6 Spring Asphalt Repair Essentials

While you were warm and cozy inside your house this winter, your asphalt was busy battling the winter elements. If your driveway, parking lot, or other paved surface gained a few new battle wounds this winter, spring is the perfect time to repair your asphalt. 

Here are six spring asphalt repair essentials to keep those cracks from getting any bigger.

What Causes Asphalt Cracking? 

The harsh winter winter weather and changing temperatures can wreak havoc on pavement and asphalt surfaces. I guess you could say winter cracks your paved surfaces up…but not in a funny way. 

Asphalt cracks form and grow during the winter due to:

• Freeze/Thaw Cycles – Water seeps into existing cracks and then expands when it freezes, leaving you with even bigger cracks in your asphalt than before. 
• Heavy Vehicles – All those heavy snow plows and salt trucks that make their way across your parking lot or driveway stress your paved surfaces out! The added weight weakens the asphalt. Weak spots eventually turn into cracks and potholes. (Yes, that is part of the reason West Michigan roadways are full of potholes.)
• Salt and De-Icing Materials – Then there are the materials we throw on pavement to help melt the ice and snow. Sure, they are great at getting your driveway or roadway ready to use faster but the chemicals eat away at more than just the snow. Over time, they can cause deterioration and new asphalt cracks.

Can a Cracked Asphalt Driveway be Repaired? 

Absolutely! Cracks in an asphalt driveway can be repaired with the right tools and techniques—the sooner the better though. 

Untreated cracks won’t go away on their own. You can try to ignore them all you want but they will just turn into larger problems like potholes, alligator cracking, and unstable edges that are going to cost you a lot more to repair.

How to Repair Large Asphalt Cracks 

There are two main steps to repairing asphalt cracks:

1. Clean Your Crack – We clear debris and dirt from your asphalt driveway to get a good look at the cracked area and to help the repair material stick better. 
2. Fill Your Crack – We apply high-quality, hot rubberized crack filler to repair cracks and prevent any new water from getting in. This is the most important step of protecting your asphalt from further damage.

Although DIY asphalt repair sounds easy enough, it takes specialized equipment and techniques to repair asphalt cracks well. 

I mean, you’re welcome to go ahead and try but DIY asphalt patching usually just turns into a smelly, sticky mess. Here are six reasons why we DON’T recommend DIY asphalt repair. 

Save yourself the time and extra laundry by calling a professional asphalt repair service. 

Here at Stripe A Lot, we can meet all of your residential or commercial asphalt needs. We are pros at effectively fixing cracks, filling those nasty potholes, and sealing your driveway or parking lot to keep it battle ready.

6 Spring Asphalt Repair Essentials 

If your asphalt is in need of a spring refresh, here are some of the ways, beyond just crack repair, that we can get it back in top shape.

1. Assess The Damage 

The first thing we do when the snow melts is head outside and assess the winter battle wounds. Look for large cracks, potholes, or faded markings in your asphalt or pavement. 

If you are doing this step on your own, use our checklist to help you know exactly what to look for.

Or, call us at  616-772-2559, and we’ll come out and do a free assessment and estimate. No pressure. Just an honest evaluation. 

2. Crack Repairs 

If you have any asphalt cracks larger than 1/4 inch, you’ll want to get those things covered up as soon as possible. If they aren’t dealt with, large or deep cracks will turn into much bigger problems. I mean, no one likes an open crack…

In all seriousness, open cracks let water and debris into your asphalt which will turn a little crack into a big ass-phalt crack in no time. 

When we repair asphalt cracks, we use durable materials, like hot rubberized crack filler to fill those deep cracks. Then, we apply sealer to prevent your crack from growing or spreading. 

3. Pothole Patching 

Potholes are more than just an eyesore—they’re also a safety hazard. Pothole repair includes removing any loose debris, filling the hole with fresh asphalt and then compacting it until the surface is level with the rest of your asphalt. 

4. Sealcoating 

Think of sealcoating like sunscreen for your paved surface. It shields your asphalt from harmful UV rays, water, and chemicals so it will be ready for next year’s winter battle. 

Asphalt isn’t just a surface, it is an investment in your home or business—so take care of it! Sealing asphalt every 3 years can help it last up to twice as long as unsealed pavement.

5. Repaint Stripes and Markings 

Winter doesn’t just take its toll on your asphalt. It can do a number on your paint too. If your parking lot’s markings have faded, applying fresh striping is a spring necessity. 

Bright, well-maintained stripes keep your customers safe, help with traffic flow and leave a good impression on the people coming to your business.  

6. Re-Paving Your Drive, Road, or Parking Lot

Sometimes there is so much winter damage that asphalt patching won’t be enough. In those cases, a full or partial re-paving service will give you a more permanent solution for your driveway or parking lot cracks. 

Get Long-Lasting Asphalt Repair 

At Stripe A Lot, we specialize in every aspect of asphalt maintenance, from crack sealing to sealcoating, paving, and striping. We’ve been proudly serving Holland, MI and the greater West Michigan area for decades. Our team knows exactly how to make your asphalt surface look great and last longer. 

Don’t Wait—Spring is the Best Time to Repair Asphalt Cracks 

No one wants to look at your nasty ass-phalt cracks. Plus, ignoring asphalt damage will only make the problem worse and more expensive to fix. Give us a call at 616-772-2559 or visit our website to schedule your free estimate. 

Our team will figure out exactly what spring repairs your asphalt needs. Then, we will fix the damage and get your asphalt battle-ready once again. For asphalt that looks great and lasts longer, call us at 616-772-2559.