If you own an asphalt driveway or paved area on your property, then you already know the problems you may have with asphalt over time. These issues can be due to erosion or simple breakdown that leads to cracks and holes in the asphalt. If this is the case, you may consider handling the repairs on your own. Here are three things you need to know about DIY asphalt paving and repair before you get started.

Repairing Cracks and Potholes

When you take on a DIY repair, you may start with an asphalt repair kit from a hardware store. Though these are fine, there are some issues with them that you need to consider. The first thing to consider is if you are dealing with a hole or if you are dealing with cracks that caused the hole. You will need to repair both the hole and the cracks in order to prevent the hole from happening again. DIY repair kits do not always cover both of these issues. Make sure you are buying the right kit for the job and that it will handle both aspects properly.

Cleaning the Area

You will need to make sure the entire area is clear of debris and possible vegetation that may grow in the hole or surrounding cracks. This means preparing the area and taking the proper steps to ensure the vegetation does not return. Keep in mind that vegetation may be the root issue of your cracks and erosion issues in the asphalt. When you clean the area, you should remove the vegetation and use a weed killer on the area to keep the vegetation from growing back.

Enclosing the Area

When you have finished with the repair, the asphalt will need time to dry and set. With that in mind, you will want to enclose or cover the area. This is to make sure you don't have issues with debris coming into the area. It also will help protect the area from water, wind and from children or pets running into the area and damaging the asphalt repair. There may be different drying times depending on the amount of asphalt used and the type of repair you made.

These are only three of the things you need to know about DIY asphalt paving and repair before you get started. DIY repair is an option for most cases, but if the area is too big or if the damage is too extensive, consider contacting an asphalt paving company. They can help you with larger projects and repairs.

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