The best way to fill asphalt cracks involves four steps: thoroughly clean the crack, pack it with backer rod or sand (if deep), fill with either a cold-pour liquid or hot-rubberized filler, and then apply a seal coat to permanently protect against moisture and UV damage.
The go-to product for cracks of any size, crack filler is the obvious choice. Either hot crack filler or cold pour crack filler are excellent, industry-standard options for repairs of any size. Both types are designed with the professional in mind, meaning we offer the best quality for your DIY driveway repair project.
New asphalt will successfully stick to old asphalt, creating a durable bond, provided the existing surface is structurally sound, clean, and treated with a liquid bonding agent known as a tack coat. This process is known as an asphalt overlay or resurfacing.
Rolling is generally better for DIY homeowners because it pushes the sealer deep into asphalt pores and cracks. Spraying is faster and creates a smoother look, but it applies the sealer too thinly and risks overspray on your garage door, siding, or nearby cars.
Crack filling is the first line of defense in protecting asphalt, and it is the best way for a property owner to save money in the long run. Left untreated, asphalt cracks can lead to more significant problems, like potholes.
For a true permanent asphalt crack filler, hot-applied rope products (like Crack-Stix or Latex-ite Pli-Stix) are the industry standard. Unlike standard cold-pour liquids that shrink or crack within a year, these heat-activated ropes bond directly to the crack sidewalls, expand with the weather, and can be driven on in just 20 minutes.
Dawn dish soap serves as an effective asphalt oil stain remover when you pour it directly on fresh stains, scrub with a stiff bristle brush, and let it sit for 20-40 minutes before rinsing. Everyday household products can tackle asphalt oil stains without requiring a trip to the hardware store.
A 5-gallon bucket of asphalt sealer covers between 250 and 500 square feet on average. This equates to roughly 50 to 100 square feet per gallon.
4: Perfect time of year
It's best to seal your driveway in the fall or the spring because the temperatures tend to be more moderate. In order to put seal coating on, the outside temperatures need to be above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition, the weather needs to be free of heavy rain for 24 hours.
DON'T walk on your new drive with high heel shoes, place lawn chairs, bicycle kickstands or any other sharp objects on it. They will create holes and depressions. DON'T move too fast. To avoid scarring, do not pull out too fast, pull in too quickly, or drive too fast on your asphalt driveway.
The average lifespan of asphalt can vary widely, typically ranging from 10-30 years, depending on various factors. However, this is a general guideline. The actual lifespan of your asphalt surface may differ based on your specific circumstances.
To fix asphalt cracks, thoroughly clean out dirt and vegetation with a screwdriver and leaf blower. For cracks under 1/2 inch, apply a rubberized liquid or pourable filler. For cracks wider than 1/2 inch, pack the bottom with a foam backer rod and seal with hot-pour rubber or a dense asphalt cold patch.
Sealing your driveway requires ongoing maintenance, upfront costs, and strict weather requirements. While it protects against minor wear, it doesn't fix major structural damage and can make the surface slick or track indoors if applied incorrectly.
Epoxy-based fillers stand out for their strong bond and durability, making them one of the best concrete crack filler options.
Professionals primarily use commercial-grade Asphalt Emulsion (AE) sealers because they are eco-friendly, flexible, and outlast consumer-grade alternatives. Unlike DIY coal-tar products, emulsion-based sealers don't emit harsh fumes and hold up incredibly well against weather.
A new, plain asphalt driveway costs between $7 and $13 per square foot. That includes $5 to $7 per square foot for materials and $2 and $6 per square foot for labor. You also need to consider the hardcore or gravel layer between the soil and the blacktop, which costs an additional $0.50 to $1 per square foot.
Driveway sealers typically need 24 to 48 hours to dry. At 12 hours, the surface may feel dry, but it is not fully cured. Rain can wash away uncured sealer, leaving the asphalt unprotected and causing an uneven finish, peeling, or tire tracking.
The cost to seal a blacktop driveway ranges from $0.88 per square foot to as much as $2.10 a square foot, depending mostly on the sealer type and your driveway's condition. Most people pay around $1.05 a square foot for a mid-grade sealer on a driveway that is in fair to moderate condition.
It is too cold to seal a driveway when both the air and pavement temperatures fall below 50°F (10°C). Applying sealer in colder temperatures prevents the product from adhering and curing properly, leading to premature peeling, cracking, and fading.
To calculate the amount of sealcoat needed: Measure the length and width of the area to be sealed. Multiply the length by the width to get the total square footage. Divide the total square footage by the coverage rate of the sealcoat (usually 80 to 100 square feet per gallon).
Applying Too Much or Too Little Sealant
Applying too much sealant can lead to a slippery surface, slow curing times, and a splotchy appearance. Conversely, applying too little can result in insufficient coverage, leaving the asphalt vulnerable to damage.
For basic cleaning, use a simple mix of liquid dish soap and warm water. For tougher issues like moss or severe oil, you will need specialized degreasers, laundry detergent, or a pressure washer with proper technique.
There's no perfect ice-melt solution, but here are some solutions that are less damaging than 100% rock salt.
If you're ready to resurface your asphalt driveway, here are the steps for driveway resurfacing success.