Tips For Preparing For Asphalt Repair
If you are noticing a few cracks in your asphalt driveway, you should take the time to repair them right away or you could end up with a totally destroyed driveway that will need to be replaced instead of repaired. You have the options of doing the patching yourself or of hiring an asphalt repair company to do it. Regardless of which option you go with, there are some simple things you need to do before any patching is done. Here are some things to do to prep the asphalt for some work.
Remove Vegetation
If there is any grass, weeds, or other vegetation growing up through the asphalt, especially in the cracks, pull them out. You may want to use a weed deterrent or killer to prevent them from growing back again. While you are out there, take the time to pull the vegetation from around the edges of the driveway. anything that is growing can spread and end up under the asphalt. Even a few blades of grass can push up through the driveway and cause cracks. You can do this a day or two before the patching will be done, but should not do it any sooner as the vegetation could begin to grow again.
Sweep and Clean the Driveway
The morning before the patching is to be done, sweep the driveway. Make sure to get rid of any debris, dirt, or dust that is on it. If there is debris stuck to the asphalt, go ahead and use some water and a cleaning solution for asphalt on it. If necessary, use some fans to help dry the area that is going to be worked on. If you decide you need to do the sweeping and washing the night before the repairs, be prepared to sweep again to make sure nothing blew onto it overnight.
There are a number of products to use to patch asphalt cracks. It is important that you read the instructions of the product you buy fully. There may be some differences in how to prepare the product and the best way to apply it. If you decide to hire an asphalt repair company, be sure to ask them how long it will take for the product to cure completely. You will not be able to drive on the new asphalt patches until it has cured. It would be best if you did not even walk on it.