ASPHALT DRIVEWAY REPAIR: HOW TO RESTORE YOUR CRUMBLING EDGE
An asphalt driveway provides many attractive benefits for many homeowners. Asphalt is affordable for starters, and after installation, you can typically drive on it within 72 hours. This durable driveway option can stand up to weather and both vehicle and foot traffic. But asphalt is not entirely immune to wear.
A common problem with asphalt driveways is that they break loose at the edges and crumble. Homeowners’ bad habits such as driving off the side of the driveway can advance the deterioration of your edges, causing them to fall away in places.
In today’s blog, we’ll help you understand what edging is, why it’s vital to your asphalt driveway, and some ways you can extend the life of your asphalt driveway. We’ll also provide you with helpful tips for repairing the asphalt to prevent further damage along the edge.
What Is Asphalt Edging, Anyway?
Edging refers to the method of securing the sides of your driveway to prevent cracking, crumbling, and other damage. Take a look at most asphalt driveways, and you’ll notice that they have edges with a 45-degree grading. Your driveway must have this to help transfer stress from the asphalt to the solid ground beneath it. If proper edging is neglected at installation, then the pressure from your car will eventually cause cracking of the edges.
So, My Asphalt Edges Are Crumbling, Now What?
Don’t panic! As experienced asphalt contractors, Lyons & Hohl Paving has you covered. Let’s take a look at ways you can deal with those crumbling edges.
Consider Placing a Border Along the Driveway
One solution to your problem is building a driveway border using bricks, stones, or gravel. This can help prevent a variety of issues:
Cracks in your driveway
Cars driving through your lawn
Accidental landscaping damage
A driveway border can help to stabilize the asphalt and prevent the edge from pulling away. Additionally, a border can add a pleasing aesthetic touch to your home’s driveway.
Repairing Cracks and Crumbles
After you have your new border in place, you can repair the cracks and crumbles to restore the asphalt surface. If damage to your driveway is in a small, confined area, you might be able to make the repairs yourself with asphalt patching material or filler. You’ll first want to clean the area and remove any weeds.
Or you can always save yourself the trouble and contact your local asphalt contractors.
Build Yourself A Fresh Asphalt Edge
If the driveway’s edge is severely damaged and a part of it is missing, adding new asphalt to repair it is in order. This process may require you to chip away at the damaged area’s edge so that you create a straight line. You also might need to add gravel, like you would a pothole, and compact it in the same manner.
Lastly, you’ll fill in the hole with cold asphalt and make the surface level. But, keep in mind, cold asphalt sometimes doesn’t bind as well as hot asphalt. If you’re dealing with a more extensive damaged section, you’ll want to contact a contractor to professionally repair your driveway.
Resurface Your Driveway
If the damage to the edge of your driveway is more substantial—for example, it’s significantly cracked or contains potholes throughout—your best option is to have an asphalt contractor resurface the whole driveway.
In this previous blog post, we talked about the differences between asphalt paving and seal-coating. Check it out to get a better understanding of the paving services your driveway may require. You can also talk to your driveway contractor about your various options.
Looking to Edge Your Asphalt Driveway? Get a FREE quote today!
Now you understand what it means to edge your asphalt driveway and why it’s essential upkeep for your property. Most homeowners spend a good chunk of change on their driveways, so doing everything possible to protect that investment is crucial.
Make sure you hire a reputable local paving company to install your asphalt driveway, so you know you’re getting the best of the best.
For reliable, trusted, and honest paving in the Lancaster and Reading, PA area, look no further than Lyons & Hohl Paving. We’re here to help, and that includes high-quality asphalt paving, asphalt repair, and asphalt maintenance to residential and commercial clients.
Get in touch with us today to request a FREE quote.