Many homeowners use asphalt to pave the driveway to their home. With little to no maintenance, this concrete can last for many years. However, even if you have the highest quality asphalt, sun, wind and rain will eventually start damaging it. A couple of years old pavement usually has some noticeable cracks and other sign of deterioration. This happens because water sips into the concrete and then freezes over the winter, extending and generating larger cracks and holes. If you want to keep the exterior of your home neat and beautiful, you should repair these cracks as soon as possible. A local asphalt driveway resurfacing company is always ready to assist you. You only need to give them and call and they will come to assess the damage. After the assessment is finished, they can either resurface or completely replace your driveway. However, if you love DIY projects, it is possible to resurface pavement by yourself. We live in tough economic times and many homeowners try to save money in every way they can. It is actually easy to fix your pavement and driveway if you have the right tips. Read on to learn how to reseal asphalt to refresh the surface and protect it from water and further deterioration.
Driveway Resurfacing Tools
When it comes to asphalt resurfacing vs replacement if you have noticeable cracks and potholes, in the long run, it is better to replace it. However, if you have only minor cracks, resurfacing will be sufficient. The task is not hard and it doesn’t take hours if you do things carefully and slowly and follow every step correctly.
When it comes to tools, first you will have to protect yourself. You will need gloves and rags to protect your hands and you also need some for cleanup. You will need medium to large push broom. If you don’t have a broom, a large foam mop can also come in handy. You will need a garden hose and a nozzle. If you have a power washer, you will make things a lot easier for you. Lastly, you will need a shovel and a small trowel or a putty knife. You probably possess the most of these tools in your garage. Apart from these basic tools, you will have to get some sealing and fixing supplies. These items can be found online or at your local store such as Home Depot. At this store, you should buy an asphalt driveway sealer, and asphalt driveway crack and hole filler, and sand that you will use to fill deep holes or cracks if you have them.
Asphalt Resurfacing Process
First, you have to clean the dirt, grass and weed on the driveway. By using a trowel or a putty knife, dig out as much of the dirt and debris as you possibly can from the holes and cracks. Sweep the driveway with a broom to clean it as much as you can. Wash it completely and blow out any dirt that you can. A pressure washer is ideal for this task. Once the asphalt is dry, clean it from oil stains and wash them off. Fill the cracks with the asphalt filler, and prep tem with sand if they are deep. After this is done, apply the driveway sealer, until you get a nice even coat.