Forget Hot-Pour Crack Fillers: Repair Asphalt Driveways With A Self-Leveling Amazon Find

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Asphalt is one of the most common materials for driveways because it works so well and is generally affordable. However, while it is a low-maintenance and weed-resistant driveway alternative, as well as being durable and long-lasting, there are a few downsides to asphalt driveways. They do need occasional maintenance, most importantly resealing every few years. Another challenge is that they can crack (and occasionally dent), leaving you with a beat-up driveway. 

The good news is that those cracks can be addressed with a sealer, like the LUVBOATE Asphalt Crack Filler from Amazon. It's self-leveling, which is really handy, as other products are more like a putty or paste, being very messy to work with. The sealer also retains its flexibility after it cures; that elastic nature will keep the cracks sealed more effectively and longer than products like cold asphalt patch. Cold patching material is harder to work into a crack and does not flow into the voids and crevices of the asphalt's broken surface. Hot-pour crack sealer is a great solution but requires special equipment, and that usually means hiring a professional. With products like this, there is no need for that expense.

Why care about cracks in your asphalt driveway? The problem is that the cracks allow water to flow through the surface and erode the base underneath. Proper preparation before installing the asphalt is the key to a long-lasting driveway. There are layers of aggregate that are spread and compacted over a graded soil surface. Water flowing through your asphalt will harm that base, creating voids and weak spots that weaken your driveway. Cracks left open long enough will allow weeds and other plants to grow through them, further weakening the surface.

To get the best results from LUVBOATE Asphalt Crack Filler, you'll need to do a bit of pre-work. Basically, you need to get rid of the flotsam and jetsam that will have collected in the fissure. Start by scraping away any weeds or grass that may have grown through the crack. Then, use a typical kitchen broom to aggressively brush dirt and debris from the length of the crack. Follow that up with a leaf blower set at full power to dislodge any remaining dirt and debris. Only use a hose and nozzle to clean out the crack unless you can't clear it any other way. More water flowing down through the base material is not ideal. Next, use the sealant's applicator to squeeze the sealer into the opening, attempting to get as much below the surface of the driveway as possible. Squeegee the overflow flat with the small trowels included with the product. It's self-leveling, so it may flow down while you allow it to cure. Check your application, and if you see an area where the sealer has continued to sink down into the crack, leaving a depressed area, apply more of the sealer until it stays level with the surface of the asphalt.

The product is especially useful for those of us who may have procrastinated getting our asphalt driveway completely sealed during the busy summer months, finding winter is imminent. Sealing the cracks and holes quickly in your driveway before winter comes along with its damaging weather will protect your driveway in the short term and leave it ready for driveway sealer in the spring.