That pristine asphalt driveway might make the home look like a million dollar residence, but time has a habit of changing that, and eventually it will need repairing. If you are inexperienced with DIY, or just can’t be bothered, there are many companies that can make the necessary repairs on your behalf, but if you think you are up to the task, here are a few helpful hints to ensure the job is completed satisfactorily.
A Dry Day
If you are planning on repairing any section of asphalt, make sure the weather forecast says no rain. The sealing process will not be complete if the surface is wet, and the warmer the weather, the better, so avoid asphalt repairs in the winter if possible. If you are in Western Australia, and looking for asphalt repairs in Sydney, you really couldn’t do any better than Northshore Paving, an established company that specialises in commercial and residential asphalt laying.
Clean the Area
You must remove all debris, and brush the area to remove all dust and gravel, and if there are weak edges of asphalt present, break them off and prepare the area to be repaired. Like most things, preparation is everything, and if you have cleaned the area thoroughly and it is dry, you can proceed.
Size Matters
It does with asphalt repair anyway, and if the hole or crack is small, say under 10mm wide, some crack filler, which can be applied using a caulk gun, is the ideal substance for this type of opening. For something a little larger, you would be better off with a cold asphalt patch product, which would provide better adhesion. If we are talking a deep hole, then filling it halfway with gravel is a good idea, as this will give the new asphalt a solid bed, and there is less chance of a repeat problem.
Double Tamping
This cannot be stressed enough, as tamping down the asphalt once is insufficient to bring it to the right consistency. The first tamping should be done when the asphalt is 10mm under the surface, and the second, when the asphalt is 10mm above the surface level, and this tamp should bring it down to slightly above the surface level, which is ideal. The tamping helps remove air pockets and generally compresses the asphalt to its optimum state.
After Seal
You must always seal the asphalt after the repairs have been carried out, as this keeps the moisture out and creates the bond between the old and new. It is advisable to reseal the area around the repair, and if your driveway hasn’t been sealed, call in a contractor, who can also make the repairs while they are there.
For small repairs, it is fine to go down the DIY road, but anything more than a small defect, and you should contact the company that laid the original asphalt, and if you are not sure who that is, a simple online search will point you in the direction of a contractor who can carry out the repairs.
