Asphalt offers strong and durable driveways to homeowners. It has a measure of flexibility to resist freeze-thaw patterns rather than breaking or cracking. Uneven settling or a vehicle left on the driveway for a long period of time, however, can lead to low spots. It also happens when the underlying dirt used contained decomposing debris. Regardless of the reason for sinking, without proper maintenance, your asphalt driveway won’t last the 20 to 30 years it should. This is where the importance of driveway repair comes in.
At Curtis Paving, we have been offering asphalt paving services for over 36 years. You can always count on us for getting the job done.
Steps for Treating Low Areas
Repairing your asphalt driveway may seem difficult but it’s worth protecting. A little time spent on it can extend its life and improve the curb appeal. The maintenance required is not overly complicated, which makes filling in low spots a manageable project. Let’s go over on how to approach the treatment in the following steps.
Step 1
Carefully examine your driveway and make note of all the low spot areas. Pay special attention to the very end and borders of the driveway, which can be easily damaged.
Step 2
Separate the loose material from the base of the depression with a small shovel or by hand. If the bottom of the low area is cracking or crumbling, chip out the asphalt with a chisel and hammer. Remove them after the process.
Step 3
Clean the depression with a broom to remove any debris and dirt from the surface. Wash the area with a hose and sweep the water out of the spots. If it’s oil or grease-stained, cleanse the surface with an asphalt cleaner and let it dry.
Step 4
Push down a cold-mix of asphalt patching material to the base of the depression. This can be done with a hand tamper or by a two-by-four inch piece of lumber. Keep on adding layers of the patching material until the final patch is up to one inch above the existing driveway.
Asphalt patching material is available with coarse and fine aggregate. Use the former for larger spots and the latter for smaller ones.
Step 5
Place a plastic sheet over the patch and then lay a plywood panel over it. To compact the cold-mix asphalt material further, drive the front wheel of a car over the patch. If it is lower than the existing driveway, ensure to repeat the process until the surface is uniform.
Step 6
Be certain to not use the driveway for the next 24 hours. The patch won’t be affected but the material may stick to your car and shoes.
Let Us Help
You are sure to save money if you consider accomplishing this home improvement chore yourself. A highly rated contractor such as Curtis Paving, however, can remarkably increase the quality of your driveway repair.
Vancouver residents can trust us for efficient repairs that will have your asphalt driveway looking like new again. Our team completes the job on time and within the budget.
Also, for information on repaving your parking lot, read our blog post - Repair or Repave: When to Completely Repave Your Parking Lot
Call us today for your driveway repair requirements in Vancouver.