
- Measure or estimate the amount of filler material you will need to execute your repairs. ...
- Select the asphalt filler you want to use for your repair. ...
- Clean loose dirt and debris out of the hole with a garden shovel, a trowel, or other suitable tool. ...
- Let the hole dry in the sun if there is water in it because the tar will not stick to the wet dirt. ...
- Fill in holes that are more than three or four inches deep with a material that can be compacted tightly, such as clay, crushed concrete, or crushed limestone.
- Fill the hole with the asphalt filler to about one half an inch above the adjacent paving. ...
- Pack it down with a hand tamp, a gasoline powered plate compactor, or even a hammer for very small holes.
- Cover the patch if possible. You can put a board or piece of plywood over the fix for a few days to ensure that it hardens more but this ...
- Clean up your tools and any spilled material around your patch and admire your handiwork.
- For repairs larger than two square feet, a plate compactor is very useful. ...
How to patch a hole in your driveway?
You will also need the appropriate safety and handling equipment, including:
- Safety gloves.
- Safety glasses.
- Dust mask.
- Shovel.
- Tamper.
How much does it cost to repair a driveway?
- All-weather blacktop patch: about $14 for 60 lbs.
- Permanent pothole repair (55-lb.): $43
- Premium cold asphalt (50-lb.): $17
- Permanent pavement repair patch (60-lb.): $33
- High-performance permanent pavement repair (50-lb.): $12
How to fix annoying potholes in a gravel driveway?
Things You'll Need
- Gravel
- Coarse Gravel
- Metal Rake
- Shovel
- Soil
- Tamping Tool
How to repair potholes in dirt and gravel driveways?
How to repair your driveway
- Tear up the driveway. In order to make a fresh surface, you need to loosen and lift the existing material. ...
- Level the driveway. After you’ve thoroughly torn up the driveway, straighten your scrape blade and make enough passes to make it level and smooth.
- Smooth the top layer. ...

How do I patch a hole in my driveway?
0:184:31Driveway Pothole Repair - Asphalt Driveway Repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd I like this Henry product because there's no mixing it's very easy to use and it's a permanentMoreAnd I like this Henry product because there's no mixing it's very easy to use and it's a permanent patch. So all you have to do is have your area prepared like we did and just turn this over.
What to use to fill holes in driveway?
0:271:19How To Fill Driveway Pot Holes - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAsphalt.MoreAsphalt.
How do I repair a large hole in my gravel driveway?
Fixing Deep Pits in Gravel DrivewayStep 1: Clear the Hole. You'll need a tamper, some coarse gravel, gravel that matches the driveway surface, and a shovel. ... Step 2: Fill the Hole. Fill the hole to a depth of around 3 inches below the driveway with coarse gravel. ... Step 3: Pat Everything Down.
How do you fix a badly damaged driveway?
how to resurface badly damaged concrete walkways, patios, and drivewaysRemove any loose, flaking, and broken concrete.Clean and patch the deep areas over 1/2" deep.Sand patched areas, clean, and apply first coat of concrete resurfacer then let dry.More items...
What is the best asphalt cold patch?
A professional paving company using hot asphalt will give you the longest-lasting results. But Consumer Reports did find two good do-it-yourself options. Sakrete U.S. Cold Patch Permanent Pothole Repair is fairly strong for about $12 dollars. Even better - Aquaphalt Permanent Pothole Repair for $30 to $40 dollars.
What is the cheapest way to resurface a drive?
Of the four paving materials described in this guide, aggregate (gravel) is the least expensive, followed by asphalt, concrete, and paving stones. If you're installing your driveway on a shoestring budget, gravel is your best choice.
How do you fix a recurring pothole in a gravel driveway?
0:122:08Repairing Potholes 101 - Gravel Driveway Maintenance by ABIYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe only effective way of removing a pothole is to rip apart compacted sidewalls that sheep the holeMoreThe only effective way of removing a pothole is to rip apart compacted sidewalls that sheep the hole. If. You simply push material back into the vehicles.
What rock is best for driveways?
These are the best options for driveway surfaces gravel, because they are small stones combined with rock dust, which makes a more solid driving surface.Crushed Stone #411. It is crushed up #57 stone combined with rock dust. ... Quarry Process. ... Pea Gravel. ... Jersey Shore Gravel. ... Marble Chips. ... Blackstar or Blacktrap Rock.
How do you fill ruts in a gravel driveway?
Fill the compacted rut with 1-inch-down crushed stone until the stone sits 2 inches above the surface of the driveway. Tamp the stone with the tamper until it feels solid. Add additional stone if the level in the rut falls below the top of the driveways surface, and repeat the tamping process.
How do you repair an old concrete driveway?
0:394:28How to Resurface Concrete - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBefore resurfacing your slab deeply spalled areas and large cracks should be repaired using concreteMoreBefore resurfacing your slab deeply spalled areas and large cracks should be repaired using concrete resurfacer that has been mixed to a triable consistency.
Can you reseal a damaged driveway?
Pros: Replacing the entire driveway is a long-term solution, and you can start fresh on scheduling maintenance, like resealing the driveway. Replacing the driveway is the best method to fix large cracks, potholes, and other extensive driveway damage.
Can you pour asphalt over concrete?
Well, the answer is yes! It is safe to pave asphalt over concrete. Concrete is a great base material because it is stable and allows for excellent compaction of the asphalt above. In fact, many miles of concrete roads are paved over with asphalt every year.
How do you repair holes in concrete?
Remove any loose debris from the hole. Wipe the area clean with a water-dampened rag. ... Using a putty knife, spread a thin layer of concrete patching material into the hole. ... Using a wet sponge, blend the repaired area into the existing surface.Allow the area to dry.
How do you fill a large hole in concrete?
How to fill a Large Hole with ConcreteStep 1: Use a hammer and a cold chisel to level the bottom of the hole. ... Step 2: Brush on a concrete bonding liquid. ... Step 3: While the bonding agent is still tacky, mix the concrete. ... Step 4: Level the patch.
How do you get rid of potholes in a gravel driveway?
0:122:08Repairing Potholes 101 - Gravel Driveway Maintenance by ABIYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe only effective way of removing a pothole is to rip apart compacted sidewalls that sheep the holeMoreThe only effective way of removing a pothole is to rip apart compacted sidewalls that sheep the hole. If. You simply push material back into the vehicles.
How do you fill in deep cracks in driveway?
1:194:48How to Fill Driveway Cracks - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow if you have a crack that's deeper than the inch you can put a little sand in this and bring itMoreNow if you have a crack that's deeper than the inch you can put a little sand in this and bring it up to within an inch or a half an inch of the surface.
What do you use to fill holes in concrete?
Use a hammer and a cold chisel to level the bottom of the hole and undercut its sides slightly so the patch can’t pop loose.
What can I use to clean my concrete driveway?
Sweep the concrete surface, then spray the stained area with a garden hose to rinse away dirt. In a large plastic bucket, mix ½ cup of liquid dish detergent into 3 gallons of hot water. (Or, for the best results on tannin stains, use a powdered laundry detergent that’s advertised as being good at removing food stains.)
Can you pour new concrete over old concrete?
In addition, you must pour it at least 2 inches thick .
What is the best concrete repair product?
Quikrete 10 lb. Vinyl Concrete Patcher is ideal for making smooth repairs to crack or chipped concrete floors, sidewalks or steps. It has strong adhesive properties allowing it to be applied down to a featheredge.
Does salt deteriorate concrete?
The answer is yes, salt does indirectly damage your concrete driveways, patios and sidewalks. Bumps and potholes don’t just appear due to regular wear and tear – salt damages concrete over time by causing corrosion to occur under the surface, leading to discolored, cracked and crumbling concrete.
What does spalling concrete look like?
Spalling concrete can look like round or oval depressions along surfaces or joints. Spalling tends to be most common in cold climates when de-icing chemicals are applied or when seasonal freeze-thaw cycles damage the concrete.
What causes holes in new concrete?
Problem:Small pop outs or holes that occur on concrete slabs are often the result of lignite or shale carbons that were in the sand when the concrete was mixed. When water penetrates and freezes, these particles expand more than water and pushes the top off of the concrete creating a small hole.
What size cracks do you need for asphalt?
You will be repairing cracks that are less than 1/2 inch with "crack-filler," a product sometimes available in handy cartridges. But cracks 1/2 inch or wider require "asphalt cold-patch," a product sold by the bag or can.
How long does it take for asphalt to cure?
Follow the manufacturer's directions on how long to allow the asphalt patch to cure. This might require several hours or even days before you can drive on the area. If you have made a very small repair, it might be easy to avoid. A larger repair is a different story. Mark it off with cones, tape, or some other way of reminding yourself to stay away from that area until the curing is complete.
How to prevent weeds from growing back into the same spot?
Even the best patching job can be compromised by hardy weeds growing back into the same spot. Prevent this issue by applying weed killer to the crack. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on how long to let the weed killer do its work before you move on to the next step.
Can you use hot asphalt to repair cracks?
But shopping for the patching compound for asphalt driveway repair is a bit more daunting for beginners. You will not be using hot asphalt, but rather, a product meant to fill in small cracks in asphalt. The size of the crack matters in determining what product you must purchase for asphalt driveway repair. You can repair cracks that are less than 1/2 inch with "crack filler," a product sometimes available in handy cartridges. Cracks 1/2 inch or wider require "asphalt cold patch," a product sold by the bag or can.
Can you fill a crack in a concrete driveway?
In addition, whether the crack is 1/2 inch wide or 2 inches wide, you can still fill it with plain old concrete.
Is asphalt a concrete drive?
Repairing asphalt driveways and fixing concrete drives both entail similar work, but asphalt is a more specialized product than concrete, meaning the materials you shop for to do a repair will be less familiar (well, to most of us, anyhow). So be prepared to put more effort into buying the right product for the job.
Is sealing an asphalt driveway preventive?
This is specifically a repair job, which is not the same as that referred to when we speak of sealing an asphalt driveway. The latter is maintenance that needs to be done periodically, regardless of the state of repair that your driveway is in; that is, it is preventive in nature.
How to fill potholes that are not solid?
If the sides of the pothole are not solid, dig down with a shovel to create firm edges. This will ensure that the filler material compacts easily.
Can you run a car over a gravel driveway?
For either a dirt or gravel driveway, run a car over the affected area to ensure further compaction and to be certain that your repairs have had the desired effect. Otherwise, you may need to add more dirt or gravel and repeat the previous process.
Can you fill a pothole in a gravel driveway?
Remember: potholes won’t fix themselves and if they get big enough, they can damage your car. It’s best to attack the problem as soon as it is discovered, not just for your car, but for the appearance of your driveway.
How to seal cracks in asphalt?
Press the rope-like sealer into the cracks just below the surface, as shown, then use a propane torch to melt the self-leveling sealer and permanently bond it with the asphalt.
How to dig out subsoil?
Use a shovel to dig out the excess rock, dirt, and other debris until you reach subsoil.
What happens to pavement when it freezes?
Those fissures hold water, which can break up pavement when it freezes, and create a perfect home for weeds.
How much does it cost to dig out an asphalt driveway?
If you don’t, water will pool in the depression, seep into the soil below, and eventually destroy the driveway. Asphalt companies charge about $1,000 to dig out the old portion and install a new apron. Concrete contractors charge even more. But you can rebuild your asphalt driveway apron yourself.
When is the best time to repair a driveway?
So the best time to do the project is during an extended warm, dry spell. You can do it in spring or fall, but cold weather and rain will greatly extend the cure time. This driveway repair is a messy job, and no matter how careful you are, you’re going to get tar on your clothes and shoes. You can’t wash off the tar with soap and water.
How to build a cold patch?
Pour in a small amount of cold patch material and level it with a square-blade shovel. Tamp down a test section and measure the depth. The bottom layer should only be 1/2 in. thick when compacted. Add or remove cold patch material and then tamp down the entire starter row. Photo 3: Build additional layers.
How does cold patch work?
Cold patch works only when it’s compacted and “keyed” into at least two vertical surfaces. So don’t think you can build up the driveway height by pouring cold patch on top of the old sunken asphalt—the patching material will just break off in chunks. Instead, you’ll have to cut out the sunken asphalt (Photo 1).
Can you wash tar off a driveway?
You can’t wash off the tar with soap and water. So wear old clothes and shoes that you can toss into the trash when you’re done. If you have to go into the house during the project, leave your shoes outside so you don’t track tar into the house. Here’s how to make the DIY driveway repair.
Can you fix a sinking driveway apron?
But when your driveway repair has sunk to the point where it’s 4 or 5 in. lower than your garage floor, it’s time to fix it. If you don’t, water will pool in the depression, seep into the soil below, and eventually destroy the driveway.
