If you’ve ever noticed cracks starting to appear in your asphalt driveway, you know the sinking feeling that comes with it. I’ve been there—it’s easy to think that a few small cracks might not be a big deal. But trust me, those cracks can grow quickly, and before you know it, you’ve got a major problem on your hands. The good news? Fixing asphalt driveway cracks is easier than you might think. I’ve done it a few times myself, and with the right tools and some elbow grease, you can patch those cracks and make your driveway look as good as new.
So let’s dive in and I’ll show you exactly how you can do it yourself.
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
Before you start, it’s important to make sure you have everything you’ll need on hand. I’ve learned this the hard way more than once—starting a project only to realize I’m missing a key item halfway through is not fun. For patching asphalt cracks, you’ll need:
- Asphalt crack filler (for smaller cracks) or asphalt patch (for larger cracks)
- Caulking gun (if using crack filler in a tube)
- Wire brush or broom
- Cold chisel or screwdriver (for cleaning out the cracks)
- A bucket of water and sponge or hose (to clean the area)
- Tamper or a piece of wood to press the patch down
- Gloves (trust me, you’ll want these)
I remember the first time I did this, I didn’t think to wear gloves. Big mistake! Asphalt patch is messy stuff, and I ended up with it all over my hands. Gloves are definitely a must.
Pro Tip: If you’re dealing with larger cracks (anything wider than 1/2 inch), you’ll want to go with an asphalt patch, which is thicker and more durable. Smaller cracks can be filled with a crack filler that comes in a caulking tube.
Step 2: Clean Out the Cracks
This is a crucial step—don’t skip it! Before you can patch the cracks, you need to clean out any debris, dirt, or loose asphalt that’s inside them. If the crack isn’t clean, the filler won’t bond properly, and you’ll end up with the same issue in no time.
I usually start with a wire brush to scrub out the cracks. You’d be surprised how much junk can build up in there—leaves, dirt, small stones. One time, I found a small weed growing out of a crack in my driveway! Once you’ve brushed everything out, use a hose or a bucket of water to wash away any remaining dust.
I made the mistake once of not cleaning thoroughly enough, and the patch didn’t stick. It ended up peeling up within a couple of months, so now I always make sure to take my time and clean the area thoroughly.
Pro Tip: If the crack is really deep, use a cold chisel or screwdriver to scrape away any stubborn bits of asphalt or debris. This will help you get a cleaner surface for the patch to adhere to.
Step 3: Apply the Crack Filler or Patch
Now it’s time to patch the crack. If you’re using a crack filler, load it into your caulking gun and start filling the crack, making sure to slightly overfill it. I like to work slowly and steady here, filling the crack completely from end to end. Once it’s filled, use a trowel or your finger (with gloves on!) to smooth the surface.
If you’re dealing with larger cracks, grab your asphalt patch material. This stuff usually comes in a bucket and is much thicker than crack filler. Scoop it out and press it into the crack, using a tamper or piece of wood to pack it down tightly. You’ll want to overfill the crack a little bit, as the material will shrink slightly as it dries.
One time, I underestimated how much material I’d need and ran out halfway through. Now I always buy a little more patching material than I think I’ll need—it’s better to have too much than too little!
Pro Tip: If you’re patching in cold weather, make sure to warm up the crack filler or patch material first. I left mine outside on a chilly day once, and it became much harder to work with. Now I store it indoors or in a warm area before starting the repair.
Step 4: Smooth and Compress the Patch
Once the crack is filled, you’ll want to smooth it out and compress the material to make sure it bonds properly with the surrounding asphalt. For smaller cracks, you can usually smooth the surface with a trowel or a piece of wood. For larger patches, I like to use a tamper to press the material down and make it even with the rest of the driveway.
I remember the first time I patched a large crack, I didn’t press it down firmly enough, and when it dried, the patch had sunken in a bit. It wasn’t a big deal, but it didn’t look as good as I wanted. Now I make sure to really pack the material down before letting it dry.
Pro Tip: If you don’t have a tamper, you can use a piece of scrap wood and a hammer to gently tap the patch into place. It’s not as effective as a tamper, but it works in a pinch.
Step 5: Let the Patch Dry and Set
After you’ve filled and smoothed the cracks, give the patch time to dry and set. This can take anywhere from 24 hours to a few days, depending on the size of the crack and the type of filler you used. During this time, try to avoid walking or driving over the patched area.
I once made the mistake of parking my car on a freshly patched crack too soon, and it caused the patch to sag. Ever since, I’ve been patient and let the repair set fully before putting any weight on it.
Pro Tip: If you’re in a hurry and need the patch to set quickly, check the label on your crack filler or patch. Some products are fast-drying and can be ready in as little as a few hours, while others take longer to cure.
Step 6: Apply a Sealant (Optional)
Once the crack is patched and fully dried, you can apply a driveway sealant to protect the repair and give your driveway a uniform finish. This step is optional, but I highly recommend it if you want the repair to last longer.
I’ve sealed my driveway after a repair a few times, and it really makes a difference in how long the patch holds up. It also makes the whole driveway look fresh and new, which is a nice bonus!
Pro Tip: If you decide to seal your driveway, wait at least a week after patching the cracks to let everything fully cure. This will ensure that the sealer bonds properly to the asphalt.
Regular Maintenance to Prevent Future Cracks
Now that you’ve patched your asphalt driveway, it’s important to keep up with regular maintenance to prevent new cracks from forming. Here’s what I recommend:
- Inspect your driveway regularly: Small cracks can quickly turn into larger ones if left untreated. I usually check my driveway once a month, especially after heavy rain or snow.
- Clean your driveway: Debris like leaves and dirt can trap moisture and lead to cracks. A quick sweep every couple of weeks can make a big difference.
- Apply a sealant every few years: A driveway sealant not only makes your driveway look great but also protects it from water, UV rays, and the freeze-thaw cycle that can cause cracks.
Patching cracks in an asphalt driveway might seem like a big job, but once you get started, you’ll see how straightforward it is. And trust me, it’s worth the effort. By taking the time to patch cracks now, you’ll save yourself from much bigger—and more expensive—repairs down the road.
So grab your gloves, gather your tools, and get out there! Your driveway will thank you for it.
