How To Patch Cracks In Asphalt
Many people who have asphalt on their property never repair it. This could be because they are intimidated by the work, and they don't realize how easy it can be. Most minor asphalt repairs are actually quite manageable; for instance, filling cracks and small potholes is easy to do, as long as you have a few basic, over-the-counter tools. This article shows exactly how you should patch asphalt cracks.
The Limits of Crack Filler
Premixed asphalt crack filler is not very complicated to work with. It is sticky, so the job can be messy, but there is really nothing to it. That being said, it isn't going to work in every crack or pothole. If the cracks are too wide, or the holes are too deep, asphalt patch might not work well enough. For example, asphalt patch might not work on holes that are deeper than 6". Patch is a rubbery substance that dries to be softer than the actual asphalt. While you could technically repair such large holes with patch, it would dry soft. It is better to just let professionals fix these larger damaged areas, because they can use hard asphalt that will dry to be just as hard as the existing surface. For more information, find a local contractor that specializes in asphalt and foundation repair.
Small Repairs
When it comes to repairing small cracks with patch, the work is simple, and the patch works very well. The first thing you need to do is prepare the damaged area by removing any dirt or loose asphalt. You want to create a clean surface that the patch can stick to; then you can spread the patch using a putty knife. The most important thing you need to do when patching asphalt is to completely cover the crack, as well as spreading the patch onto the top of the asphalt; you don't want to just fill in the gap. By applying the extra patch on the top of the asphalt, and spreading it thinly, you will cover the edges of the crack. This will protect it and prevent further damage.
A cracked slab of asphalt will have black lines that look like fault lines, and they might not be very aesthetically pleasing. The patch will seal and protect the asphalt from further water damage, and it is definitely preferable to have small patch lines instead of vulnerable, untreated cracks all over your asphalt.
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