An asphalt driveway can last for up to 20 years if properly maintained and repaired. If left alone, cracks, potholes, and depressions will take over the driveway, making it look unkempt and causing damage to your vehicles. Luckily, taking care of asphalt is not too hard as long as you catch any flaws early. Here are a few tips for keeping your asphalt driveway looking good.

Fill Cracks

Every week take a walk around the driveway looking for cracks. It doesn't matter how small a crack is, it should be filled as soon as possible. However, before you fill it, spray a weed killer into it so any grass or weeds will not keep growing and cause the crack to reappear and grow larger. Once you are sure three is nothing growing, clean the area out with water. You want to remove any loose pieces of asphalt and any gravel or dirt. After the area dries, use a caulk gun to fill the crack with a rubber asphalt filler.

Patch Potholes

Potholes can happen quickly. A sudden change in temperature will cause the asphalt to expand or contract. Driving on it during this time can cause it to break, leaving a hole. Luckily, if you catch it quick, patching the hole is not too difficult but takes some time. A cold compress asphalt material can be purchased at the local hardware store. If the edges of the pothole are ragged, you may want to cut it so that they are straight and easier to repair. Before using it, use sand or gravel to fill the hole at least halfway. Tamp the aggregate so it is as compacted as possible. Once the aggregate is compacted, follow the directions on the cold compress asphalt and apply it to the area.

Sealant

After any cracks or hole have been repaired and allowed time to cure, apply a sealant to the repaired areas. It is a good idea to wait four or five days and apply the sealant to the entire driveway. You know the asphalt has been compromised, so it is probably time to put on a new coat.

Between repairs, keep the driveway clear of debris. Spray it down with a garden hose when it gets dirty, and keep all weeds and grasses away from the edges. If you notice the color turning gray, it is time to add a thin layer of new asphalt to keep it from cracking. The important thing is to be aware of any problems and take care of them as soon as possible. And if you don't feel comfortable handling the above repairs yourself, you can always enlist the asphalt repair services of professionals in your area.