sealant can last 2-5 years or longer before needing reapplication. Use fiber mesh and construction adhesive to reinforce patches. Reseal every 2-4 years.

How soon can I drive on repaired asphalt?

It’s crucial to allow all repairs to fully cure before use – typically 24-48 hours in warm weather. If needed sooner, lay plywood over sections for sole support when driving. Avoid twisting actions on partially cured patches.

How do I get rid of weeds growing through my asphalt driveway?

Apply a weed killing herbicide first if needed. Dig out existing weeds, roots and all. Fill holes with asphalt patch mix. Prevent new weeds by resealing driveway regularly to block sunlight penetration.

What causes potholes and how do I prevent them?

Potholes form when water seeps through cracks, settles beneath asphalt and causes freeze/thaw damage in winter. Prevent them by sealing promptly and keeping water drainage away from driveway edges.

What is the white powder that appears on my asphalt driveway?

White residue is efflorescence – mineral salts carried by water to the asphalt surface. Prevent it by sealing driveway regularly. Use degreaser and wire brush to remove efflorescence once present. Reseal after cleaning.

How do I remove oil stains from my asphalt driveway?

Use an oil stain remover or degreaser made for asphalt. Scrub into stains with a wire brush, rinse thoroughly and let dry. Repeat as needed. Reseal cleaned areas to prevent water intrusion through pores.

Can I patch an asphalt driveway in cold weather?

It’s best to avoid asphalt repairs below 50°F if possible. The materials require warmer temps to properly set and cure. Make temporary winter repairs with cold asphalt mix, then do full patching when weather warms up.

Repairing an aging asphalt driveway allows you to improve its appearance, function and longevity at a fraction of replacement cost. With some diligence and the right materials and methods, you can successfully tackle many common asphalt problems. Carefully assess issues, repair all necessary areas, enhance drainage and seal the surface to restore your asphalt driveway.

Conclusion

Repairing an asphalt driveway is a manageable project for DIYers that yields big benefits. Damaged and deteriorating driveways not only look unsightly, but also suffer further decline if not properly maintained and repaired. With some effort and the right approach, you can fix cracks, potholes, raveling and depressions to significantly improve your asphalt driveway.

The keys are fully cleaning and prepping affected areas, using quality patching materials suited for each repair type, properly applying patches, enhancing drainage, and allowing ample cure time before use. Sealing the entire surface after repairs locks in results and prevents future water damage.

Arm yourself with the necessary knowledge and tools to assess issues, repair common asphalt problems and implement good maintenance practices. Your restored driveway will provide clean, smooth and structurally sound performance for years to come. Maintaining and repairing your asphalt driveway adds value, aesthetics and functionality to your property and prevents the major expense of full replacement.

How to Repair an Asphalt Driveway