Asphalt driveways have become a popular choice for homeowners due to their durability and longevity. However, over time, asphalt driveways can develop dips or depressions, making them not only unsightly but also dangerous. These dips can cause water to collect in pools, creating a hazard for pedestrians and vehicles. Not to mention, they can worsen over time and lead to more significant issues such as cracks and potholes.
Fortunately, repairing dips in a driveway is a relatively easy task that can be tackled by anyone with the right tools and knowledge.
So how to repair dips in asphalt driveway? If you want to know more, we invite you to continue reading as we will guide you through the steps needed to repair dips in your driveway in today’s article.
Preparing The Area
To repair dips in your driveway, the first step is to thoroughly clean the area. Use a high-pressure hose or pressure washer to remove any loose debris, dirt, and vegetation. Doing so will help you see the full extent of the damage and prepare the area accordingly.
If there are any cracks or small potholes around the dip, clean them out using a chisel or screwdriver. You want to ensure that the area is clean and free of any loose material before proceeding to the next step before doing the cracks and pothole repair.
Fill The Dip
After cleaning and drying the area, you should buy asphalt patching material from a nearby home improvement store to fill the dip. You can select from several options of asphalt patching materials, such as cold patch, hot mix, and DIY crack repair kits.
If you need to repair small dips, you can use cold patching material. On the other hand, for bigger dips, hot mix asphalt may be necessary. The benefit of using hot mix asphalt is its superior durability compared to cold patch, which makes it a better option for bigger repairs.
To patch the asphalt correctly, it is important to carefully follow the instructions provided with the patching material. Generally, this involves mixing the material as directed by the manufacturer and applying it to the depressed area with either a trowel or putty knife. Be sure to distribute the patching material evenly while taking care to avoid creating any air pockets.
Compact The Patch
Once the patching material is in place, it’s time to compact it. This will ensure that the patch is even and level with the surrounding asphalt. There are several ways to compact the patch, including using a hand tamper, a vibrating plate compactor, or a roller.
For small dips, a hand tamper will suffice. Simply tamp down the patching material until it is level with the surrounding asphalt. For larger dips, a vibrating plate compactor or a roller may be needed.
If you’re using a vibrating plate compactor, place it on the patching material and run it over the area several times until the patch is level. If you’re using a roller, drive it over the patch several times until the patch is level.
Seal The Patch
The final step in repairing dips in your driveway is to seal the patch. This will prevent water from seeping into the patch and causing further damage. You can purchase asphalt sealer from your local home improvement store.
To seal the patch, wait for at least 24 hours after compacting the patching material. Then, sweep the area clean and apply the asphalt sealer using a squeegee or a roller. Ensure that the sealer is applied evenly and forms a thin layer over the patch.
What Happens If Dips Are Not Immediately Repaired?
If dips in your driveway are not immediately repaired, they can worsen over time. This can lead to serious structural problems such as cracks and potholes, which will definitely require extensive cracks and pothole repair in the future. Additionally, water may collect in the dip area, creating a hazard for pedestrians and vehicles.
Why Hire A Contractor To Patch The Dips On Your Driveway?
While repairing dips in your driveway is a relatively easy task, it may be time-consuming and labor-intensive for some people. If you lack the tools and skills to repair the dips on your own, we recommend that you hire an experienced contractor to do the job.
A professional contractor will have the right tools and expertise to repair the dips on your driveway quickly and efficiently. They will also know how to choose the right type of asphalt patching material for the job and ensure that the patch is compacted properly.
Conclusion
Repairing dips in your asphalt driveway is a simple yet effective way to maintain the integrity of your driveway. By following these steps, you can repair dips in your driveway and prevent further damage. However, if you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, it’s best to hire a professional asphalt contractor to handle the job for you.
Remember, maintaining your driveway is essential to its longevity. Regular maintenance, such as sealing and repairing dips, can extend the life of your driveway and save you money in the long run.