It is possible for the weather to have a negative effect on the driveway.Small cracks on the surface of the driveway can be caused by erosion from wind and rain.Large holes can cause accidents or damage to your car.The best way to prevent a cracked driveway is to clean it.You can improve your driveway's appearance by applying the right application.
Step 1: The weeds or grass on the edge of the driveway are overgrown.
The finished product will look even better because it will be easier to spread the sealant.To dig around the roots of larger weeds, use a shovel.After cutting through the roots, put the shovel under them.Pull the weeds from the soil.To remove small patches of grass along the perimeter of your driveway, use a power edge trimmer.Taking care to move your body instead of your arms, always hold the trimmer level and rigid.
Step 2: You can clean your driveway with water and driveway cleaner.
Purchase driveway cleaner from a home hardware store.The soap nozzle on the power washer can be used to apply the driveway cleaner.Otherwise, use a garden hose.It's important to cover the entire surface of the driveway.Use a push broom to scrub the driveway.After clearing out the dirt and soap, use a steady stream of water from your power washer nozzle or garden hose.You can use the 40-degree nozzle setting to clear the dirt and soap in your power washer.
Step 3: Oil spot primer should be applied to the stained areas of your driveway.
Oil spot primer improves driveway binding to oil-stained regions.Apply a layer of primer over the driveway pores with a disposable chip brush.Apply two coats of primer for heavier stains.Before applying driveway sealant, be sure to let the primer dry completely.Before you apply oil spot primer, make sure your driveway is dry.Oil spot primer can be purchased from a home hardware store.
Step 4: Measure your driveway to figure out how much you need.
Measure the length and width of your driveway.Get your total square footage by combining the two values.In 19 L containers, it is possible to cover as much as 400 square feet.The total area of the driveway is 300 square feet, which requires one 5 gallon bucket of sealant.
Step 5: Wait until the weather warms up to apply sealant.
Check the weather forecast for the next 24 hours before applying driveway sealant.Make sure the temperature is above 50F (10C) and forecast to stay within this range over the course of the night.This will make sure that the sealant sticks to the driveway.The sealant might dry too fast on sunny days.You should always check the weather forecast.
Step 6: The best results come from buying premium asphalt sealant.
Premium products will last longer.Check the label for sealants with UV stabilizers.Check the label for the formula to see if it's for newer or older driveways.The sealant should be used for your driveway type.Don't buy products that have the shortest guarantees of effectiveness.
Step 7: You can fill cracks with a patch or tube.
If the cracks are less than 2 inch, you can squeeze tube filler into them until they are level with the rest of the driveway.To spread patch filler for deeper cracks, use a trowel and make sure it's level with the surface.Allow the patch to dry for a day.Purchase patch or tube from a store.
Step 8: A push broom is a good way to clear your driveway.
After the crack filler has dried, use a push broom to remove dirt.It is necessary to clean the entire surface of the driveway in order for it to work properly.If you want to do additional cleaning, you can dip your broom into a solution of 1 cup or baking soda and 1 gallon of water.
Step 9: There is a hole in the lid of the mixing paddle.
Rent or buy a mixing paddle and power mixer.Cut the center of the asphalt sealant by removing the lid.Attach the mixing paddle to your power mixer by placing it in the asphalt sealant and then placing the lid over the rod and attaching it to the container.It will prevent splashes of asphalt from leaving the container.To fit through with a bit of extra space, be sure to cut a hole large enough for your mixing paddle's body.
Step 10: It is recommended to mix the asphalt sealant according to the directions.
It is important to read the manufacturer's directions for mixing times.Attach the mixer to the paddle and turn it on.Slowly lower it to the bottom from here.As the paddle spins, move it up and down so that the mixture of water and asphalt is consistent.Continue stirring until the asphalt is smooth.
Step 11: The corner of the driveway should be covered by enough sealant to cover 4 by 4 feet.
Start with a small amount of asphalt sealant at the right or left edge of the driveway.The highest point of the driveway is where the sealant should be poured.The job of applying the sealant will be easier with the help of gravity.
Step 12: The sealant should be applied in thin coats over 4 by 4 feet.
Use a clean push broom to spread the sealant evenly, working in horizontal lines and moving downward to the bottom of the driveway.Work across your driveway in small sections to give you enough time to apply an even coat and make sure that it's even and consistently applied over the entire surface.During the spreading process, mix the sealant so it doesn't separate.Each time you pour more, make sure you start with a puddle of sealant.Wait 48 hours for the sealant to dry.
Step 13: Wait 24 hours and then apply a second coat of sealant.
If you notice cracks, apply the sealant the next day.Work from the top down to the bottom, covering 4 by 4 foot areas at a time.After 48 hours, let the second coat dry.If the sealant feels dry, don't use the driveway.The sealant can't work until it's completely hardened.