crack in pavement with a baby plant

What is asphalt patching?

As a business owner, is your parking lot sending potential customers away? Do family and friends suggest having gatherings at their house instead of yours? Do you ever wonder why? Maybe you have the best prices in town or the biggest backyard for all the kids to play in, but everyone seems to avoid your business or home. Maybe your parking lot or driveway could use asphalt patching?

Depending on the quality of the original construction, an asphalt parking lot will typically last five to seven years before repairs are needed. If the property owner is on top of the repairs, usually filling cracks, applying seal coating, and minor asphalt posting will extend the lifespan a few more years.

While asphalt patching is cost effective and will protect the original surface and foundation, and the driveway or parking lot will look better, it is only a temporary fix. Repairing the potholes in the asphalt surface will protect the pavement underneath from damage and erosion.

Too often, the homeowner or property owner ignores the cracks and small holes, and that leads to more complex and expensive repairs. An experienced asphalt contractor that knows how to asphalt patching correctly, will make sure there is a stable base first. Asphalt patching will not adhere if there isn't a good base to work from.

Can you patch asphalt?

It is possible to repair an asphalt driveway or small parking lot yourself, if you get them done promptly. Like any do-it-yourself project, asphalt patching has details important to follow for the patch to last. Asphalt patching uses specialized products that you may not be familiar with, you may need assistance determining which products to use for what type of asphalt patching you're doing.

How do you fix a hole in an asphalt driveway?

Cracks that are under half inch can be repaired with a crack filler product that usually comes in cartridges. Cracks that are wider will require an asphalt cold patch that comes in bags or cans. Remember, you want to do your asphalt patching job in warm weather and follow the label instructions thoroughly.

 Steps for Asphalt Patching a Driveway Repair

  1. Pull any weeds growing in the cracks
  2. With high pressure setting on garden hose, clean the cracks out
  3. Apply a weed killer inside the cracks
  4. If the crack is deep, add one-fourth inch of sand and tamp it down
  5. Apply the asphalt patching compound
  6. Allow the compound to cure
  7. Apply asphalt patching sealant

Can you patch asphalt with cement?

Concrete can be used to patch almost any crack in an asphalt driveway. As we described in the steps above, you need to pull any debris, grass, or weeds out, rinse with high pressure water house, then apply a weed killer.

Any deep cracks or sizeable holes you must add gravel up to four inches from the surface, then pour in the concrete and tamp it down using a magnesium float. Finish it with a broom or flat trowel so that it blends with the asphalt driveway finish.

Keep in mind that when cold weather arrives, larger patched areas won't last long under the pressure of winter freezing and thawing cycles.  Once you have completed the asphalt patching, use a specialty cleaner to remove any spots. Next, use a sealant that keeps water out of the repair.

What is the best asphalt cold patch?

If your driveway or parking lot needs repair, you want to get your asphalt patching done in warm weather before the winter weather arrives. Asphalt patching doesn't stick in cold weather.  When a hole in asphalt driving is left open and exposed, rain will fill the hole and seep under the surface.

For the best asphalt patching, hiring a professional contractor will get the best results with a guarantee. However, if Asphalt patching cost is an issue, several types of asphalt patching have been tested by Consumer Reports for DIY cold asphalt patching with these two being the best:

  • Sakrete U.S. Cold Patch: A Permanent Pothole Repair that cost approximately $10 and has a fairly strong result.
  • Aquaphalt Permanent: A Pothole Repair that cost up to $40 dollars and requires water to activate the product prior to compacting it down. It proved to the be the strongest of any tested.
nice flat asphalt road

How do you fix asphalt?

Asphalt is a form of concrete, compose of aggregate of rocks and sand. It is mixed with hot asphalt cement, then poured to build driveways and roads. Asphalt is a crude oil by-product that resembles tar and functions as a bonding agent that seals the aggregate. Once this is all added together, a strong, watertight surface is formed.

  • Step One: Dig a base for the area you're paving approximately 8″ deep.
  • Step Two: Pour a layer of gravel in the hole 5 to 6 inches deep.
  • Step Three: Add 1 to 2 inches of aggregate over the gravel.
  • Step Four: Purchase asphalt mix from a contractor who will deliver to your home or business. Have them pour it onto your prepared base and you'll need to spread it as it pours.
  • Step Five: Add crushed gravel in a thin layer while the asphalt is hot, then drive a paver over the patch until it is a level and smooth surface.

If doing your own asphalt patching is the way you go, we cannot stress enough to do it in warm weather and to pack it down when complete. Following the manufacturer's instructions on the can, cartridge, or package for the best results. Need asphalt patching in Austin, TX? Call 512-646-6069 today.