 Driveways ASPHALT Regular annual maintenance is recommended to prolong the life of an asphalt driveway. Weeds should be killed using weed killer and removed. The edge of the driveway should be scraped back from the driveway, and crack sealant used on any deteriorating areas.Oil must be removed using degreaser, do not use a degreaser that contains petroleum distillates, this type of degreaser will erode the surface you are trying to protect. Use a stiff brush to work the degreaser into the stain, rinse off with water. Cracks in the surface should be filled using asphalt crack filler. Pay particular attention to the edges of the driveway, where grass and weeds will break it up.Potholes should be filled with a trowel grade asphalt patching compound. The asphalt should be sealed using a good driveway sealant. Look for products that have a rubberized base, (latex or water emulsion will not hold up). Sealants can be brushed or rolled on. Sealant should be brushed in two directions to ensure that it fills the cracks properly. Note: Professional sealing companies add between 1 to 2 pounds of sand to every 50 gallons of sealer to improve traction. Do not drive on a resealed driveway for two days. The resurfaced driveway may appear to have cured after one day but the coating will not be strong enough for use. Temperature needs to be above 45 degrees before resealing. Driveways that are not cared for will deteriorate, reaching a point where driveway sealant will not successfully seal the surface. Note: Driveways should be repaired and sealed annually in the fall, winter is the hardest season for driveways. Freezing water in potholes expands breaking up the asphalt around the sides of the hole, making the situation worse. Use the better - more expensive sealant, it lasts longer! Homeowner repairs can work successfully, however the products sold to the homeowner they are not the same products the professionals use. Professionals use a solid rubber crack sealant that is not practical for the homeowner to apply. | Welcome to BIS | About BIS | Home Inspections | Get Started | Technical FAQ | Contact us |
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