How to Reseal My Blacktop Driveway

Asphalt, also known as blacktop, can incur damages over time from water, extreme temperature changes, ice, chemicals, excess weight or pressure, and movements in the foundation. Once cracks and holes start to appear, the ground is open for more serious damage through water seepage. Blacktop driveways are popular because asphalt is more durable than concrete and at the same time more cost-effective to install and repair. It is best to repair and reseal driveways to maintain a smooth, drivable surface.

Detergent
Heavy duty sponge
Hose
Driveway patch mix
Trowel
Plywood
Car
Wire brush
Crack filler
Caulking gun
Putty knife
Driveway sealer
Applicator brush
Broom

Instructions

- 1
  Sweep away loose asphalt and debris. Scrub any oil stains with detergent. Wash the area off with a hose and let it dry.
- 2
  Fill in any holes or patches with driveway patch mix. Apply with a trowel. Smooth out the surface with a trowel. Let it dry.
- 3
  Place a piece of plywood over the patched hole and drive over the plywood with a car to pack in the patch mix.
- 4
  Clean cracks with a wire brush and wash them off with a hose. Let them dry.
- 5
  Fill cracks with crack filler fitted into a caulking gun. Squeeze into the cracks and smooth with with a putty knife. Let them dry.
- 6
  Mix driveway sealer according to the manufacturer's directions.
- 7
  Pour the sealer onto the driveway in 4-foot sections.
- 8
  Spread out the sealer with an applicator brush, first spreading it out with the squeegee side and then working it into the asphalt with the bristle side.
- 9
  Let the sealer dry for 24 hours.

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