Hometap Tip: Patch Your Asphalt Driveway

Patching cracks and holes in your driveway promotes a smooth and uniform surface, preventing damage to your vehicle’s tires and undercarriage. It also stops any tripping hazards, protecting you from hospital bills or liability claims. By filling cracks and holes, you’ll also deter tree roots, weeds, and pests from settling in. Finally, a uniform driveway increases curb appeal. Driveway patch and fill materials range from $3.50 to $100 at major hardware stores, so this preventive exterior home maintenance activity is a cost-effective way to preserve and protect your home for years to come.

What to Do

Repair any cracks or holes in your driveway to ensure safety and maintain curb appeal.

What You’ll Need

The Basics

• Gloves
• Crack filler
• Gravel or crushed limestone
• Replacement asphalt
• Shovel
• Rake
• Plywood

The Works

• Circular saw
• Car

How to Do It

First, inspect your asphalt driveway and take inventory of any cracks and holes.

Second, check the weather forecast before beginning any driveway repair work. If rain is in store, hold off. If you have sun for the next 48 hours, you’re good to go.

Third, remove all loose debris around the crack and/or hole.

For Holes

Create a uniform working area around the hole with a circular saw, then clear all unsettled debris. If you’re working at the edge of a driveway, add a wooden board (cut to fit) to define the boundary. Add a layer of gravel or crushed limestone as a base for the new asphalt, then smooth it out and tamp it down so the foundation is level and sturdy. Fill the area with replacement asphalt, then spread it and tamp it so the surface is uniform with the rest of the driveway. Place a layer of plywood on top of the filled hole, then drive over the spot to pack down the fill.

For Cracks

Fill driveway cracks less than half an inch wide with crack filler, taking care not to overfill and create a bump in the driveway. If you do overfill, use a shovel to smooth and spread the filler. For driveway cracks wider than half an inch, use the same treatment for driveway holes.