As winter comes to an end and spring begins to emerge, many homeowners, property managers, and business owners will be assessing the damage caused by the cold temperatures, ice, and snow. Pavement, especially driveways and parking lots, takes a heavy toll during the winter months. The combination of snow, ice, and salt or deicing agents can significantly damage asphalt, causing cracks and holes over time. If you're looking to repair your driveway after winter, here are some tips to get it back in shape.
Clean the Driveway
Before you start any repairs, it's important to remove any lingering salt or deicing agents from the surface. While melting snow helps remove some of these chemicals, it won’t do the entire job. Use a power washer to thoroughly clean the driveway. A clean surface ensures that any patching or sealcoating material will adhere properly. Think of it like painting a surface—you can’t paint over dirt, and you can’t repair asphalt over debris.
Inspect and Prepare Cracks and Holes
After cleaning, inspect your driveway for any cracks or holes. These might have developed over the winter due to the freeze-thaw cycle. If you find any, make sure to clear them of excess moisture, gravel, or debris. Wet or dirty cracks and holes will prevent patching materials from bonding properly. If there are any remnants of old patches that are lifting or coming loose, remove them and start fresh.
Apply Cold Patch
To fill in the holes and cracks, use cold patch asphalt. Start by filling the larger holes first, as they’ll require more material. Once the holes are filled, use a tamper to pack the material down tightly. A manual tamper will provide enough pressure to ensure a firm seal. For smaller cracks, you can apply crack filler strips instead.
Sealcoat the Driveway
Once all the cracks and holes have been filled, it’s time to apply a fresh layer of sealcoat. This step may need to wait until the weather warms up, as sealcoating should be applied in temperatures above 50°F. When the conditions are right, use a sealcoating tank to evenly apply the protective layer. This will give your driveway a smooth, new look and protect it from future damage.
Revitalize Your Driveway with Asphalt Sealcoating Supply Inc.
For all the materials you need to repair and maintain your driveway, get in touch with Asphalt Sealcoating Supply Inc. Call us at 304-916-6117 to learn more about our products and services.