In addition to cracks in the driveway being unsightly, they actually decrease the value of the home. Unfortunately, driveways wear down over time and the result is cracks. Even worse, having a professional come to pour a new driveway means spending $5,000 and usually more. Obviously, this type of repair could be extremely expensive, which is why many homeowners look for alternative solutions to fixing cracks such as this.
Of course, the type of repair made would depend on the type of driveway you have. Let us say your driveway is made of asphalt. To repair unsightly cracks in a driveway made of this material, it is imperative that the right materials be used. Along with materials, you would also need to use appropriate tools and follow specific processes. For starters, you would need a caulking gun, a wet vac, although a household vacuum cleaner would work, a pressure cleaner, and an asphalt repair kit.
Before doing anything to eliminate unsightly cracks in the driveway, determine the depth of the cracks. The reason is that if the cracks were less than one-half inch deep, the repair kit would work quite well. However, if the cracks were deeper, you would likely need to hire a professional. Once cracks in the driveway become too deep, the only way for them to be repaired so the results look nice and the driveway becomes safe and strong is with tar.
If you find that the unsightly cracks in the driveway are repairable with a do-it-yourself kit the first step would be to clean the driveway. For this, you would use the power washer to remove any built up dirt, grease, grime, and debris. As all the dirt and debris is washed out of the cracks, the wet vac, or vacuum cleaner would be used to remove it. Now, if you use a regular vacuum, we suggest you wait until the driveway surface is dry whereas a wet vac could be used right away because it is designed to handle moisture.
The next step of getting rid of cracks in the driveway is to use the repair kit and caulking gun to inject the substance into the cracks. For the best job, move slowly so the cracks are filled evenly. Additionally, be sure the cracks are filled just to the top. If any of the cracks are overfilled, you can use a piece of brown paper bag or even cardboard to apply pressure. This will help the asphalt filler to settle deep into the cracks so once dry, the surface is completely flat and smooth.
Keep in mind that regardless of the material you are trying to repair cracks on, it would be imperative to seal the driveway when done so it has a layer of protection. That way, future cracks would not be as serious or may not develop at all. The following are just a few of the best sealers to consider.
• Coal Tar – Made from coal tar, polymers, clay, sand, and various other additives, this substance is easy to apply and highly resistance to harsh elements.
• Asphalt – The main ingredient for sealers specifically formulated for asphalt is asphalt and while more expensive, they are extremely strong, durable, and safe.
• Acrylic – This type of driveway sealer is made from acrylic, as well as polymers and synthetic substances. This sealer is also expensive but considered an excellent choice. In addition, acrylic sealer comes in various colors.
• Water Based – If you want to seal a driveway that you eliminated unsightly cracks from and you support a healthy environment, something that is water based is ideal.
• Oil Based – Although sealers with an oil base are great against the elements they are also more volatile to the environment and health.
• Epoxy – If you have fixed unsightly cracks in a driveway made of concrete, the type of sealer that would be deemed appropriate is epoxy.
• Linseed Oil – Finally, a concrete driveway could also be protected with a sealer made from linseed oil. This option is highly effective, it covers great, and it is 100% safe.
