Can You Repair Asphalt Yourself?
When you purchase a house, the goal is often to make it a home. Painting the walls, hanging photos, and decorating with furniture that matches your style is the best way to create comfort and personality within your home. The majority of the focus is on the interior, often saving the exterior for a later time. The same is true when it comes to home repairs. Things that need to be repaired indoors are almost always addressed before those that are outdoors. This is likely because most people spend more time in their house than they do on the outside of it.
Repairing Asphalt Yourself
Over time the wear and tear of everyday life can wreak havoc on the outdoor elements of your home. Asphalt driveways are an extension of your living space, connecting your house to the street. Regular weathering, shoveling, driving, and heat can cause small cracks and deterioration in your asphalt. Before long, those small cracks can easily become big cracks, which often form small pits and potholes. Home repairs go beyond the interior of your home. Learn the best ways to care for and repair asphalt in your driveway and in front of your home.
Asphalt is water resistant, and designed to withstand rigorous weather conditions as a result of its elasticity. Its compression strength allows it to support heavy vehicles without immediately cracking like other materials. When used on driveways, asphalt has a relatively long lifespan ranging from 15-20 years when cared for and properly maintained. Like any surface, asphalt can wear down, leading to cracks and holes that may need to be repaired in order to prevent further damage, and preserve the value of your home and driveway.
When you notice damage in the asphalt in front of your home, there are a few different ways you can go about repairing it. The first solution is sealing the crack or pothole on your own. Home improvement stores sell various kits that are popular in caulking the creves in your driveway. These kits are great for temporary use, but over time the weathering and compression becomes too much for the materials to handle, causing them to separate, crack, and create deeper issues in the asphalt.
The best way to repair the asphalt in your driveway or in front of your house is by hiring a professional to come out and pour industrial sealant into the crack, or fill the pothole. Many homeowners are concerned about the cost associated with hiring a professional. The truth is, whether you spend hundreds of dollars over time on filler packets, or spend money on a professional at the first sign of the damage, you’re spending money on a repair either way. The difference is that when you call a professional first, the problem is fixed. If you try to repair the concrete yourself multiple times before calling a professional, then you’re actually spending even more money.
Keep up with the exterior maintenance of your home, and do your research before spending money on any temporary home repair. If you can’t do a Denver asphalt repair yourself, hiring a contractor isn’t a bad choice to ensure the job gets done right.