Construction Equipment Preparation: Things You Should Know

Cracks in the asphalt of your driveway look terrible, and they allow water to run under the pavement and wash away the soil supporting it. Using an asphalt crack filler to seal the cracks is an excellent way to head off problems, but there are some things you should know about what material is best for your situation. 

Crack Fillers

There are several different types of asphalt crack sealers available for homeowners to use on their driveway, but they are not all the same. Some filler material is a solid that requires heating to fill the crack, and others come as a liquid that you can pour into the crack and allow to dry. 

While both products have their place, it is essential that you select the correct asphalt crack filler for the size and type of cracks you are dealing with. You can find most filler materials at your local home improvement center, and an associate there can usually answer any questions you have about the product before you buy it. 

Small Cracks

Many times, the surface of your asphalt driveway will develop small cracks that do not go all the way through the pavement, and filling them is the best way to avoid further damage. Using a liquid asphalt crack filler with small cracks like this is often the easier way to close them up.

The asphalt crack filler should come with instructions, but most liquid fillers do not require much work to use. Sweep any dirt out of the cracks or wash down the driveway and allow it to dry before applying the crack filler.

Once the surface is clean and dry, the filler can be carefully poured into the cracks and allowed to dry. You can use a small trowel or putty knife to smooth the surface of the crack filler if needed, but most products should self-level in the void. While this works well for many small cracks, it is not the best way to deal with deep or wide cracks in the asphalt. 

Large Cracks

If you have a large crack in your asphalt driveway, you may need to consider using a solid asphalt crack filler to close the gap. The filler comes in a long rope-like shape that you can cut to length to fit the crack you need to fill. 

Push the asphalt crack filler material into the crack with a putty knife so it fills the entire length of the crack. Using a propane torch, heat the material until it melts and fills the gap in the asphalt, and then allow it to sit and cool. The crack filler will harden and seal the crack, keeping water out from under your driveway. 

After you repair the cracks in the asphalt, you can seal coat the entire driveway to protect the asphalt and the repairs from the weather. Seal coating should be a routine part of your yearly maintenance to ensure you get the most from your asphalt driveway, no matter how old it is. 

Contact an asphalt crack filler service, such as Specialty Construction Supply, near you to learn more.