A driveway plays a significant role in your house, as it is a feasible parking area and it enhances the curb appeal. Yet, with time, the cracks may appear because of exposure to the elements, heavy traffic, and wear and tear. Filling these cracks is a vital component of the driveway maintenance, which helps to avoid additional damage and enhance the appearance of your driveway and its lifespan. In this guide, we shall discuss on how to seal the cracks in the driveway.
The Reason Why You Should Seal Driveway Cracks
There are a number of reasons why it is important to seal the cracks in your driveway:
Avoids Water Damage
Water may enter through cracks and in cold weather it may freeze. Freezing of water can increase the cracks. The cracks are sealed to avoid entry of water which may cause more damage.
Stops Weeds and Grass Growth
Weeds and grasses find space in the cracks of your driveway. By sealing the cracks, you will not have to go through the stress of continual maintenance since these plants will not be able to take root and spread.
Enhances Appearance
Your driveway can appear to be old and worn out due to cracks and stains. Filling in the cracks provides your driveway a clean smooth look and enhances your home curb appeal.
Increases Durability
When you seal the cracks, you ensure your driveway is not subjected to further damage due to the elements, traffic and chemicals. This assists in enhancing the life span of your driveway.
Supplies You Will Need
Collect the materials and tools before the sealing process begins.
These are the things you will need:
- Crack filler (for small cracks)
- Cold-patch asphalt (for larger cracks or holes)
- Driveway sealer (for the overall driveway sealing)
- Wire brush or broom (for cleaning)
- Pressure washer or hose (for washing the driveway)
- Putty knife or trowel (for applying filler)
- Rubber gloves (to protect your hands)
- Shovel or hoe (for larger cracks and debris)
Procedures of Sealing Cracks on the Driveway
You have your materials ready now, so it is time to work.
This is how you can seal the cracks on a driveway:
Step 1: Wash the driveway
As the initial stage of crack sealing, the driveway should be thoroughly cleaned. Otherwise, the filler and sealer will not stick to the surfaces because of dirt, debris, and moisture.
Pressure Washer: Clean the surface of the driveway with a pressure washer, in case you have one. This assists in cleaning the dirt, oil stains and any debris on the cracks.
Scrub Using Broom or Wire Brush: In case of tough stains or smaller contaminants, scrub the surface and the cracks using a stiff broom or a wire brush.
Eliminate Weeds: In case you see weeds or grass growing between the cracks, eliminate them using a shovel or hoe. You can also consider using a weed killer in case the growth is massive.
Step 2: Fill the Cracks
After the driveway is clean and dry, it is time to fill the cracks. This will be necessary to avoid additional damages and keep the elements away of your driveway.
With Small Cracks: A driveway crack filler that is made to fill smaller cracks (usually cracks that are less than 1/2 inch wide) should be used. These fillers come in form of tubes and this makes it easy to apply directly in the cracks. Use the product as indicated.
Application: The filler should be squeezed into the cracks through the use of a caulking gun. Ensure that you fill in the crack. Use a putty knife or a trowel to smooth the surface.
In the case of Larger Cracks: In cracks that are larger than 1/2 inch, apply cold-patch asphalt or a thicker filler. Cold-patch is meant to seal and fill bigger cracks.
Application: Pack the cold-patch into the cracks using a shovel or hoe to make sure it is well packed. After filling, even the surface using a trowel so that the surface is even with the rest of the surface.
Step 3: Let the Filler Dry
Once you have applied the crack filler, make sure you wait till it is dry. Depending on what product you are using, drying times will vary but it generally takes 24-48 hours before the filler sets in properly.
Step 4: Driveway Sealer
After the cracks are filled and dry, a driveway sealer is to be applied. The sealing of the whole driveway will help in avoiding further damages and enhancing the appearance.
Selecting the Correct Sealer: Driveway sealers come in different forms, asphalt-based and acrylic-based. Also ensure that you select the appropriate sealer to your kind of driveway (asphalt or concrete).
Application: Apply the sealer on the whole area of the driveway by using a large paint roller or a squeegee. Begin at one end and go to the other, so as not to step on the newly sealed surface.
Use Several Coats: You might want to apply two coats of sealer depending on the state of your driveway. And when you do, ensure that the first coat is totally dry before you apply the second coat.
Step 5: Wait until the Sealer is Dry
Your driveway should be dry after 24 hours of sealing. Do not drive or walk on it during this drying time to have a smooth and even finish.
Step 6: Maintenance
After sealing your driveway, you should take care of it so that no more damages can occur and it can retain its beauty. Frequent cleaning, small crack repairs will take you far in prolonging the lifespan of your driveway.
Keep the Driveway Clean: Sweep the driveway or wash it with a pressure washer to get rid of dirt, debris and leaves. Use a driveway cleaner to remove oil stains to avoid long term damages.
New Cracks: New cracks might appear with time as a result of weather changes or heavy traffic. Fill them up and seal them to maintain your driveway in good shape.