July 21, 2015 How to Repair Large Cracks in an Asphalt Driveway.
Summer is the ideal time of year to make repairs to large cracks in your asphalt driveway.
Remarkably, this is a fairly simple job to do yourself, provided you follow the correct steps and take appropriate safety precautions. Just watch our step-by-step video to learn the best and easiest way to fix large cracks in your asphalt driveway or any other asphalt surface.
The technique we show utilizes a rubberized asphalt crack filler, which comes in a rope-like coil. You can purchase the crack filler in two different sizes (or thicknesses.) If the smaller size is still too big to fit in the crack in your asphalt, you can stretch the coil to narrow it so that it will fit.
After cleaning the crack of all vegetation and as much dirt as possible, you then use a flat-head screwdriver or similar-sized tool to force the crack filler into the crack in the asphalt.
Next, with a propane torch, you heat the crack filler, which will then liquefy and fill into all the nooks and crannies in the crack. After about 15 minutes, the crack filler will harden, and you can either use your asphalt surface as is, or you can top it with a sealant.
This fix may help you to save your asphalt driveway (and not have to replace it) and should last you for years to come!
You Can Do This!
by See Jane Drill, Copyright 2014, All Rights Reserved
Love your videos. I was wondering where to purchase the rubberized asphalt rope. Can I get it at home depot or lowes?
Hi and thanks for writing! Yes, it is available at Home Depot, which is where I purchased it, and probably Lowe’s as well.
This is some great information, and I appreciate your detailed instructions for filling in a crack in asphalt. My husband and I have been considering installing an asphalt driveway for some time, and I think we’re going to go through with it. I’ll definitely keep this repair method in mind for the future, just in case we get any cracks in the driveway. Thanks for the great post!
You’re welcome, Olivia, glad it was helpful!
I had no idea that there was such an easy way to repair cracks in asphalt! I didn’t know that there was an asphalt crack filler in a tube that could be squeezed into cracks and heated up to fill them. That’s a great way to make some simple repairs to your asphalt without going through a lot of hassle. Thanks for the tip!
What if my cracks are HUGE? At least 2″ wide more all the way accross the driveway. Should another type of filler be used? Also, I believe there would be an endless supply of dirt underneath. I suppose I stop clearing the dirt out at some point, right?
Thsnks
HI Susie, unfortunately the cracks you have are too big to be fixed with the Pli-stix. They only fix cracks up to 1″. You may try using a different product, called Latex-ite Super Patch (made by the same company as Pli-stix, Dalton Enterprises). It is available at HOme Depot.
I just moved into a new home with a large crack in my driveway like the one in the video you posted. I was going to call a professional to come in and fix it, but I thought I’d look around to see if there was a way for me to do it myself first. I’ll definitely try this one out, I just need to go get the crack filler first.Thanks Jane!
you’re welcome, Luke!
I’ve been trying to figure out how I’m going to get rid of the cracks in my driveway. I didn’t know that you could force filler in there to fill up the crack! I’ll be sure to get some crack seal as soon as I can. Thanks for sharing!
you’re very welcome, Braden!
Trust me we totally understand this. Here in san antonio we continually are called upon to fix asphalt and pavement cracks thanks to the horrid heat and humidity we have here in the state. Great video for people to watch to see what are unique ways for them to fix issues with their pavement and asphalt without having to hire professionals. A real money saver for sure.