Keeping your driveway in good shape not only enhances your property’s appearance but also prevents larger repair costs down the line. Whether you’re dealing with minor hairline cracks or more significant damage, understanding the right approach to driveway crack repair in Taylor is crucial. This guide will walk you through assessing crack severity, choosing the right materials and tools, and when it’s best to call in the professionals. Here’s a quick overview:
- Assessing Crack Severity: Identifies if cracks are hairline, medium, or severe.
- Necessary Materials and Tools: Lists what you’ll need for DIY repairs, from crack fillers to cleaning tools.
- DIY Repair of Minor Cracks: Provides a step-by-step guide for fixing small cracks on your own.
- Repairing Larger Cracks and Deterioration: Offers advice for tackling bigger problems with the right asphalt patching compounds.
- When to Call a Professional: Helps you understand when it’s time to seek expert assistance.
- Benefits of Regular Maintenance: Emphasizes the importance of upkeep to extend the lifespan of your driveway and maintain its appearance.
Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or considering professional services, this guide aims to equip you with the knowledge you need for effective driveway crack repair in Taylor.
Assessing Crack Severity
When looking at driveway cracks, it’s key to figure out how bad they are so you know the best way to fix them. We sort cracks into 3 groups based on how wide and deep they are:
Hairline Cracks
- Less than 1/4 inch wide
- Not very deep
- Hard to see unless you really look
Hairline cracks are pretty normal, especially in older driveways. They usually don’t cause big problems. But, water and small bits of dirt can get in, which might make the cracks bigger over time.
It’s a good idea to clean these cracks and seal them to keep your driveway safe. This stops more damage from water getting in and freezing.
Medium Cracks
- 1/4 to 1 inch wide
- Deeper than the surface of the driveway
- Easy to notice
Medium cracks let a lot of water in, which can hurt the base under the driveway. If you ignore them, they’ll get bigger because of the freeze-thaw cycles and create potholes.
These bigger cracks need to be filled to stop water from getting under and lifting the driveway surface. We use special materials to pack the cracks well for a fix that lasts.
Severe Cracks
- Over 1 inch wide
- Really deep
- Very obvious
Big cracks like these go deep and really affect the driveway. Usually, the ground underneath is washed away, making parts of the driveway sink or shift.
With big cracks, fixing the base under the driveway is important, along with filling the crack. This makes sure the ground stays solid underneath so the driveway can handle cars driving over without the cracks getting worse.
The best way to see how deep a crack is, is to poke inside it with a screwdriver. This tells you if it’s just on the surface or if it goes deeper and hurts the base.
For cracks wider than 1 inch, it’s smart to call a pro like Motor City Sealcoating to take a look and fix it right. Even though big cracks need more work, fixing them fast stops you from having to do much more expensive repairs later if they spread across your whole driveway.
Necessary Materials and Tools
When you want to fix cracks in your driveway by yourself, you need the right stuff to do a good job. Here’s what you should have:
Crack Fillers
- Polymer-modified crack filler – This is good for fixing big cracks because it sticks well and lasts a long time.
- Asphalt-emulsion based filler – This is cheaper and easier to use, perfect for small to medium cracks.
Caulking Guns
- Bulk caulking gun – Best for big projects because it can hold a lot of filler.
- Sausage caulking gun – Good for smaller tubes of filler.
Cleaning Tools
- Stiff bristle broom – Helps sweep away loose bits from the cracks.
- Wire brush – Cleans the inside of the cracks so the filler sticks better.
- Garden hose – Washes away dust and dirt.
- Spray bottle with cleaning solution – Gets rid of oil and grime for a cleaner surface.
Finishing Tools
- Pointed trowel or putty knife – Helps push the filler deep into the cracks and smooths it out.
- Tamping tool – Makes sure the filler is packed tight so it doesn’t come loose.
- Painter’s tape – Keeps the edges of the crack neat while you work.
Protective Equipment
- Safety glasses – Protects your eyes from flying debris.
- Dust mask – Keeps you from breathing in dust.
- Gloves – Protects your hands.
Other Supplies
- Backer rod – Fills in the bottom of deep cracks to save on filler.
- Joint sealant – Seals the edges where your driveway meets other surfaces.
- Crack resistant concrete mix – Fixes sunken areas around the cracks.
Recommended Products
Here are some products that are really good for fixing driveway cracks, whether you’re doing it yourself or getting a pro:
- Quikrete Polymer Modified Structural Repair – Strong and sticks well.
- Sakrete Concrete Crack Filler – Easy to use and levels itself out.
- GE Advanced Silicone 2 Kitchen & Bath Sealant – Keeps water out and moves with temperature changes.
- Quikrete Concrete Acrylic Fortifier – Makes the repair stronger and last longer.
With these tools and materials, you can fix most driveway cracks yourself, saving money compared to replacing the entire driveway. It’s all about using the right stuff and doing the work carefully.
Preparing the Driveway Surface
Before you start fixing cracks in your driveway, make sure the surface is ready. Here’s what you need to do:
Sweep Away Debris
First, grab a stiff broom and sweep the driveway well. Get rid of all the dirt, leaves, and small rocks. This helps you see the cracks better and makes sure the filler sticks right to the driveway, not the dirt. Make sure to also sweep out the cracks.
Clear Away Vegetation
Pull out any plants, grass, or weeds growing in the cracks. These can get in the way of the filler and stop it from sealing the crack properly.
Wash and Dry Surface
Next, hose down the driveway to wash off oil, dirt, and tiny bits that are hard to sweep up. Let the driveway dry completely for a day or two before you fill any cracks. This helps the filler stick better.
Check for Shifts or Sunken Areas
Look closely at big cracks and poke around with a screwdriver to see if the ground underneath is eroding. Use a level tool to check for any parts of the driveway that might be sinking. Fix these spots first, so they don’t mess up your repair work later.
Use Joint Sealant for Driveway Edges
Check where your driveway meets other surfaces. If you see gaps or cracks, fill them with concrete joint sealant. This stops water from getting under the driveway.
After you’ve cleaned up, pulled out weeds, and made sure there are no big problems with sinking or shifting, your driveway is ready for crack filling. Just be sure it’s totally dry for the best results.
DIY Repair of Minor Cracks
Fixing small, shallow cracks in your driveway by yourself is pretty easy. You just need some flexible crack filler and a tool to put it in the cracks, like a caulking gun. This stops the cracks from getting bigger.
Materials Needed
- Flexible asphalt crack filler, like Sakrete Concrete Crack Filler you can find at stores
- Caulking gun (use a sausage gun for little tubes or a bulk gun for big jobs)
- Hard brush and a wire brush
- Flat knife
- Gloves and safety glasses
Steps
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Clean out the cracks with the hard brush. Use the wire brush to make the inside of the cracks rough so the filler sticks better.
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Put the asphalt filler in the caulk gun. Cut the tip of the tube at an angle so it fits deep into the cracks.
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Push the filler into the cracks. Move along the crack, squeezing the filler deep inside.
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With the flat knife, push the filler down into the cracks until it’s level with the driveway surface.
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Let the filler dry as long as the instructions say, which is usually 24-48 hours. Keep cars and people off the filled cracks while they dry.
Doing this the right way helps stop minor driveway cracks from getting worse. Check your work now and then, and put more filler in if you need to. For bigger cracks more than 1/4 inch wide, it’s a good idea to call in experts.
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Repairing Larger Cracks and Deterioration
For fixing big cracks or parts of your driveway that are falling apart, using a special asphalt repair product is a good idea. Here’s a simple way to do it with a product that works well for cracks that are wider and deeper than 1/2 inch. Plus, some tips on making the repair look smooth and similar to the rest of your driveway.
Asphalt Patching Compound
If you’ve got big cracks or areas where your driveway has crumbled, SurePatch Asphalt Patch Compound is a solid choice. Here’s why:
- It’s sold in 50 lb bags, so you have enough for larger repairs.
- It’s great for filling cracks that are wider than 1 inch.
- You can fill up to 2 inches deep with each use.
- It sticks well to the asphalt you already have.
- It dries quickly, in about 30-60 minutes.
- You can drive over the repaired spot in just 4 hours.
- It looks and feels like the rest of your driveway once it’s dry.
How to Use
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Make sure the crack or damaged spot is really clean. Get rid of any loose bits. Use a stiff broom and a hose to clean it well.
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Follow the instructions on the SurePatch package. For cracks, use a trowel or putty knife to press it firmly into the crack. If you’re patching a bigger area, spread it about 1-2 inches thick.
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Use the trowel to smooth it out so it matches the rest of your driveway. Let it sit for at least 4 hours before you drive on it.
SurePatch is a good pick because it’s made just for fixing asphalt driveways. It sticks where you put it, dries quickly, and blends in with your driveway. This makes it perfect for taking care of wide cracks, edges that have broken off, and places where the driveway has sunk.
When to Call a Professional
Sometimes, it’s better to ask for help from a company like Motor City Sealcoating instead of trying to fix driveway cracks by yourself. Here’s when you should consider calling the pros:
Major Shifts or Deterioration
If your driveway has big problems, like parts sinking a lot or the surface breaking up badly, you need someone with more experience to take a look. This includes:
- Areas that have sunk more than 1 inch
- Lots of big cracks close together
- The top layer falling apart or big holes appearing
- Fixes you tried before that didn’t work out
For these issues, just filling in cracks won’t solve the real problem, which might be with the ground or how water moves underneath. A professional can figure out if you need a bigger fix, like changing the slope or putting in new foundation layers before laying down new asphalt.
Extreme Weather Damage
Bad weather like very cold temperatures, heat, and lots of rain or snow can really mess up your driveway. If you see:
- Many medium-sized cracks wider than 1/2 inch
- Really big cracks wider than 1 inch
- Pieces of asphalt coming off
- Lots of the surface stones missing
…then it’s time to call in the experts. Bad weather can make things worse quickly. A pro can tell if you need special materials that last longer in tough weather.
Changing Usage or Load
If you start using your driveway for heavier vehicles or more cars than before, it might not hold up well. Before any big changes, getting advice from a pro can help you avoid problems. They can check if your driveway needs to be stronger to handle the new use.
Overall, if your driveway has lots of cracks, is falling apart, or the ground underneath is shifting, it’s smarter to go with a professional repair. They have the right skills and materials to fix things in a way that lasts longer than what you can do on your own. Spending a bit more now can help your driveway last a lot longer.
Benefits of Regular Maintenance
Taking care of your driveway regularly and fixing cracks as soon as they appear has a lot of good points for people living in Taylor.
Prevents Further Damage
When you spot and seal small cracks right away, it stops water and bits of dirt from getting under the driveway. This helps avoid bigger problems like cracks getting worse because of water freezing and thawing, chemicals, or the ground washing away. Fixing small things early costs less than big repairs later.
Maintains Appearance
Fixing cracks keeps your driveway looking smooth and even. If you don’t seal cracks, they can get ugly with plants growing and the edges breaking. Taking care of your driveway makes your place look neat.
Extends Lifespan
If you look after your driveway well, it can last more than 20 years. Ignoring cracks and wear makes it break down faster because water gets in and the ground moves. Using the right sealers and patches, like what Motor City Sealcoating does, helps your driveway last longer.
Enhances Property Value
How your driveway looks is important, especially if you’re thinking about selling your house or if it’s part of a business. A well-kept driveway shows you care about your place. For house owners, this means you might get better offers if you sell.
Improves Safety
Sealing cracks means people won’t trip and fall. Filling in gaps also makes driving smoother, which is safer and keeps your car from getting damaged by rough spots.
It’s a good idea not to wait until small driveway problems turn into big ones. Keeping up with repairs and calling professionals like Motor City Sealcoating when needed helps keep your driveway safe, easy to use, looking good, and ready for any kind of weather in Michigan.
Conclusion
It’s important to fix driveway cracks early to avoid big headaches later. Sometimes you can do small repairs yourself, but for the bigger problems, it’s best to call professionals like us at Motor City Sealcoating.
Here’s a quick summary of what we talked about:
For small cracks:
- Clean out the dirt and debris
- Fill the crack with a flexible filler using a caulking gun
- Smooth it over with a tool like a trowel or putty knife
- Wait until it’s totally dry before you use the driveway again
For large cracks and areas that are falling apart:
- Make sure the area is clean and free of loose bits
- Fill deep cracks or holes with a patching product
- Press the material in well and make it even with the surface
- Wait a few hours before driving on it
You should call professionals if you notice:
- A lot of big cracks close together
- Parts of the driveway sinking
- The surface breaking up
- Failed repairs from before
- Damage after bad weather
The experts at Motor City Sealcoating have the right skills and materials to fix serious problems correctly. Fixing things early can save you from having to redo the entire driveway later.
We offer Taylor homes and businesses high-quality, lasting driveway repairs. If you’re worried about your driveway, reach out to us for a free check-up. We’re here to help your driveway stay in top shape for a long time.
Related Questions
What is the best solution for a cracked driveway?
For small cracks that are less than 1/4 inch wide, using a special filler that you can put in with a caulking gun is a good choice. If you put a layer of special glue or bonding agent on the driveway before you fill the crack, the filler sticks better. For bigger cracks, it’s best to use a patching product made just for driveways.
What is best to fill cracks in asphalt driveway?
For cracks that are up to 3/4 inch wide, you can use a liquid or tubed asphalt patch product. If you’re using the kind that comes in tubes, you’ll need a caulking gun. Some fillers are made to handle cracks up to 1 inch wide. Always pick products that are meant for asphalt driveways.
Can large cracks in driveway be repaired?
Yes, fixing big cracks in your driveway is possible. But if the cracks are wider than 1/2 inch, it’s usually better to get a professional driveway repair service to do the job. They have the right stuff and know-how to fix big cracks so they last longer.
Should I repair cracks in concrete driveway?
Yes, you should fix cracks in your concrete driveway to stop them from getting worse. Fixing and covering up the cracks in the existing concrete is cheaper than taking out the whole thing and starting over. Filling in the cracks keeps water from getting in, which can cause more cracks and damage over time.
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