01 Apr Damaged asphalt? Here are your options
With our harsh climate here in Quebec, asphalt is subjected to enormous stresses. Under the influence of freeze/thaw cycles and water infiltration, it tends to crack, swell and buckle. Is this kind of damage irreparable? Not necessarily. If the defects are well delineated and affect only a limited area, you can correct them yourself, or hire a contractor to do the work. Here are some tips to help you choose the right repair option.
First aid for asphalt
When cracks or other damage appear in your driveway or other asphalt structure, the earlier you take action to fix the problem, the longer the repair job will last. Every new crack provides another path for water to infiltrate the pavement—and water is the chief enemy of asphalt. To prevent more extensive deterioration, there are simple actions you can take, depending on the nature of the problem.
Small crack (less than ¾ in.)
- Fill the crack with rubberized asphalt emulsion-based crack sealer and allow to dry.
- The mix will need to be more or less liquid depending on the dimensions of the crack.
For more details see the source.